iQOO Neo5 vs Poco F3 GT: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Gaming Powerhouses

The iQOO Neo5 and Xiaomi Poco F3 GT represent a fascinating intersection of performance and value. Both phones aim to deliver a near-flagship experience without the flagship price tag, relying on powerful chipsets and aggressive charging technologies. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device reigns supreme for gamers and power users.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and slightly faster charging, the iQOO Neo5 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 870, built on a 7nm process, generally exhibits better thermal management under prolonged load compared to the 6nm Dimensity 1200 in the Poco F3 GT, leading to less throttling during extended gaming sessions.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Neo5 Xiaomi Poco F3 GT
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2021, March 162021, July 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, March 22Available. Released 2021, July 26
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)161.9 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
 -Physical pop-up gaming triggers IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOOAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, HDR
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by JBL
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 100% in 30 min67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 42 min
Type4400 mAhLi-Po 5065 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, OrangePredator Black, Gunmetal Silver
ModelsV2055AMZB09C6IN, M2104K10I
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 300 EUR
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)     0.48 W/kg (body)

vivo iQOO Neo5

  • Faster 66W charging (30 minutes to 100%)
  • Potentially better thermal management with Snapdragon 870
  • Qualcomm ISP may offer superior image processing

  • CPU peak performance slightly lower than Dimensity 1200
  • May lack dedicated gaming triggers

Xiaomi Poco F3 GT

  • Higher peak CPU performance with Dimensity 1200
  • Supports PD3.0 and QC3 fast charging standards
  • Includes dedicated gaming triggers for enhanced gameplay

  • Slower charging time (42 minutes to 100%)
  • Dimensity 1200 may be more prone to throttling

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high refresh rate displays (data not provided, assumed 120Hz based on market segment), the core difference lies in the underlying chipsets impacting display responsiveness. The Snapdragon 870’s image signal processor (ISP) may offer slightly faster image processing for smoother visuals, but without specific display specs like peak brightness or panel type, a definitive advantage is difficult to ascertain. Bezels are likely comparable given the focus on maximizing screen real estate in this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely prioritize main sensor performance over auxiliary lenses. The iQOO Neo5, benefiting from Qualcomm’s ISP, may offer slightly more refined image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Dimensity 1200’s ISP is also capable, but Qualcomm historically holds an edge in image signal processing algorithms. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be a significant factor, but this information is unavailable.

Performance

The iQOO Neo5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) and the Poco F3 GT’s MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) represent distinct approaches to performance. The Dimensity 1200, with its Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz, boasts higher peak CPU performance, potentially benefiting users engaged in heavy multitasking or CPU-intensive applications. However, the Snapdragon 870’s architecture, coupled with the 7nm process, generally translates to superior thermal efficiency. This means the iQOO Neo5 is less prone to throttling under sustained load, crucial for prolonged gaming sessions. The Poco F3 GT’s reliance on the Dimensity 1200 may result in performance dips after extended use. RAM speed (likely LPDDR5 in both) is a secondary factor, but thermal management is the key differentiator.

Battery Life

Both devices feature fast charging – 66W for the iQOO Neo5 and 67W for the Poco F3 GT. The Poco F3 GT supports PD3.0 and QC3, offering broader compatibility with chargers. While the Poco F3 GT claims a 100% charge in 42 minutes, the iQOO Neo5 achieves the same in 30 minutes. This faster charging speed, despite a potentially smaller battery capacity (data not provided), gives the iQOO Neo5 a slight edge in convenience. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 1200 *should* offer better power efficiency, but the Snapdragon 870’s thermal management could allow for more consistent performance, indirectly impacting battery life during demanding tasks.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 if you need a phone that consistently delivers high frame rates in demanding games over extended periods, and value a slightly more refined software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F3 GT if you prioritize raw CPU power for multitasking and benchmark scores, and appreciate the inclusion of dedicated gaming triggers for a more immersive gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Poco F3 GT overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200, while powerful, is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 870. Expect some degree of throttling after 30-60 minutes of intense gaming on the Poco F3 GT, potentially leading to frame rate drops. The iQOO Neo5 is likely to maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Are the gaming triggers on the Poco F3 GT customizable, and do they work with all games?
Yes, the Poco F3 GT’s shoulder triggers are customizable through the game turbo settings. However, compatibility varies. They work natively with many popular titles, but may require mapping within the game settings for others. Not all games support trigger functionality.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO Neo5 struggle with demanding tasks compared to the Dimensity 1200?
While the Dimensity 1200 boasts higher peak CPU performance, the Snapdragon 870’s efficiency and thermal management allow it to sustain high performance for longer. For most everyday tasks and even demanding games, the iQOO Neo5 will provide a smooth and responsive experience without significant performance limitations.