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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | 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 |
| | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2021, December 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2021, December 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.7 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China) | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-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) | - |
| 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | 44W wired, 50% in 26 min | 55W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora | Black, White, Aurora |
| Models | V2148A | V2157A |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 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.