The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the iQOO Z5x and the iQOO Z6 Lite. Both offer compelling features, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z5x takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster chipset and much quicker charging. While the Z6 Lite offers a more modern design and potentially slightly improved software, the Z5x's performance advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 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 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 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 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 70% in 38 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Silver | Mystic Night, Stellar Green |
| Models | - | I2208 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z5x
- Significantly faster chipset (Dimensity 900)
- 44W fast charging
- Good battery life
- Decent camera
- Older design
- 60Hz display
- May lack latest software features
vivo iQOO Z6 Lite
- Sleeker design
- Potentially smoother software experience
- Good battery life
- Affordable
- Slower chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Slow 18W charging
- Less powerful for gaming
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch LCD display with a standard refresh rate (60Hz). Expect decent color accuracy and brightness for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level visuals. The Z6 Lite might 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. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be underwhelming. The Z6 Lite might have slightly improved image processing algorithms, but the Z5x's more powerful processor could also contribute to better image quality.
Performance
This is where the Z5x shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 900 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in the Z6 Lite. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Z5x. The Z6 Lite will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Z5x's 44W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to charge much faster than the Z6 Lite's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Z5x is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging, even if it means sacrificing some of the latest design trends. The iQOO Z6 Lite is a good option for those who value a sleek design and a potentially smoother software experience, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z6 Lite worth buying if I only use my phone for basic tasks?
Yes, the Z6 Lite is a decent option for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls. However, the Z5x offers a better overall experience due to its superior performance.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Z5x is significantly better for gaming thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 900 chipset. It will handle more demanding games with smoother frame rates.
