The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO Z5x and the Xiaomi Poco F5. Both promise a compelling experience, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Poco F5 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, brighter display, and faster charging. While the iQOO Z5x offers decent value, the Poco F5 provides a superior overall experience for a relatively small price difference.
| 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, 20, 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, 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, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| 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) | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.34 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| 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) | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 70% in 38 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Silver | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | 23049PCD8G, 23049PCD8I |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 202.76 / $ 289.99 / ₹ 23,790 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
vivo iQOO Z5x
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- 44W fast charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Dimmer display
- Less impressive camera
Xiaomi Poco F5
- Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset
- Bright and vibrant display
- Fast 67W charging
- Excellent battery life
- Slightly more expensive
- Potential for MIUI bloatware
Display Comparison
The Poco F5 boasts a significant advantage with its 963 nits max brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. Its contrast ratio is also superior. The iQOO Z5x's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy and brightness of the Poco F5. Expect a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience with the Poco F5.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer photo and video capabilities, the Poco F5 likely has a more advanced camera system. Details on the iQOO Z5x's camera are less readily available, but the Poco F5's hardware and image processing are generally considered superior. Expect better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the Poco F5.
Performance
The Poco F5's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset is a powerhouse compared to the iQOO Z5x's Dimensity 900. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Poco F5. The Dimensity 900 is capable, but it simply can't compete with the raw power of the Snapdragon chip.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the Poco F5 demonstrating exceptional endurance in testing (11:52h active use, 118h endurance rating). The Poco F5 also charges faster with 67W wired charging (100% in 46 minutes) compared to the iQOO Z5x's 44W charging (70% in 38 minutes).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z5x? Users prioritizing a slightly more affordable option and are less concerned with top-tier performance. Who should buy the Xiaomi Poco F5? Those seeking a powerful, feature-rich phone with a vibrant display, excellent battery life, and fast charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z5x good for gaming?
The iQOO Z5x can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates. The Poco F5 is significantly better suited for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi generally provides longer software update support for its devices. However, both brands offer regular updates, but Xiaomi's track record is slightly better.
