The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the mid-range smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the iQOO Z6 and the newer iQOO Z7. Both offer compelling features, but which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 120W charging and a slightly improved chipset. However, the Z6 remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize a potentially better display and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. The Z7's price difference is the key factor.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 25 | 2023, March 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 164.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 201.5 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, OriginOS 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 30 min | 120W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Blue | Black, Blue, Orange |
| Models | V2220A | V2270A |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z6 (China)
- Excellent value for money
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Fast 80W charging
- Slower charging compared to Z7
- Camera could be better in low light
- Design is somewhat generic
vivo iQOO Z7 (China)
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Slightly improved performance with Snapdragon 782G
- Modern design
- Good overall camera performance
- Potentially higher price
- Minor performance gains over Z6
- May lack some features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the Z7 might have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness, the difference is likely minimal. The Z6's display is generally well-regarded for its vibrant colors and smooth scrolling.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO Z6 typically features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO Z7 is expected to have a similar setup, potentially with improved image processing algorithms for better low-light performance and dynamic range. Both phones offer decent camera capabilities for the price.
Performance
The iQOO Z7's Snapdragon 782G offers a modest performance boost over the Z6's Snapdragon 778G+. Expect slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Z7. Both phones handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease, but the Z7 has a slight edge for more demanding games.
Battery Life
This is where the iQOO Z7 truly shines. Its 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Z6's 80W charging is still fast, but significantly slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so the Z7's charging speed makes a huge difference in overall usability.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z6? Users seeking a reliable mid-range phone with good performance and a familiar design, and who aren't overly concerned about blazing-fast charging. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z7? Those prioritizing incredibly fast charging, a slightly more powerful processor, and the latest features, even at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 782G a significant upgrade over the 778G+?
It's a modest upgrade. You'll notice slightly faster performance, especially in demanding tasks, but it's not a night-and-day difference.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have similar battery capacities, but the iQOO Z7's 120W charging means it will charge much faster, effectively giving you more usable battery time throughout the day.