The iQOO Z3 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Z3 prioritizes raw processing power and rapid charging, while the A52s 5G focuses on a more polished user experience with a brighter display and Samsung’s established camera software. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and quick top-ups, the iQOO Z3 is the winner. Its Snapdragon 768G offers a performance edge, and the 55W charging is significantly faster. However, the Galaxy A52s 5G provides a more refined overall experience with its brighter display and potentially more consistent camera performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 25 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 01 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 4400 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | V2073A | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | About 220 EUR | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | - | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9)
GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO Z3
- Faster 55W charging for quick power-ups
- Snapdragon 768G offers strong gaming performance
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely inferior display quality compared to A52s 5G
- Less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Brighter 800 nit display for excellent visibility
- More efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset
- Samsung’s established camera software and image processing
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 800 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors and a more vibrant viewing experience. While the iQOO Z3’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s unlikely to match the A52s 5G’s brightness. The A52s 5G’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks and vivid colors. The lack of detailed display specs for the Z3 makes a direct comparison difficult, but Samsung’s display technology is generally a step ahead in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are equipped for photo and video, but details are sparse. The A52s 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s well-regarded image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more consistent and pleasing results. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Samsung’s history suggests a greater emphasis on camera features and software optimization. The iQOO Z3’s camera performance will likely rely more heavily on the raw processing power of the Snapdragon 768G.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO Z3 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G (7nm), while the A52s 5G features the Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The 778G, built on a smaller 6nm process, offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 768G’s 7nm node. This means the A52s 5G is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without significant throttling. The CPU architecture also differs; the A52s 5G’s Cortex-A78 core is more efficient than the Kryo 475 Prime in the Z3. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A52s 5G’s configuration (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) suggests a stronger focus on sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both the iQOO Z3 and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G achieve an Endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The iQOO Z3’s 55W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for a full charge in significantly less time than the A52s 5G’s 25W charging. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize quick top-ups. While the A52s 5G’s battery efficiency might be slightly better due to the 6nm chipset, the Z3’s charging speed provides a tangible advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z3 if you need a phone primarily for gaming, demanding applications, or frequently find yourself needing to quickly recharge. Its Snapdragon 768G and 55W charging are tailored for power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you prefer a phone with a vibrant, easily viewable display, a more established camera system, and a generally smoother, more polished software experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Galaxy A52s 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process and improved thermal efficiency generally result in less throttling compared to the 7nm Snapdragon 768G in the iQOO Z3. While some heat is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the A52s 5G is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ Is the 55W charging on the iQOO Z3 compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the iQOO Z3 supports 55W charging, it's crucial to use the included charger or a compatible charger that specifically supports vivo’s Flash Charge protocol to achieve those speeds. Standard Power Delivery (PD) chargers may charge the device at a slower rate.
❓ How does the camera software differ between the iQOO Z3 and the Galaxy A52s 5G?
Samsung’s camera software is known for its scene optimization and post-processing, often resulting in vibrant and shareable images. iQOO’s camera software is likely to be more straightforward, relying more on the raw capabilities of the sensor and processor. Users who prefer a more natural look might prefer the iQOO Z3, while those who want instantly appealing photos may lean towards the A52s 5G.
