vivo iQOO Z5 vs Xiaomi 11T Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Charging

The vivo iQOO Z5 and Xiaomi 11T Pro represent compelling options in the mid-to-high range, but cater to slightly different priorities. The iQOO Z5 focuses on delivering strong performance at a more accessible price point, while the 11T Pro aims for near-flagship speed with its Snapdragon 888 and blazing-fast 120W charging. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi 11T Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 888 provides a significant performance uplift, and the 120W charging is a game-changer, reaching 100% in just 17 minutes. However, the iQOO Z5 remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z5 Xiaomi 11T Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 77, 78 SA/NSA - India-
Launch
Announced2021, September 232021, September 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 28Available. Released 2021, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)204 g (7.20 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
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 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ)AMOLED, Dolby Vision, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 660
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS for iQOO 1.0 (China)Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14
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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
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)108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960, HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -Tuned by Harman Kardon 24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
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, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging44W wired, 50% in 26 min120W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 72% in 10 min, 100% in 17 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsArctic Dawn, Mystic Space, Cyber Grid, AuroraMeteorite Gray, Moonlight White, Celestial Blue
ModelsV2148A2107113SG, 2107113SI, 2107113SR
PriceAbout 250 EUR€ 139.00 / $ 185.21 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 39,999
SAR-0.78 W/kg (head)     0.49 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 92h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.3 LUFS (Good)

vivo iQOO Z5

  • More affordable price point
  • Efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset
  • Respectable battery life

  • Significantly slower charging speed
  • Less powerful processor compared to the 11T Pro
  • Limited camera details

Xiaomi 11T Pro

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Higher price tag
  • Snapdragon 888 can throttle under heavy load
  • Potential for higher heat generation

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 11T Pro boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 837 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the iQOO Z5. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the 11T Pro’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio of the 11T Pro, typical of AMOLED technology, ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iQOO Z5’s display specs are less detailed, suggesting a more standard AMOLED experience. Bezels and refresh rates are not specified for either device, but the 11T Pro’s positioning suggests a higher refresh rate is likely.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the Xiaomi 11T Pro, being positioned higher, likely features a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and more advanced image processing. Sensor size and aperture details are missing for both, making a direct comparison impossible. The iQOO Z5’s camera is likely geared towards providing good everyday photos, while the 11T Pro aims for higher quality and more versatility. The absence of details suggests neither phone prioritizes exceptional camera performance over other features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi 11T Pro’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) is a significant step up from the iQOO Z5’s Snapdragon 778G (6nm). The 888 features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, offering substantially higher peak performance than the 778G’s 2.4 GHz Cortex-A78. While the 778G is efficient and capable, the 888 excels in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The 5nm process of the 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, though it's known to throttle under sustained load. The iQOO Z5’s 6nm process offers a good balance of performance and power consumption. Both phones utilize an octa-core configuration, but the architectural differences are crucial.

Battery Life

Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 92 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Xiaomi 11T Pro’s 120W charging is a standout feature, achieving 72% charge in just 10 minutes and 100% in 17 minutes. The iQOO Z5’s 44W charging, while respectable, takes 26 minutes to reach 50%. This difference in charging speed significantly impacts the user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The 11T Pro’s support for PD3.0 and QC3 further enhances its charging compatibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Z5 if you need a capable gaming phone without breaking the bank, and value a balanced experience with good battery life and respectable performance. Buy the Xiaomi 11T Pro if you prioritize raw speed, demand the fastest possible charging, and are willing to pay a premium for a near-flagship experience. The 11T Pro is ideal for power users and those who frequently push their phones to the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the Xiaomi 11T Pro suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets, and can experience throttling under sustained heavy load. However, the Xiaomi 11T Pro likely incorporates thermal management solutions to mitigate this, but performance may still dip slightly during prolonged gaming. The iQOO Z5’s Snapdragon 778G is less prone to throttling due to its lower power consumption.
❓ How does the 120W charging of the Xiaomi 11T Pro affect long-term battery health?
While 120W charging is incredibly fast, concerns about long-term battery degradation are valid. Xiaomi employs charging algorithms and hardware protections to minimize this effect. However, consistently using extremely fast charging *may* contribute to slightly faster battery wear over several years compared to slower charging methods. The iQOO Z5’s 44W charging is less likely to have this impact.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 778G and 888 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference will be minimal. However, when launching demanding apps, editing videos, or playing graphically intensive games, the Snapdragon 888 in the Xiaomi 11T Pro will provide a noticeably smoother and faster experience.