The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z5x and Samsung Galaxy M14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z5x takes the lead with its significantly faster charging and a slightly more powerful chipset. However, the Galaxy M14 boasts Samsung's reliable software and potentially better camera optimization. Ultimately, the iQOO Z5x offers better performance for the price, while the M14 provides a more polished Samsung experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 20 | 2023, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G68 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 13, One UI core 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, 70% in 38 min | 15W wired - international
25W wired - India |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Silver | Navy Blue, Light Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | SM-M146B, SM-M146B/DS, SM-M146B/DSN |
| Price | About 220 EUR | ₹ 10,990 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.53 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Z5x
- Faster Charging (44W)
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 900)
- Good Value for Performance
- Potentially Less Optimized Camera
- Less Established Brand in Some Regions
Samsung Galaxy M14
- Larger Battery Capacity (6000mAh)
- Samsung's Software Experience (One UI)
- Potentially Better Camera Optimization
- Reliable Brand Reputation
- Slower Charging (15W/25W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Exynos 1330)
- May Lack High Refresh Rate
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.67-inch displays, likely with Full HD+ resolution. The iQOO Z5x may have a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs. potentially 90Hz on the M14), offering smoother scrolling and animations. Panel technology is likely IPS for both, offering good color accuracy but not the contrast of AMOLED.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy M14 is expected to have a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing thanks to Samsung's expertise. The iQOO Z5x likely has a decent camera setup, but may lack the same level of software optimization. Expect the M14 to excel in low-light conditions.
Performance
The iQOO Z5x's Dimensity 900 chipset, built on a 6nm process, generally outperforms the Exynos 1330 (5nm) in raw processing power, especially in gaming. While the Exynos 1330 is efficient, the Dimensity 900's GPU provides a noticeable edge. Both have the same CPU core configuration, so single-core performance will be similar.
Battery Life
The Galaxy M14 has a larger battery capacity (6000mAh vs. 5000mAh on the iQOO Z5x). However, the iQOO Z5x's 44W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the M14's 15W (international) or 25W (India) charging. This is a major advantage for the iQOO Z5x.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z5x is ideal for gamers and users prioritizing fast charging and raw performance. The Samsung Galaxy M14 is a better choice for those who value a smooth, reliable software experience, a potentially better camera, and the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo iQOO Z5x is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 900 chipset and potentially higher refresh rate display.
❓ Does the Galaxy M14 have fast charging?
The Galaxy M14 has slower charging speeds (15W internationally, 25W in India) compared to the iQOO Z5x's 44W charging.