vivo iQOO 3 5G vs iQOO Z5x: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO 3 5G, a flagship contender, and the iQOO Z5x, a more budget-friendly option. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which phone comes out on top.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 3 5G offers significantly superior performance thanks to its Snapdragon 865 chipset and higher display brightness. However, the iQOO Z5x provides faster charging and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the iQOO 3 5G is the better performer, while the Z5x is a great value choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO 3 5G	vivo iQOO Z5x

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.3 Gbps DL)	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	41, 77, 78 - India	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2020, February 25. Released 2020, March 04	2021, October 20
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2021, November 01

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	158.5 x 74.9 x 9.2 mm (6.24 x 2.95 x 0.36 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	214.5 g (7.58 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 6	-
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 120Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)	Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0	Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	-

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	48 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 lens	-
Single	-	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (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
	32-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	Yes (market/region dependent)	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO	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/6, 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	55W wired, 50% in 15 min	44W wired, 70% in 38 min
Type	4400 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Volcano Orange, Tornado Black, Quantum Silver	Black, Orange, Silver
Models	V1955A, I1927, I1928	-
Price	About 480 EUR	About 220 EUR
SAR	1.19 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

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 865)
Brighter Display (848 nits)
Excellent Battery Life (118h Endurance)
Likely Better Camera System

Higher Price
Older Model (potentially less software support)

vivo iQOO Z5x

Faster Charging (44W)
More Affordable
Large Display
Decent Performance for the Price

Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 900)
Lower Display Brightness
Likely Inferior Camera

Display Comparison

The iQOO 3 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 848 nits, offering a more vivid and enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels, providing excellent contrast and color accuracy, but the iQOO 3 5G's brightness advantage is noticeable. The iQOO Z5x likely has a standard 6.67-inch display, while the iQOO 3 5G has a 6.57-inch display.

Camera Comparison

While specific camera specs are missing, the iQOO 3 5G likely has a more advanced camera system due to its higher positioning. Expect better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras (main, ultrawide, macro) and a front-facing camera for selfies.

Performance

This is where the iQOO 3 5G truly shines. The Snapdragon 865 chipset is a powerhouse, easily handling demanding games and multitasking. The iQOO Z5x's Dimensity 900 is a capable mid-range chip, but it can't match the raw power of the 865. Expect smoother performance and faster load times on the iQOO 3 5G.

Battery Life

The iQOO 3 5G has an endurance rating of 118h, suggesting excellent battery life. The iQOO Z5x, while having a slightly smaller battery capacity, offers significantly faster 44W charging, reaching 70% in just 38 minutes. This makes the Z5x more convenient for quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 3 5G is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritizes raw performance and a vibrant display. The vivo iQOO Z5x is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a decent experience with fast charging and a large screen.