The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO Z5 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 significantly faster charging, a more powerful chipset, and a generally more modern feature set. While the iQOO Z5 remains a solid choice, the Neo 7's advancements make it the superior option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | 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 |
| | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2023, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2023, February 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China) | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 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 | 44W wired, 50% in 26 min | 120W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | V2148A | I2214 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 440 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z5
- Good value for money
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Decent camera
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Less premium design
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Powerful Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Improved camera performance
- Modern design
- Potentially higher price
- May lack some features of flagship phones
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Neo 7 likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs Z5's 120Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.4-6.6 inches, with a Full HD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Neo 7 likely has a more advanced main sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Neo 7. Both likely feature a similar setup of a main lens, ultrawide, and macro lens.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 7's MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 778G in the iQOO Z5. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Neo 7. The Neo 7's CPU architecture also offers improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo 7's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging speeds. The iQOO Z5's 44W charging is still respectable, but the difference in charging time is significant. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity, around 4500-5000 mAh.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z5 is a good option 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?
Yes, if you prioritize performance and fast charging, the iQOO Neo 7 is a worthwhile upgrade. The Dimensity 8200 chipset and 120W charging make a noticeable difference.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the iQOO Neo 7's faster charging means you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
