The vivo iQOO U3x and Oppo A74 5G represent a fascinating case study in smartphone differentiation. Both devices are positioned as affordable 5G options, and crucially, they share the exact same Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset. This comparison isn't about raw power, but rather how each manufacturer optimizes and packages that power, and where they diverge in areas like charging and potential software experiences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a potentially cleaner software experience and a slightly more aggressive brand identity, the vivo iQOO U3x emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer identical core performance thanks to the Snapdragon 480, iQOO’s focus on performance-oriented features, even in its budget line, gives it a slight edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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, April 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, April 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 (single lane) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Aurora | Fluid Black, Space Silver |
| Models | V2106A | CPH2197, CPH2263 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
vivo iQOO U3x
- Potentially cleaner software experience with iQOO’s focus on performance.
- Aggressive branding may appeal to younger users.
- Identical Snapdragon 480 performance to the Oppo A74 5G.
- Limited brand recognition compared to Oppo.
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially leading to a subpar viewing experience.
Oppo A74 5G
- Established brand with a wider retail presence.
- Potentially more refined software experience with Oppo’s ColorOS.
- Identical Snapdragon 480 performance to the iQOO U3x.
- ColorOS can be perceived as bloated by some users.
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially leading to a subpar viewing experience.
Display Comparison
Both the iQOO U3x and Oppo A74 5G lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, we can expect both to utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates (60Hz is likely) or peak brightness suggests neither device will excel in outdoor visibility. The real difference, if any, will likely come down to color calibration and viewing angles, areas where Oppo historically performs well. Without specific data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; the display experience will likely be comparable.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are missing, making a direct comparison challenging. However, budget 5G phones often rely on similar sensor configurations. We can anticipate a primary sensor, likely 48MP or 50MP, paired with auxiliary lenses (ultrawide, depth, or macro). The quality of image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. Oppo’s image processing tends to favor vibrant, saturated colors, while iQOO might lean towards a more natural look. Without knowing sensor sizes or aperture values, it’s impossible to determine which phone will capture better images in low-light conditions. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be a significant advantage, but is unlikely on either device.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two. The GPU performance will also be the same. The Snapdragon 480 is capable of handling everyday tasks and light gaming, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Thermal management will be crucial; the 8nm process node is relatively efficient, but sustained loads could lead to throttling. The absence of LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x RAM specifications suggests both likely use LPDDR4x, which is adequate but slower than newer standards. The performance difference will be negligible in real-world use.
Battery Life
Both the iQOO U3x and Oppo A74 5G feature 18W wired charging. This is relatively slow by today’s standards, meaning a full 0-100% charge will likely take around 2 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, we can estimate around 5000mAh for both. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. While the charging wattage is identical, iQOO’s software might prioritize faster charging speeds or offer more granular control over charging parameters, potentially giving it a slight edge in real-world charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3x if you need a phone that prioritizes a streamlined user experience and potentially faster software updates, leaning into a more gaming-focused aesthetic. Buy the Oppo A74 5G if you prefer a more established brand with a wider retail presence and a potentially more conservative software approach, prioritizing a familiar Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 480 is an entry-level 5G chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a stable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. Neither phone is designed for hardcore gaming.
❓ How will software updates be handled on the iQOO U3x and Oppo A74 5G?
Oppo generally provides more consistent software updates for its A-series phones, typically including security patches and occasional feature updates. iQOO’s update schedule is less predictable, but they are improving. Expect at least one major Android version update for both devices, but don't count on long-term support.
❓ Is the 18W charging speed sufficient for daily use?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. A full charge will take approximately 2 hours. This is acceptable for overnight charging, but if you frequently need to top up quickly, you might find it inconvenient. Neither phone supports fast charging protocols beyond 18W.
