The iQOO Z1x and Realme X3 SuperZoom represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone space, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Z1x brings 5G connectivity with a newer Snapdragon 765G, while the X3 SuperZoom leverages the older, but more potent, Snapdragon 855+ for raw performance. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and occasional gaming, the Realme X3 SuperZoom is the better choice, thanks to its Snapdragon 855+. While the iQOO Z1x offers 5G and a more modern chipset architecture, the 855+'s superior CPU and GPU performance outweigh these advantages for demanding tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 25 | 2020, May 26. Released 2020, June 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 202 g (7.13 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 (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 105.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 124mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 30W wired, 100% in 55 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Glacier Blue, Arctic White |
| Models | V2012A | RMX2086 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 103h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1316:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 477905 (v8)
GeekBench: 2579 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 35fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO Z1x
- 5G Connectivity: Offers access to next-generation networks.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is slightly quicker than the X3 SuperZoom.
- Modern Chipset Architecture: Snapdragon 765G is built on a newer process.
- Lower CPU/GPU Performance: Snapdragon 765G is less powerful than the 855+.
- Limited Camera Details: Lack of specifics hinders camera assessment.
Realme X3 SuperZoom
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 855+ delivers significantly better CPU and GPU power.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging reaches 100% in 55 minutes.
- Potential Zoom Capabilities: 'SuperZoom' suggests a dedicated telephoto lens.
- Older Chipset: Snapdragon 855+ is a generation behind the 765G.
- No 5G Connectivity: Lacks support for 5G networks.
Display Comparison
Both devices share a similar contrast ratio of 1316:1, suggesting comparable color reproduction. However, the Realme X3 SuperZoom boasts a measured peak brightness of 437 nits, which, while not exceptional, provides a slightly more visible experience in direct sunlight. Details regarding the panel technology (IPS vs AMOLED) and refresh rate are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCDs. Bezels are assumed to be comparable, typical of phones in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme X3 SuperZoom’s ‘SuperZoom’ moniker suggests a focus on zoom capabilities, potentially indicating a telephoto lens. The iQOO Z1x’s camera system is likely more generalized. The absence of details suggests neither phone will compete with flagship camera performance, but the X3 SuperZoom’s branding hints at a more specialized photographic experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X3 SuperZoom’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) features a Kryo 485 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.96 GHz, alongside three performance cores at 2.42 GHz and four efficiency cores at 1.78 GHz. This contrasts with the iQOO Z1x’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) which has a Kryo 475 CPU configuration: 1x2.4 GHz Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Silver. While the 765G benefits from a more modern architecture, the 855+'s higher clock speeds and more aggressive core configuration translate to significantly better CPU and GPU performance, particularly in sustained workloads. The X3 SuperZoom will handle graphically intensive games with higher frame rates and less throttling.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 103 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life despite the iQOO Z1x’s unspecified battery capacity. The Realme X3 SuperZoom charges at 30W, reaching 100% in 55 minutes, while the iQOO Z1x charges slightly faster at 33W. This difference in charging speed is marginal and unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users. The similar endurance ratings suggest efficient power management on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z1x if you absolutely need 5G connectivity and prioritize a newer chipset architecture for future software support. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, stream, and engage in light gaming. Buy the Realme X3 SuperZoom if you value performance above all else, particularly for gaming or demanding applications. Its Snapdragon 855+ provides a noticeable performance boost, making it a better fit for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the iQOO Z1x struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 765G is capable, it will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience more frame drops compared to the Snapdragon 855+ in the Realme X3 SuperZoom, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. The 855+ offers a more consistent and smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Realme X3 SuperZoom's older chipset mean it will receive fewer software updates?
Generally, older chipsets receive updates for a shorter period. However, Realme has a history of providing reasonable software support, even for devices with older processors. It's likely the X3 SuperZoom will receive at least one major Android update, but long-term support may be limited compared to the iQOO Z1x.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Realme X3 SuperZoom significantly slower than the 33W on the iQOO Z1x?
The difference of 3W is minimal and translates to only a few minutes difference in charging time. Both phones offer relatively fast charging, and the 55-minute 0-100% claim for the X3 SuperZoom is quite competitive.
