The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO U1x and Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded are two contenders vying for your attention. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The iQOO U1x leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, while the Poco M2 Reloaded opts for MediaTek’s Helio G80. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the vivo iQOO U1x emerges as the winner. While both phones offer 18W charging, the Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process provides better thermal management, leading to less performance throttling during extended use, making it a better choice for mobile gamers and power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 21. Released 2020, October 31 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Pitch Black (Greyish Black), Slate Blue (Mostly Blue) |
| Models | V2065A | MZB0957IN |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO U1x
- More efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely superior image processing
- May have slightly lower peak GPU performance
- Brand recognition is lower than Xiaomi
Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded
- Potentially higher peak GPU performance
- Strong Xiaomi ecosystem integration
- MIUI offers extensive customization options
- Less power-efficient Helio G80 chipset
- Potential for performance throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the iQOO U1x’s Snapdragon 662 is paired with a display controller that may offer slightly better color calibration. However, without specific display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut), it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The Poco M2 Reloaded’s display is likely tuned for vibrant colors, a common trait of Xiaomi’s displays, which may appeal to some users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a precise comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses (depth, macro). However, the quality of the image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset plays a crucial role. Qualcomm’s ISPs are generally known for their strong image processing capabilities, potentially giving the iQOO U1x an edge in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Poco M2 Reloaded may rely more on software enhancements to compensate, which can sometimes lead to over-processed images. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core of the comparison rests on the chipsets. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) in the iQOO U1x and the MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) in the Poco M2 Reloaded represent different architectural philosophies. The Helio G80 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance, while the Snapdragon 662 employs a more balanced octa-core configuration with Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores. The 12nm process of the Helio G80 generally consumes more power than the 11nm process of the Snapdragon 662. This translates to potentially higher peak performance on the Poco M2 Reloaded in short bursts, but the iQOO U1x will likely maintain more consistent performance over longer gaming sessions due to better thermal efficiency. The Snapdragon 662’s Adreno 610 GPU is also generally considered more efficient than the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU in the Helio G80.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge). The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but given the market segment, both are likely in the 5000mAh range. The Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency gives the iQOO U1x a slight advantage in battery life. Users can expect to get through a full day of moderate use on either device, but the iQOO U1x is more likely to have some charge remaining at the end of the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1x if you need a phone that can handle moderate gaming and multitasking without significant slowdowns, and if you value a chipset known for its power efficiency. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded if you prioritize a potentially slightly higher peak GPU performance in short bursts, and if you are heavily invested in the Xiaomi ecosystem and prefer MIUI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco M2 Reloaded overheat during prolonged gaming sessions like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G80, while capable, is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 662. Expect some performance throttling after 30-45 minutes of intensive gaming on the Poco M2 Reloaded. The iQOO U1x will likely maintain more consistent frame rates for longer periods.
❓ Does the iQOO U1x support widevine L1 certification for HD streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video?
While not explicitly stated, iQOO phones in this price range typically *do* include Widevine L1 certification. This allows for HD streaming on popular platforms. However, it's always best to verify this information with the retailer or iQOO support before purchasing.
❓ Is the software experience on the Poco M2 Reloaded heavily customized with bloatware?
Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, but it also comes pre-installed with a significant amount of bloatware. While most of it can be uninstalled, it can be a frustrating experience for users who prefer a cleaner Android experience. The iQOO U1x likely offers a more streamlined software experience.
