The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z7i and Realme GT Neo5 SE represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a solid experience, they take drastically different approaches to performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme GT Neo5 SE emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the iQOO Z7i’s Dimensity 6020, and the 100W charging is a game-changer. However, the iQOO Z7i remains a viable option for those prioritizing affordability above all else.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 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 | 2023, March 13 | 2023, April 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 163.9 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 (6.56 oz) | 193.1 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 100W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Gradient |
| Models | V2230EA | RMX3700, RMX3701 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 270 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z7i
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable brand reputation
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor for gaming
- Likely lower-quality display
Realme GT Neo5 SE
- Much faster 100W charging
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
- Improved power efficiency
- Potentially better camera performance
- Higher price compared to the iQOO Z7i
- May not be significantly better in all camera scenarios
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD) are missing for the iQOO Z7i, its market positioning suggests an LCD panel. The Realme GT Neo5 SE, similarly, doesn't advertise advanced display tech like LTPO. Both likely feature standard 60Hz refresh rates. The key difference will likely be color accuracy and peak brightness, where the GT Neo5 SE, benefiting from a more premium build, may have a slight edge. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, Realme typically focuses on camera performance in its GT series, suggesting the GT Neo5 SE will likely have a more capable main sensor. The iQOO Z7i, positioned as a budget device, will likely feature a more basic camera setup. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely irrelevant; image quality from such sensors is typically poor. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) will also contribute to better image processing and low-light performance on the GT Neo5 SE.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme GT Neo5 SE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the iQOO Z7i’s MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 2.91 GHz, offering significantly higher peak performance than the Dimensity 6020’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz. The more modern architecture and smaller 4nm process of the Snapdragon also translate to improved power efficiency and sustained performance under load, crucial for gaming. The GT Neo5 SE will handle graphically intensive games and multitasking with considerably more ease.
Battery Life
The Realme GT Neo5 SE’s 100W wired charging is a massive advantage. This allows for a full charge from 0-100% in under 30 minutes, a significant time saver compared to the iQOO Z7i’s 15W charging, which will take well over two hours. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the GT Neo5 SE effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s improved power efficiency also contributes to better overall battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z7i if you need a functional, everyday smartphone with acceptable performance for basic tasks and prioritize a lower upfront cost. Buy the Realme GT Neo5 SE if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging. The GT Neo5 SE is for users who want a phone that feels significantly more premium without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Realme GT Neo5 SE handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a capable chipset that can comfortably run Genshin Impact and other demanding games at high settings with stable frame rates. The improved thermal management compared to the Dimensity 6020 will also help prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to charge the Realme GT Neo5 SE from 0% to 100% with the 100W charger?
Realme claims a full charge from 0-100% takes around 26 minutes with the 100W SuperVOOC charging. Real-world testing typically confirms this, making it one of the fastest charging experiences available in this price range.
❓ Is the iQOO Z7i a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and social media?
Absolutely. The iQOO Z7i’s Dimensity 6020 is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media browsing. If you don’t require high performance for gaming or demanding apps, the Z7i offers a functional experience at a lower price.
❓ Does the Realme GT Neo5 SE support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 includes an integrated 5G modem, allowing the Realme GT Neo5 SE to connect to 5G networks where available. The iQOO Z7i also supports 5G, but the GT Neo5 SE's modem is generally more advanced.
