The iQOO Z7 and Honor X9a represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The iQOO Z7 prioritizes raw processing power with its Mediatek Dimensity 920, while the Honor X9a aims for a balance of efficiency and 5G connectivity with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing demanding tasks like gaming and app-heavy multitasking, the iQOO Z7 emerges as the stronger choice thanks to the superior processing capabilities of the Dimensity 920. However, the Honor X9a offers a more balanced experience with respectable performance and potentially better power efficiency for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 17 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| | IP54, dust and water resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 25 min | 40W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Norway Blue, Pacific Night | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | I2207 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | $ 212.08 |
| SAR | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo iQOO Z7
- Faster charging (44W vs 40W)
- More powerful processor (Dimensity 920)
- Potentially better image processing
- Potentially lower battery life due to more powerful processor
- No information on display quality
Honor X9a
- Potentially better power efficiency (Snapdragon 695)
- Qualcomm’s 5G modem optimization
- Likely smooth experience for everyday tasks
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Slower charging (40W)
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving. The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Honor historically performs well. Bezels are expected to be similar, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the chipset plays a role. The Dimensity 920’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than the Snapdragon 695’s, potentially leading to better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. The iQOO Z7 is likely to offer faster image capture and more advanced features. The absence of information regarding sensor size and OIS makes it difficult to assess the overall camera quality, but the chipset advantage leans towards the iQOO Z7.
Performance
The iQOO Z7’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) boasts a significant architectural advantage over the Honor X9a’s Snapdragon 695 (6nm). The Dimensity 920 features two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, compared to the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores at 2.2 GHz. This translates to a noticeable performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. While both chips are fabricated on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 920’s core design and higher clock speeds provide a clear edge. The Snapdragon 695, however, benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized 5G modem and potentially better software integration, which could lead to more consistent performance in real-world 5G scenarios.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z7’s 44W wired charging is faster than the Honor X9a’s 40W, allowing for a 50% charge in 25 minutes. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the faster charging speed of the iQOO Z7 is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The Snapdragon 695’s efficiency could offset the slightly slower charging, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life, but the iQOO Z7’s faster charging provides more flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z7 if you need a phone capable of handling graphically intensive games and running multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdown. Buy the Honor X9a if you prioritize a smooth, reliable experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, and value a potentially longer battery life between charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 920 in the iQOO Z7 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 920 is a powerful chip, its thermal performance will depend on the iQOO Z7’s cooling system. The 6nm process helps with efficiency, but sustained high loads could lead to throttling. User reviews will be crucial to determine the extent of any thermal issues.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 in the Honor X9a capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not designed for ultra-high settings or extended gaming sessions like the iQOO Z7 with its Dimensity 920.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the iQOO Z7 and Honor X9a?
The Honor X9a benefits from Qualcomm’s optimized 5G modem, potentially offering more consistent and reliable 5G connectivity compared to the iQOO Z7. However, real-world 5G speeds are also heavily dependent on network conditions and carrier support.
