vivo iQOO Z5 vs Realme 9 5G Speed: A Detailed Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z5 and Realme 9 5G Speed are two strong contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity and a capable Snapdragon 778G chipset, but which one delivers the better overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO Z5 edges out the Realme 9 5G Speed thanks to its faster 44W charging and potentially slightly better software optimization. However, the Realme 9 5G Speed might offer a more appealing design or camera features depending on individual preferences. Both are solid choices in this price range.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO Z5	Realme 9 5G Speed

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China	1, 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
	77, 78 SA/NSA - India	SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International

Launch
Announced	2021, September 23	2022, March 10
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 28	Available. Released 2022, March 14

Body
Build	Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back
Dimensions	164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)	164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	193 g (6.81 oz)	199 g (7.02 oz)

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 642L	Adreno 642L
OS	Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China)	Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
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)	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with dual speakers	Yes
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio	No	Unspecified
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

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	44W wired, 50% in 26 min	30W wired, 50% in 25 min
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora	Starry Glow, Azure Glow
Models	V2148A	RMX3461
Price	About 250 EUR	About 240 EUR

vivo iQOO Z5

Faster 44W Charging
Potentially better software optimization
Good performance with Snapdragon 778G

Design might be less appealing to some
Camera might not be as versatile as Realme's

Realme 9 5G Speed

Larger 5000mAh battery
Potentially better low-light camera performance
Stylish design

Slower 30W charging
Software optimization might not be as refined

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate (depending on specific variant). The iQOO Z5 might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is likely minimal. Realme often focuses on vibrant, punchy colors, which some users prefer.

Camera Comparison

The iQOO Z5 typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The Realme 9 5G Speed often boasts a 50MP main camera with a larger sensor, potentially leading to better low-light performance. Both likely include a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies.

Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon 778G 5G, both phones offer excellent performance for everyday tasks and even demanding games. The iQOO Z5's software optimization might give it a slight edge in responsiveness, but both should handle most apps and games with ease. RAM and storage configurations will vary by region.

Battery Life

The iQOO Z5 generally has a 4500mAh battery, while the Realme 9 5G Speed has a 5000mAh battery. However, the iQOO Z5's 44W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Realme 9 5G Speed's 30W charging.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO Z5 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a smooth gaming experience. The Realme 9 5G Speed is a good fit for those seeking a stylish design and potentially a more versatile camera system, especially if they value a slightly more compact form factor.