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 Z5x and the iQOO Z3. Both offer compelling features, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z3 edges out the Z5x thanks to its faster charging, slightly more powerful chipset, and generally better performance. However, the Z5x offers a larger display and potentially better value depending on pricing and availability. It's a close call!
| 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) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 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 |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 20 | 2021, March 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2021, April 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO (China) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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/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 | 55W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Silver | Ace Black, Cyber Blue, Silver |
| Models | - | V2073A |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z5x
- Larger Display
- Good Value (potentially)
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Charging
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Potentially Lower Quality Ultrawide Lens
vivo iQOO Z3
- Faster Charging (55W)
- More Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 768G)
- Slightly More Refined Camera Processing
- Smaller Display
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
The iQOO Z5x boasts a larger 6.78-inch display compared to the iQOO Z3's 6.58-inch screen. Both feature an LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Z5x's larger size makes it better for immersive gaming and video watching, while the Z3's slightly smaller size might be more comfortable for one-handed use.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO Z3 typically features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO Z5x also has a 64MP main camera, but its ultrawide and macro lenses might be of slightly lower quality. Image quality is generally comparable, but the Z3's processing might be a bit more refined. Both phones offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The iQOO Z3's Snapdragon 768G chipset generally outperforms the iQOO Z5x's Dimensity 900. The Snapdragon offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and more demanding games running with higher frame rates. While the Dimensity 900 is capable, the Z3 provides a noticeable performance boost.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z3 takes a clear lead in the charging department with its 55W wired charging, significantly faster than the Z5x's 44W charging. Both phones have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so the Z3 will recharge much quicker.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z5x is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and gaming on a tight budget. The iQOO Z3 is a better choice for those who value faster charging speeds and a more responsive overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Z3 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 768G chipset.
❓ Does the iQOO Z5x have 5G?
Yes, both the iQOO Z5x and iQOO Z3 support 5G connectivity.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
