vivo iQOO 3 5G vs iQOO 5 5G: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series has consistently delivered impressive performance and features at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO 3 5G and the iQOO 5 5G. Which one offers the best value and performance for your needs?
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 5 5G emerges as the winner, primarily due to its significantly faster charging and likely improved camera capabilities (though specific camera details are limited in the provided data). Both offer the same powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset, but the iQOO 5's refinements make it the more compelling choice.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 3 5G vivo iQOO 5 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G (3.3 Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 41, 77, 78 - IndiaCDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2020, February 25. Released 2020, March 042020, August 17. Released 2020, August 24
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 6)
Dimensions158.5 x 74.9 x 9.2 mm (6.24 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)160 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight214.5 g (7.58 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, iQOO UI 1.0Android 10, IQOO UI 1.5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS8K, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 32-bit/192kHz audio 32-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging55W wired, 50% in 15 min55W wired, 100% in 50 min Reverse wired
Type4400 mAh4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsVolcano Orange, Tornado Black, Quantum SilverBlue, Gray
ModelsV1955A, I1927, I1928V2024A
PriceAbout 480 EURAbout 490 EUR
SAR1.19 W/kg (head)     0.59 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 118h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -26.3 LUFS (Good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 575601 (v8) GeekBench: 13325 (v4.4), 3402 (v5.1) GFXBench: 42fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

vivo iQOO 3 5G

  • Excellent battery life (118h endurance)
  • Bright display (848 nits)
  • Powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset

  • Potentially outdated camera
  • Slower charging speed

vivo iQOO 5 5G

  • Faster charging (100% in 50 min)
  • Reverse wired charging
  • Likely improved camera (based on generation)
  • Potentially higher refresh rate display

  • Battery life potentially lower than iQOO 3 5G (specs not provided)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays, but the iQOO 3 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 848 nits, indicating a potentially more vibrant outdoor viewing experience. While the iQOO 5's display specs aren't provided, it likely features improvements in color accuracy and refresh rate (potentially 120Hz, a common upgrade in that generation). Contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' for the iQOO 3, which is a nominal value and doesn't provide concrete information.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse in the provided data. The iQOO 5 5G likely features an improved camera system with potentially larger sensors and better image processing algorithms, a common upgrade between generations. The iQOO 3 5G's camera is adequate, but the iQOO 5 likely offers a noticeable step up in image quality, especially in low light.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. The CPU configuration is identical, meaning gaming and multitasking should feel very similar on both phones. However, software optimizations and RAM management could differ, potentially impacting real-world performance.

Battery Life

The iQOO 3 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 118 hours. However, the iQOO 5 5G significantly outperforms it in charging speed, reaching 100% in just 50 minutes with 55W wired charging, and includes reverse wired charging. This faster charging makes the iQOO 5 a more convenient option for daily use.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 3 5G is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize long battery life and a bright display. The iQOO 5 5G is ideal for users who demand faster charging, potentially better camera performance, and a slightly more modern overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 5 5G worth the upgrade from the iQOO 3 5G?
If faster charging and a potentially better camera are important to you, then yes. The iQOO 5 5G offers noticeable improvements in these areas.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 865 chipset, so raw performance will be very similar. Software optimization and RAM management could lead to slight differences in real-world usage.