The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO Z1x and the Realme 9 Pro+. Both promise a compelling experience, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 Pro+ takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, superior camera system, and more modern chipset. While the iQOO Z1x offers good value, the Realme 9 Pro+'s overall package is more polished and feature-rich, justifying its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 25 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 105.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | V2012A | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO Z1x
- Affordable price
- Decent 5G performance
- Smooth everyday usage
- Large display
- Slower charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Mediocre camera
- Plastic build
Realme 9 Pro+
- Fast 60W charging
- Superior camera system
- Powerful Dimensity 920 chipset
- Premium design
- High refresh rate display (likely)
- Slightly higher price
- Potential software bloat (Realme UI)
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts a likely superior display with a higher refresh rate (typically 120Hz, though not explicitly stated) and potentially better color accuracy compared to the iQOO Z1x. While the iQOO Z1x has a decent display, the Realme 9 Pro+’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio suggests a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Expect better outdoor visibility on the Realme.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner in the camera department. It typically features a higher resolution main sensor (often 50MP with OIS) and potentially better image processing algorithms. The iQOO Z1x's camera is adequate, but lacks the detail and dynamic range of the Realme. Expect better low-light performance and more versatile shooting options on the Realme.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro+'s Dimensity 920 chipset generally outperforms the Snapdragon 765G. The Dimensity 920's newer architecture and 6nm process offer better efficiency and raw power, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better on the Realme.
Battery Life
While both phones offer decent battery life, the Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W charging is a game-changer. It can fully charge the phone in around 44 minutes, significantly faster than the iQOO Z1x’s 33W charging. Both should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z1x is ideal for budget-conscious users prioritizing a smooth 5G experience and decent performance for everyday tasks. The Realme 9 Pro+ is perfect for those who value fast charging, a high-quality camera, and a more premium feel, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 920 chipset and potentially higher refresh rate display.
❓ Is the iQOO Z1x worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the iQOO Z1x offers good value for money and provides a smooth 5G experience for everyday tasks. However, be aware of its limitations in camera and performance compared to the Realme 9 Pro+.
