The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO Z7i and the Infinix Zero 5G 2023. Both promise impressive features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 1080 chipset and 33W fast charging. While the iQOO Z7i offers a solid experience, the Zero 5G's performance and charging speed provide a noticeable advantage for most users.
| 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, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 13 | 2022, November 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2022, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 168.7 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 (6.56 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6815D |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) - X6815D |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Pearly White, Coral Orange, Submarine Black |
| Models | V2230EA | X6815C, X6815D |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 250 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z7i
- Vibrant AMOLED display (likely)
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Slower chipset
- Slow charging (15W)
- Potentially lower camera quality
Infinix Zero 5G 2023
- Faster Dimensity 1080 chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Faster charging (33W)
- Potentially better camera
- IPS LCD display (likely)
- Software experience can vary
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6-6.7 inches. The iQOO Z7i is expected to have an AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deeper blacks, while the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 likely uses an IPS LCD panel. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The iQOO Z7i's AMOLED should provide a superior viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often a point of contention in this price range. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 likely features a higher resolution main sensor (potentially 64MP or higher) compared to the iQOO Z7i (likely around 50MP). Both phones will likely include ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will depend on software processing, but the Zero 5G's hardware advantage could translate to better results, especially in low light.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 shines. The Dimensity 1080 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Dimensity 6020 found in the iQOO Z7i. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Zero 5G. The iQOO Z7i will still handle everyday tasks adequately, but it will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a large battery (5000mAh or greater). However, the Infinix Zero 5G 2023's 33W fast charging significantly outperforms the iQOO Z7i's 15W charging. This means the Zero 5G will charge much faster, a crucial factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z7i is a great choice for users prioritizing a smooth, everyday experience and a vibrant display on a tighter budget. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is ideal for those who want 5G connectivity, faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and quicker charging times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset.
❓ Does the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 support 5G?
Yes, the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 supports 5G connectivity, while the iQOO Z7i is typically a 4G device.