Yes, he was an exemplary prophet.
19:92 translates to: " Oh Yahya, kuzil the Book in power; and We gave him wisdom as a child."
Kuzil can translate to "Hold fast." Hilali-Khan says this refers to the Torah(i.e. Old Testament). This makes the most sense since the Qur'an never refers to 'the Book of Yahya' anywhere else, unlike the Tawrat, Zubur and Injil.
So Yahya received wisdom on the Torah(OT) as a Child, whereas Jesus received new Wisdom from Birth.
You are right in saying that both have similar, exclusive, blessings:
"And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive."
They also are the only Prophets described using the word Zakkiyya (Pure, Faultless).
Christians also believe he 'Prepared the way for the Lord.'