The iQOO Z1x and Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches, primarily revolving around their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a potentially more refined software experience (despite the Google Play Services limitation), the Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G is the better choice. However, the iQOO Z1x offers a strong value proposition with a capable Snapdragon 765G and a more open software ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 25 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 160.4 x 73.7 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 105.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 106.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Kirin 985 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G77 (8-core) |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10, EMUI 10, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| 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, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 40W wired, 75% in 30 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Red, Purple, Green, Blue |
| Models | V2012A | JER-AN10, JER-AN20 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 480 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z1x
- Guaranteed Google Play Store access
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G offers good all-around performance
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Slower 33W charging
- Likely less refined camera image processing
Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G
- Faster 40W charging with 75% in 30 minutes
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Relies on Huawei AppGallery or sideloading for Google apps
- Kirin 985 performance may not significantly outperform Snapdragon 765G in real-world use
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature AMOLED panels. The nova 7 Pro, being positioned slightly higher, may benefit from a higher peak brightness and potentially a more accurate color calibration. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz, a common trait in this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be relatively similar, focusing on maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but the focus should be on the primary sensors. Without knowing megapixel counts or sensor sizes, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, Huawei’s image processing algorithms are generally known for producing vibrant, often over-sharpened images, appealing to a wider audience. The iQOO Z1x likely adopts a more natural approach. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone prioritizes it, potentially impacting low-light performance. Any secondary cameras (ultrawide, macro) are likely to be of limited quality on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G versus Huawei’s Kirin 985 5G. Both are 7nm processors, but their architectures differ significantly. The Snapdragon 765G utilizes Kryo cores – a 1x2.4 GHz Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Silver – while the Kirin 985 employs a combination of Cortex-A76 and A55 cores (1x2.58 GHz A76, 3x2.40 GHz A76, and 4x1.84 GHz A55). The Kirin 985’s use of multiple high-performance A76 cores suggests a potential edge in multi-threaded tasks, while the Snapdragon 765G’s optimized GPU may offer a slight advantage in gaming. The iQOO Z1x benefits from Qualcomm’s well-established software optimization, potentially mitigating any raw performance deficit. RAM speed is not specified, but LPDDR4X is likely on both.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G boasts 40W wired charging, capable of reaching 75% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The iQOO Z1x offers 33W charging, which is still respectable but noticeably slower. The nova 7 Pro also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the iQOO Z1x. The actual battery life will depend on the capacity, but the faster charging of the nova 7 Pro provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z1x if you need a phone with guaranteed access to the Google Play Store and prioritize a balance of performance and affordability. It’s ideal for users who frequently sideload apps or rely heavily on Google’s services. Buy the Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G if you prefer a faster charging experience, potentially better camera image processing, and don’t mind operating within Huawei’s AppGallery ecosystem, or are comfortable sideloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei nova 7 Pro 5G’s lack of Google Play Services severely impact usability?
The absence of Google Play Services is the biggest hurdle for many users. While Huawei’s AppGallery is growing, it lacks the breadth of apps available on Google Play. Sideloading apps is possible, but requires technical knowledge and carries security risks. Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) offers alternatives to many Google services, but the experience isn’t always seamless.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the iQOO Z1x powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don’t expect the same level of performance as flagship chipsets. Sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, especially during extended gaming sessions. The iQOO Z1x’s cooling solution will play a crucial role in mitigating this.
❓ How does the Kirin 985’s multi-core performance translate to real-world benefits over the Snapdragon 765G?
The Kirin 985’s core configuration, with more high-performance A76 cores, *should* offer an advantage in heavily multi-threaded tasks like video editing or complex calculations. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s software optimization and efficient GPU often close the gap in everyday usage. The difference is likely to be noticeable only in specific, demanding workloads.
