vivo iQOO Neo5 SE vs iQOO Z5: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Neo5 SE and Z5 are no exception. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO Neo5 SE takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost for gaming and demanding tasks. While the Z5 boasts faster charging, the Neo5 SE's overall power and efficiency make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO Neo5 SE	vivo iQOO Z5

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
5G bands	1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1x	77, 78 SA/NSA - India

Launch
Announced	2021, December 20	2021, September 23
Status	Available. Released 2021, December 29	Available. Released 2021, September 28

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)	164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	193 g (6.81 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 650	Adreno 642L
OS	Android 11, OriginOS Ocean	Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China)

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

Main Camera
Dual	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)	-
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Triple	-	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with dual speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	55W wired	44W wired, 50% in 26 min
Type	4500 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Aurora	Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora
Models	V2157A	V2148A
Price	About 300 EUR	About 250 EUR

vivo iQOO Neo5 SE

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
120Hz AMOLED Display
Good Value for Money
Efficient Chipset

Slower Charging than Z5
Camera versatility slightly less than Z5

vivo iQOO Z5

Faster Charging (44W)
Versatile Camera System (Ultrawide Lens)
Good Battery Life
Competitive Price

Lower Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
Less Powerful for Gaming

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid and vibrant viewing experience. The Neo5 SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-tier chipset, but the difference is likely minimal for most users. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The iQOO Z5 generally has a more versatile camera system, often featuring a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Neo5 SE typically has a 64MP main sensor, but the other lenses may vary. Image quality is generally good on both, but the Z5's ultrawide lens provides more flexibility. Low-light performance is comparable.

Performance

This is where the Neo5 SE truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a flagship-level chipset, significantly outperforming the Snapdragon 778G in the Z5. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the Neo5 SE. The Z5 is still capable, but struggles with more demanding games at higher settings.

Battery Life

The iQOO Z5 has a clear advantage in charging speed with its 44W wired charging, reaching 50% in 26 minutes. The Neo5 SE's 55W charging is still respectable, but slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 4500-5000mAh), offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO Neo5 SE is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritizes performance. The iQOO Z5 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who value fast charging and a smooth, everyday experience.