The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the iQOO Z1x and the newer iQOO Z7 (China). Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7 (China) is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 782G chipset, blazing-fast 120W charging, and improved efficiency. While the Z1x remains a solid option, the Z7's upgrades make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing performance and charging speed.
| 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, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA), 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 25 | 2023, March 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 164.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) | 201.5 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.57 inches, 105.0 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 | Android 13, OriginOS 3 |
| 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 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| 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@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 120W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Blue, Orange |
| Models | V2012A | V2270A |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z1x
- Affordable price
- 5G connectivity
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially less refined camera
vivo iQOO Z7 (China)
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 782G)
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Improved camera performance
- More modern design
- Slightly higher price
- May have limited availability outside China
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.7-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a standard refresh rate (likely 120Hz for the Z7). The Z7 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel technology, but the difference will be subtle for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, the Z7 likely features an improved main sensor and image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Z7. Both phones likely offer a similar configuration of lenses (main, ultrawide, macro).
Performance
This is where the Z7 truly shines. The Snapdragon 782G is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 765G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance on the Z7. The Z1x will still handle everyday tasks adequately, but it will struggle more with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Z7's 120W charging is a game-changer. It can likely charge from 0% to 100% in under 20 minutes. The Z1x's 33W charging is considerably slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), but the Z7's charging speed provides a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Z1x is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize 5G connectivity and a large display for media consumption. The iQOO Z7 (China) is perfect for gamers, power users, and anyone who values rapid charging and a more modern processor, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z7 (China) worth the extra money compared to the iQOO Z1x?
Yes, if performance and charging speed are important to you. The Z7's Snapdragon 782G and 120W charging provide a substantial upgrade.
❓ Will the iQOO Z1x still receive software updates?
vivo typically provides software updates for their devices for a reasonable period. However, the Z7 being newer, will likely receive updates for a longer duration.
