iQOO Z1x vs OnePlus 8T: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Contenders

The iQOO Z1x and OnePlus 8T represent different approaches to the mid-range 5G smartphone market. The Z1x aims for aggressive value, while the 8T, though older, offers a more refined experience with a flagship-level chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 8T is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers significantly faster performance, and its 65W charging is a game-changer. While the iQOO Z1x offers a compelling price, the 8T’s overall experience justifies the price premium.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z1x OnePlus 8T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - EU
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - EU
SpeedHSPA, LTE (2CA), 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - CN
Launch
Announced2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 252020, October 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, October 16
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.2 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.36 in)160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199.5 g (7.05 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.57 inches, 105.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, iQOO UI 1.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 5 MP (macro) 2 MP, f/2.4, (monochrome)
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, 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, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (market dependant)
Battery
Charging33W wired65W wired, 100% in 39 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, WhiteAquamarine Green, Lunar Silver, Cyberpunk 2077 Edition
ModelsV2012AKB2001, KB2000, KB2003, KB2005
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 130.75
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 104h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.0 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 586000 (v8) GeekBench: 3126 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO Z1x

  • More affordable price point
  • 5G connectivity
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks

  • Significantly slower processor than the OnePlus 8T
  • Slower charging speed
  • Less detailed display specifications

OnePlus 8T

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 865 processor
  • Ultra-fast 65W charging
  • Brighter and higher-quality display

  • Higher price tag
  • May be harder to find new due to its age
  • Potentially larger physical size

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 8T boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 802 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the iQOO Z1x. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand history), the 8T’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The 8T’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests excellent black levels, typical of AMOLED technology. The iQOO Z1x’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a more cost-optimized panel.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the iQOO Z1x. The OnePlus 8T likely features a more sophisticated camera system, leveraging the processing power of the Snapdragon 865 for improved image quality and features. Without specific sensor details for the Z1x, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the 8T’s flagship chipset provides a clear advantage in image processing and potentially, low-light performance. We can assume the 8T has a more capable main sensor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 8T’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) is a significant step up from the iQOO Z1x’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 865 features a more powerful CPU configuration – a 2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 prime core versus the Z1x’s 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime. This, combined with the 865’s superior GPU, results in noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The 865 also benefits from a more advanced 7nm+ fabrication process, potentially offering better thermal efficiency under sustained load. The Z1x’s 765G is still capable, but will struggle with graphically intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the iQOO Z1x’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The OnePlus 8T’s 65W wired charging can fully charge the phone in just 39 minutes, a massive advantage over the iQOO Z1x’s 33W charging. This faster charging significantly reduces downtime and makes the 8T more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Z1x if you prioritize affordability and are willing to compromise on raw processing power and charging speed. It’s ideal for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the OnePlus 8T if you demand smoother performance for demanding apps and games, value incredibly fast charging, and appreciate a more polished software experience. It’s the better option for power users and those who want a phone that will last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the iQOO Z1x powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 765G can run Genshin Impact, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The OnePlus 8T’s Snapdragon 865 provides a much more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 65W charging on the OnePlus 8T compared to the 33W charging on the iQOO Z1x in real-world use?
The OnePlus 8T can go from 0% to 100% in approximately 39 minutes. The iQOO Z1x will take considerably longer, likely exceeding an hour and a half. This difference is significant for users who need a quick battery boost before leaving the house.
❓ Does the OnePlus 8T still receive software updates and security patches?
While the OnePlus 8T is an older device, it generally receives updates for a reasonable period after launch. Check OnePlus’s official support page for the latest update schedule to confirm ongoing support.
❓ What type of display technology does the iQOO Z1x use, and how does it compare to the OnePlus 8T's display?
While not explicitly stated, the iQOO Z1x likely uses an AMOLED panel, common in this price range. However, the OnePlus 8T’s display is brighter and likely has better color accuracy due to its higher peak brightness and potentially more advanced calibration.