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 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 charging (120W vs 55W), a more efficient chipset, and likely camera improvements. While the Z3 remains a solid option, the Z7's advancements make it a compelling upgrade 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | 1, 5, 8, 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 | 2023, March 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 201.5 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) | Android 13, OriginOS 3 |
| 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 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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/2.0, (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) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 120W wired |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver | Black, Blue, Orange |
| Models | V2073A | V2270A |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z3
- Reliable performance
- Good value for money
- Decent display
- 5G connectivity
- Slower charging
- Older chipset
- Potentially less impressive camera
vivo iQOO Z7 (China)
- Significantly faster charging (120W)
- More efficient and powerful chipset (Snapdragon 782G)
- Likely improved camera performance
- Modern design
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Availability may be limited outside of China
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. However, the Z7 might have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to newer panel technology. Expect FHD+ resolution on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are needed, the iQOO Z7 (China) is expected to have improvements in image processing and sensor technology. The 782G's ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more advanced, leading to better low-light performance and overall image quality. Both likely feature a 64MP main camera.
Performance
The Snapdragon 782G in the iQOO Z7 (China) is a noticeable upgrade over the Snapdragon 768G in the iQOO Z3. The 782G's newer architecture and 6nm process offer better efficiency and performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. Expect better thermal management on the Z7 as well.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z7 (China)'s 120W charging is a game-changer. It can likely charge from 0% to 100% in under 20 minutes, a significant advantage over the Z3's 55W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4500-5000mAh) on both devices, meaning the Z7 offers significantly faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z3? Those on a very tight budget who prioritize a reliable, if slightly older, processor and don't need ultra-fast charging. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z7 (China)? Anyone seeking a modern, fast-charging, and likely better-performing phone within a similar price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z7 (China) worth the upgrade from the iQOO Z3?
Yes, the iQOO Z7 (China) offers significant improvements in charging speed, performance, and likely camera quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Where can I buy the iQOO Z7 (China)?
The iQOO Z7 (China) is primarily available in China. International availability may be limited, but you might find it through online retailers specializing in imported devices.
