The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The iQOO Z5 and Z6 are two popular contenders, offering 5G connectivity and a range of features. But which one is the better choice for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z5 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset and much quicker 44W charging. While the Z6 offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software support, the Z5's performance advantage makes it the more compelling 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| 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 | 2022, March 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| 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 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 185 g (6.53 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 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China) | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora | Dynamo Black, Chromatic Blue |
| Models | V2148A | I2127 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 190 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z5
- Significantly faster performance
- 44W fast charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Good display quality
- May have slightly older software
- Design might be less modern than Z6
vivo iQOO Z6
- More modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- More affordable
- Slower performance
- Slow 18W charging
- Less powerful chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the resolution is likely similar (FHD+), the iQOO Z5 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-tier chipset's image processing capabilities. The Z6 may have a slightly more modern design with slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 50MP. The iQOO Z5's more powerful chipset likely translates to better image processing, resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Expect similar video recording capabilities on both devices.
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z5 truly shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 695. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a much better gaming experience on the Z5. The Z6 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery. However, the iQOO Z5's 44W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing for a 50% charge in just 26 minutes. The iQOO Z6's 18W charging will take considerably longer to reach a similar charge level.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z5? Gamers and power users who prioritize performance and fast charging will appreciate the Z5's superior chipset and charging speed. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z6? Users on a tighter budget who value a sleek design and potentially longer software support might find the Z6 a suitable choice, accepting the performance trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z6 worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
The iQOO Z6 can be a decent option if your budget is extremely limited and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks. However, the performance difference is significant, so consider stretching your budget for the Z5 if possible.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The iQOO Z5 is the clear winner for gaming. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset provides a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the Z6's Snapdragon 695.
