The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO Z3 and the newer iQOO Neo 7. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo 7 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster chipset, a blazing-fast 120W charging, and an improved display. While the iQOO Z3 remains a decent budget option, the Neo 7's upgrades make it a compelling choice for most users.
| 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 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 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 | 2023, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| 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) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 120W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | V2073A | I2214 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 440 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z3
- Affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Decent battery life
- 55W fast charging
- Older chipset
- LCD display
- Slower charging compared to Neo 7
- Less premium design
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- Powerful Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Likely AMOLED display
- Improved camera performance
- Modern design
- Higher price
- May lack some features found in flagship devices
Display Comparison
The iQOO Neo 7 likely features a brighter and potentially higher refresh rate AMOLED display compared to the iQOO Z3's LCD. Expect more vibrant colors and smoother scrolling on the Neo 7. The Neo 7 also likely has a smaller bezels and a more modern design.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the iQOO Neo 7 likely has a more advanced sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance, more detail, and improved dynamic range on the Neo 7. The Neo 7 may also have additional camera features.
Performance
The Dimensity 8200 in the iQOO Neo 7 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 768G in the iQOO Z3. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Neo 7. The Neo 7's CPU architecture is also more efficient.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo 7's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. While the iQOO Z3's 55W charging is still respectable, the Neo 7 offers a significantly quicker top-up. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the Neo 7's charging speed makes a huge difference.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z3 is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a reliable and capable phone for everyday tasks. The iQOO Neo 7 is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who values fast charging and top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Neo 7 worth the extra money compared to the iQOO Z3?
Yes, the iQOO Neo 7 offers significant improvements in performance, charging speed, and display quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the iQOO Neo 7?
The iQOO Neo 7's Dimensity 8200 chipset can handle demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates.
