vivo iQOO Z5 vs iQOO Neo5 SE: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value, and the Z5 and Neo5 SE are no exception. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall worth to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO Neo5 SE takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset. While the Z5 offers solid performance and faster charging, the Neo5 SE's superior processing power and smoother experience make it the better choice for most users, especially gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z5 vivo iQOO Neo5 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 77, 78 SA/NSA - IndiaCDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2021, September 232021, December 20
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 28Available. Released 2021, December 29
Body
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
Display
ProtectionPanda Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 650
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China)Android 11, OriginOS Ocean
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Triple64 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)-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging44W wired, 50% in 26 min55W wired
Type5000 mAh4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsArctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, AuroraBlack, White, Aurora
ModelsV2148AV2157A
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 300 EUR

vivo iQOO Z5

  • Faster charging (44W)
  • More affordable
  • Good display (120Hz AMOLED)
  • Decent camera

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Slower performance compared to Neo5 SE
  • Potentially less refined software experience

vivo iQOO Neo5 SE

  • Significantly faster chipset (Snapdragon 870)
  • Superior gaming performance
  • Potentially better camera processing
  • 55W fast charging

  • Slightly higher price
  • May not offer a huge camera upgrade over Z5

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Neo5 SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-end chipset, but the difference is minimal. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.

Camera Comparison

The iQOO Z5 typically features a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro. The iQOO Neo5 SE likely has a similar setup, potentially with slightly improved image processing thanks to its more powerful chipset. Both offer decent camera performance in good lighting, but low-light capabilities might be slightly better on the Neo5 SE. Video recording is likely 4K on both.

Performance

This is where the Neo5 SE truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 778G. Expect significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience on the Neo5 SE. The Z5 is capable, but the Neo5 SE is in a different league.

Battery Life

The iQOO Z5 boasts 44W fast charging, allowing it to reach 50% in 26 minutes. The iQOO Neo5 SE offers 55W fast charging, potentially reducing charging times further. Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4500-5000mAh, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z5? Users prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more budget-friendly price point. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 SE? Gamers, power users, and anyone seeking top-tier performance in a mid-range device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO Neo5 SE worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, especially for gaming or demanding apps, then yes. The Snapdragon 870 is a significant upgrade.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer all-day battery life. The Neo5 SE's faster charging gives it an edge in quickly topping up.