vivo iQOO U3x vs Motorola Moto G50 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Performance
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G50 5G emerges as the better choice. While the iQOO U3x offers a slightly more efficient chipset on paper, the Dimensity 700 in the Moto G50 provides a noticeable performance uplift in real-world usage, particularly in demanding tasks, making it a more future-proof option.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo iQOO U3x | Motorola Moto G50 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Australia |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 66 - Australia |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Australia |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19 | 2021, August 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, August 25 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 167 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm (6.57 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| - | Water-repellent design | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Aurora | Meteorite Grey |
| Models | V2106A | XT2149-1 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 170 EUR |
vivo iQOO U3x
- Potentially slightly better battery efficiency due to 8nm process.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- vivo’s typically vibrant display tuning (though unconfirmed).
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset.
- May struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
- Limited performance headroom for future software updates.
Motorola Moto G50 5G
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset.
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
- Potentially better ISP for image processing.
- Slower 15W wired charging.
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy load.
- Motorola’s software update track record is less consistent than vivo’s.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The key difference lies under the hood: the Moto G50’s Dimensity 700 allows for potentially higher refresh rates (though not confirmed in specs), which the Snapdragon 480 may struggle to consistently maintain. While neither spec sheet details peak brightness, Motorola’s history suggests a focus on outdoor visibility, potentially giving it an edge. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the entry-level segment. Both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth or macro lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, Motorola’s image processing algorithms generally prioritize a more natural look, while vivo often leans towards more saturated colors. The Dimensity 700’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the Snapdragon 480’s ISP, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Motorola Moto G50 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) holds a clear advantage over the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) in the iQOO U3x. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer significantly more processing power than the Kryo 460 cores in the Snapdragon 480 (2.0 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While the Snapdragon 480’s 8nm process is theoretically more efficient, the Dimensity 700’s architectural advantages outweigh this benefit in practical use. The iQOO U3x may feel more responsive for basic tasks, but the G50 will handle heavier workloads with greater ease.
Battery Life
The iQOO U3x’s 18W charging is slightly faster than the Moto G50’s 15W charging. However, battery life is a more complex equation. The Snapdragon 480’s 8nm process *should* result in slightly better power efficiency. However, the Dimensity 700’s superior performance means the Moto G50 may complete tasks faster, potentially offsetting the efficiency advantage. Expect both phones to comfortably last a full day with moderate use, but the iQOO U3x might eke out a bit more screen-on time for lighter users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3x if you prioritize a potentially slightly longer battery life due to the more efficient 8nm process and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Motorola Moto G50 5G if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of potential battery longevity.