The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two strong contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO Z7 and the Xiaomi Poco F5. Both promise impressive features, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco F5 emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, brighter display, and generally more refined software experience. While the iQOO Z7 boasts incredibly fast 120W charging, the Poco F5's overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 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 | 2023, March 20 | 2023, May 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 201.5 g (7.13 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | AMOLED, 68B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.7 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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 | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 46 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Orange | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | V2270A | 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 Z7 (China)
- Ultra-fast 120W charging
- Competitive price
- Decent performance for the price
- Good design
- Less powerful chipset than Poco F5
- Lower display brightness
- Potentially less refined software
Xiaomi Poco F5
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)
- Brighter and better display
- Excellent battery life
- Refined software experience
- Slower charging speed (67W)
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
The Poco F5 takes a clear lead in the display department. Its 963 nits peak brightness is significantly higher than the iQOO Z7, offering better visibility in sunlight. The Poco F5 also boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent blacks and vibrant colors. While the iQOO Z7's display is adequate, it doesn't match the Poco F5's visual prowess. Both likely use AMOLED panels, but Poco's implementation is superior.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a bit more nuanced. Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Poco F5 likely has a slight edge due to the newer image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. Expect slightly better dynamic range and detail in the Poco F5's photos. Both phones likely feature a main sensor around 64MP, but the Poco F5's software optimization is likely better. Video recording quality should be comparable.
Performance
Here, the Poco F5 truly shines. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 782G found in the iQOO Z7. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Poco F5. The Cortex-X2 core in the Poco F5's CPU further contributes to its superior performance.
Battery Life
The Poco F5 demonstrates exceptional battery life, with an active use score of 11:52h and an endurance rating of 118h. The iQOO Z7's battery life is likely good, but not as impressive as the Poco F5. However, the iQOO Z7 compensates with its blazing-fast 120W charging, allowing it to top up from 0% to 100% in a remarkably short time.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z7 is ideal for users prioritizing ultra-fast charging and a more budget-friendly price point. The Xiaomi Poco F5 is the better choice for those seeking top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a more polished user experience, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z7's 120W charging worth it?
Absolutely, if you frequently need to top up your phone quickly. It's a significant advantage over the Poco F5's 67W charging.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Poco F5 is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset.
