The mid-range 5G smartphone market is booming, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the vivo iQOO Z6 and the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. Both pack a Snapdragon 695 chipset, but key differences in charging speed and potentially camera capabilities could sway your decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G edges out the iQOO Z6 thanks to its significantly faster 33W charging. While both offer similar performance, the Nord CE 2 Lite's quicker charging and potentially better camera software make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 16 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 22 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dynamo Black, Chromatic Blue | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | I2127 | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Z6
- Affordable price
- Decent performance with Snapdragon 695
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely LCD display
- Camera may not be as impressive as competitors
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially better camera software
- OnePlus ecosystem integration
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Likely LCD display
- May be slightly more expensive than iQOO Z6
- Performance similar to iQOO Z6
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.58-inch FHD+ display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate. Expect similar viewing experiences, though panel quality (AMOLED vs LCD) could differ – the Nord CE 2 Lite is rumored to have an LCD, while the iQOO Z6 is likely also LCD. Color accuracy and brightness will be key differentiators to look for in reviews.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO Z6 is expected to have a 50MP main camera, while the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is rumored to have a 64MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G might offer slightly better image quality, especially in low light, due to potential software enhancements and larger sensor. Both likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and featuring an Octa-core CPU, both phones offer comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization and RAM management.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's 33W fast charging significantly outperforms the iQOO Z6's 18W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z6 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more affordable price point and are less concerned about charging speed. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is ideal for those who value faster charging, potentially a better camera experience, and the OnePlus ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 695 5G is capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's sufficient for casual and moderate gaming.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
OnePlus generally offers better and more timely software updates compared to vivo. This is a key consideration for long-term usability.
