The Oppo K9 and vivo iQOO Z5x represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a strong feature set without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The K9 leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 768G, known for its gaming prowess, while the iQOO Z5x opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 900, prioritizing efficiency and a balanced experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and consistently high frame rates, the Oppo K9 emerges as the winner thanks to the Snapdragon 768G’s superior GPU. However, the iQOO Z5x offers a more efficient processor and a respectable experience for everyday tasks, making it a strong contender for those seeking all-day battery life and balanced performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 06 | 2021, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 11 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 750 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250-AC Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 100% in 35 min | 44W wired, 70% in 38 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Aurora | Black, Orange, Silver |
| Models | PEXM00 | - |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Oppo K9
- Superior gaming performance with Snapdragon 768G
- Faster 65W charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially more vibrant and color-accurate display
- Snapdragon 768G may consume more power
- Limited information on display specifications
vivo iQOO Z5x
- More power-efficient Dimensity 900 processor
- Competitive 44W fast charging
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful GPU compared to Snapdragon 768G
- Charging speed is slower than Oppo K9
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor vivo provide display specs beyond the basic information. Assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, the key differentiator will be color calibration and peak brightness. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the K9’s brand reputation suggests a slightly more color-accurate display, potentially benefiting content creators and media consumers. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar target price points.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 48MP. The Oppo K9, historically, leans towards more vibrant image processing, while iQOO often aims for a more natural look. Without knowing aperture sizes or the presence of OIS, it’s difficult to assess low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo K9’s Snapdragon 768G (7nm) boasts a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.8GHz, offering a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and a significantly more powerful Adreno 620 GPU. The iQOO Z5x’s Dimensity 900 (6nm) utilizes a dual-cluster configuration with Cortex-A78 and A55 cores, prioritizing efficiency. While the Dimensity 900 is no slouch, the Snapdragon 768G’s architecture is geared towards sustained performance, crucial for gaming. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 900 *should* offer better power efficiency, but the Snapdragon’s optimized drivers and GPU give it an edge in raw power. RAM speed is not specified, but both likely utilize LPDDR4X, limiting the performance gains.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z5x’s 44W charging, reaching 70% in 38 minutes, is slower than the Oppo K9’s 65W charging, which achieves 100% in 35 minutes. While the Z5x’s charging isn’t *slow*, the K9 offers a more convenient top-up experience. Battery capacity is not specified, but the Dimensity 900’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size, providing comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging of the K9 is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo K9 if you need a phone primarily for gaming, demanding applications, or consistently snappy performance. Its Snapdragon 768G provides a noticeable edge in graphics-intensive tasks. Buy the vivo iQOO Z5x if you prefer a phone that balances performance with battery life, and prioritize efficiency for everyday use. The Dimensity 900 offers a smooth experience without sacrificing longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 768G in the Oppo K9 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 768G is generally well-managed in terms of thermals. However, sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. Oppo’s cooling solution (details not provided) will play a crucial role. Expect some throttling after extended periods, but the 768G is designed to maintain a reasonable level of performance even under load.
❓ Is the Dimensity 900 in the iQOO Z5x capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Dimensity 900 can run PUBG Mobile at high settings, but you may need to compromise on frame rates for a smoother experience. Expect to achieve 60fps with balanced graphics settings. The 768G in the K9 will offer a more consistent 60fps experience at higher settings.
❓ How does the charging speed difference impact daily use? Will I notice a significant difference between 44W and 65W?
The 65W charging on the Oppo K9 will noticeably reduce charging time, especially for quick top-ups. Getting from 0-100% in 35 minutes is faster than the iQOO Z5x’s 70% in 38 minutes. For overnight charging, the difference is less significant, but the K9 offers more flexibility when you need a quick boost.
