vivo iQOO Z3 vs iQOO Z5x: A Detailed Comparison

The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the iQOO Z3 and the iQOO Z5x. Both offer compelling features, but which one comes out on top?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO Z5x generally edges out the Z3 thanks to its more efficient Dimensity 900 chipset and faster charging. However, the Z3's Snapdragon 768G offers slightly better sustained performance in demanding tasks. Ultimately, the Z5x provides a better overall experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO Z3	vivo iQOO Z5x

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) / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India	1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	77, 78 SA/NSA - India	1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2021, March 25	2021, October 20
Status	Available. Released 2021, April 01	Available. Released 2021, November 01

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 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	185.5 g (6.56 oz)	189 g (6.67 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz	IPS LCD, 120Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 620	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China)	Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	-

Main Camera
Dual	-	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, (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)	-
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C, OTG	USB Type-C, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	55W wired	44W wired, 70% in 38 min
Type	4400 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver	Black, Orange, Silver
Models	V2073A	-
Price	About 220 EUR	About 220 EUR

vivo iQOO Z3

Stronger sustained performance
Good gaming capabilities
55W fast charging

Slightly less efficient chipset
Potentially slower charging compared to Z5x

vivo iQOO Z5x

Faster charging (44W)
More efficient Dimensity 900 chipset
Smooth daily performance

Potential for throttling under heavy load
Slightly less powerful GPU than Z3

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.67 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate. Expect comparable resolution (FHD+) and color accuracy. The Z5x might have slightly better brightness due to its newer chipset's capabilities, but this is speculative.

Camera Comparison

The iQOO Z3 likely features a triple camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO Z5x is expected to have a similar configuration, potentially with slightly improved image processing thanks to the newer chipset. Low-light performance should be comparable.

Performance

The iQOO Z3's Snapdragon 768G is known for its strong CPU and GPU performance, particularly in gaming. The iQOO Z5x's Dimensity 900 offers excellent efficiency and a smooth user experience, but may throttle slightly under prolonged heavy loads. The Dimensity 900's integrated 5G modem is also a plus.

Battery Life

The iQOO Z5x boasts a significant advantage with its 44W fast charging, promising a 70% charge in 38 minutes. The iQOO Z3's 55W charging is still fast, but not as efficient. Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, but the Z5x's efficiency will likely translate to better real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO Z3 is ideal for users prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming. The iQOO Z5x is a better choice for those seeking faster charging, improved power efficiency, and a smoother daily experience.