The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the iQOO Z5 and the iQOO Z3. Both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on performance, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z5 generally edges out the Z3 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 778G chipset, offering noticeably better performance. However, the Z3 boasts faster 55W charging. Ultimately, the Z5 is the better all-around performer, while the Z3 provides quicker top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| 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 | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 23 | 2021, March 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2021, April 01 |
| 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 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China) | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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/2.0, (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, 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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, 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, 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 | 4400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver |
| Models | V2148A | V2073A |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z5
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Faster 5G Connectivity
- Potentially better camera processing
- Sleek Design
- Slower Charging (44W)
- May be slightly more expensive
vivo iQOO Z3
- Faster Charging (55W)
- Competitive Price
- Good Overall Performance
- Older Chipset (Snapdragon 768G)
- Slightly less powerful than Z5
- Potentially less refined camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. While both offer a similar visual experience, the Z5 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset's image processing capabilities. Expect vibrant colors and sharp details on both.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO Z5 typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO Z3 often has a similar setup. Image quality is generally comparable, with the Z5 potentially offering slightly improved dynamic range and low-light performance thanks to its more modern chipset. Both likely offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z5 shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 768G in the Z3. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Z5. The Z3 is still capable, but the Z5 provides a more premium feel.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z3 takes the lead here with its 55W fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the Z5's 44W charging. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so the Z3 will simply reach full charge faster.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z5 is ideal for users prioritizing smooth performance for gaming and everyday tasks. If fast charging is your absolute top priority and you're willing to compromise slightly on processing power, the iQOO Z3 remains a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z5 worth the extra money compared to the Z3?
If performance is a priority, yes. The Snapdragon 778G offers a noticeable upgrade. If fast charging is your main concern, the Z3 is a good alternative.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The iQOO Z5, thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset, will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
