The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive value in the mid-range smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the iQOO Z7i and the iQOO Z7. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive in to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster chipset, faster charging, and a generally more premium experience. However, the iQOO Z7i remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing a large display and decent battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 8, 28, 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 13 | 2023, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 20 | Available. Released 2023, March 21 |
| 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) | 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 (6.56 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | IP54, dust and water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Schott Xensation glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.38 inches, 98.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 |
| 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 44W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Norway Blue, Pacific Night |
| Models | V2230EA | I2207 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Z7i
- Large 6.67-inch display
- Decent battery life (5000mAh)
- Affordable price
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Slower Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Slow 15W charging
- Potentially less impressive camera
vivo iQOO Z7
- Faster Dimensity 920 chipset
- 44W fast charging
- Likely better camera performance
- More modern processor
- Slightly higher price
- Similar display size to Z7i
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a 120Hz refresh rate. The iQOO Z7 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset allowing for better display drivers. However, the core viewing experience will be similar.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, the iQOO Z7 likely has a slightly better camera system due to its more powerful processor enabling better image processing. Both phones likely feature a primary 50MP camera, but the Z7's image quality should be superior in various lighting conditions. Expect the Z7 to offer better video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
This is where the iQOO Z7 truly shines. The Dimensity 920 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 6020. Expect noticeably smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Z7. The Z7i will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or heavy workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the iQOO Z7's 44W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge to 50% in just 25 minutes, while the Z7i's 15W charging is considerably slower.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z7i? This phone is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize a large screen for media consumption and gaming, and don't need the absolute fastest performance. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Z7? If you value performance, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, the iQOO Z7 is the better investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Z7i good for gaming?
The iQOO Z7i can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced graphics settings. The iQOO Z7 is significantly better for gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The iQOO Z7i takes approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge with its 15W charger. The iQOO Z7 charges much faster, reaching 50% in 25 minutes with its 44W charger.