The vivo iQOO Z series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The iQOO Z5 and Z7 are two popular contenders, each offering a compelling blend of features and performance. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7 edges out the Z5 thanks to its slightly faster processor and improved camera capabilities. While both offer excellent value, the Z7’s Dimensity 920 provides a noticeable performance boost, making it the preferred choice for most users. Both have similar charging speeds.
| 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 | 1, 3, 8, 28, 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 | 2023, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 21 |
| 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) | 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | IP54, dust and water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Schott Xensation glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 |
| 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 |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 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 | - |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 26 min | 44W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, Aurora | Norway Blue, Pacific Night |
| Models | V2148A | I2207 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Z5
- Proven Snapdragon 778G chipset
- Competitive price
- Fast 44W charging
- Good overall performance for the price
- Slightly older chipset
- Potentially less impressive camera compared to Z7
- Design may feel dated compared to Z7
vivo iQOO Z7
- Faster Dimensity 920 chipset
- Improved camera performance (expected)
- Modern design
- Fast 44W charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Dimensity 920 can throttle under sustained load (though improved in later iterations)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and vibrant colors. The Z7 might have a slightly brighter panel, but this is not confirmed by the provided specs. Expect similar resolution and screen-to-body ratios.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the iQOO Z7 is expected to have a more advanced camera system. The Dimensity 920 often pairs with improved image signal processors (ISPs), resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. The Z5 likely has a capable camera, but the Z7 should offer a noticeable upgrade.
Performance
The iQOO Z7’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 generally outperforms the Snapdragon 778G in the iQOO Z5. The Dimensity 920’s Cortex-A78 cores are slightly faster, leading to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. Gaming performance should also be better on the Z7.
Battery Life
Both devices feature a 44W wired charging solution, promising a 50% charge in roughly 25-26 minutes. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting similar all-day battery life under moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z5? Users prioritizing a proven chipset and a slightly lower price point might find the Z5 appealing. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z7? Those seeking a more modern processor, improved camera performance, and a slightly more refined experience should opt for the Z7.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z7 worth the extra money compared to the Z5?
Generally, yes. The Z7's improved processor and camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you prioritize performance and image quality. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Z5 remains a solid option.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, thanks to their large battery capacities and efficient processors. Charging is also fast with the 44W wired charging.
