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 Z6 Lite. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive in to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z3 is the clear winner for performance, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 768G chipset and faster charging. However, the iQOO Z6 Lite offers a more modern, efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and a potentially more appealing price point for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 14 |
| 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 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~83.9% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver | Mystic Night, Stellar Green |
| Models | V2073A | I2208 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z3
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 768G)
- Faster 55W Charging
- Potentially Better Camera Image Processing
- More RAM Options (likely)
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design might be slightly dated
- Battery life may be slightly less than Z6 Lite
vivo iQOO Z6 Lite
- More Efficient Chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Potentially Better Battery Life
- Likely More Affordable
- Modern Design (potentially)
- Significantly Lower Performance
- Slower 18W Charging
- Less Powerful Camera
- Limited RAM/Storage Options (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely an LCD) with a standard refresh rate (60Hz or potentially 90Hz on the Z3). The Z3 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-tier chipset allowing for better display processing. Screen sizes are likely in the 6.5-6.7 inch range, with the Z6 Lite potentially having a slightly more modern design with slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the iQOO Z3's more powerful chipset could translate to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect the Z3 to offer more detail and dynamic range in photos. Both will likely have a primary sensor around 50MP, an ultrawide, and a macro lens.
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z3 shines. The Snapdragon 768G is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. Expect significantly smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a much better gaming experience on the Z3. The Z6 Lite will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or heavy applications.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z6 Lite likely has a slight edge in battery life due to the more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset and potentially a slightly larger battery capacity. However, the iQOO Z3's 55W charging will allow it to recharge much faster, offsetting any potential battery life difference.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Z3 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and faster charging. The iQOO Z6 Lite is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, everyday smartphone with good battery life and a modern design, especially if budget is a primary concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z3 worth the extra money over the Z6 Lite?
If you value performance and fast charging, the iQOO Z3 is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks, the Z6 Lite is a solid option.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Z3 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 768G chipset. It will handle more demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother gameplay.