The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO Z7x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display and performance to camera and battery life, to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Z7x takes the lead with significantly faster 80W charging and a slightly more powerful chipset. However, the Redmi Note 12 boasts exceptional battery life and a brighter display. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: speed vs. endurance.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 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 | 2022, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, January 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.8 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 13, Funtouch 13 (Global), Origin OS 3 (China) | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 70% in 34 min | 33W wired, 50% in 22 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tropical Blue, Metallic Grey, Orange | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue |
| Models | V2272A | 22111317I, 22111317G |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
vivo iQOO Z7x
- Faster Charging (80W)
- Slightly More Powerful Chipset
- 5G Connectivity
- Good Value
- Battery Life Not as Impressive
- Display Brightness Could Be Better
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- Good Value
- Reliable Brand
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Potential Software Bloat
Display Comparison
The Redmi Note 12's 706 nits max brightness gives it a noticeable edge in outdoor visibility. While the contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' (likely a nominal value), both phones offer decent displays for the price. The iQOO Z7x's display is likely slightly less bright, but still perfectly usable indoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Expect decent photo and video quality in good lighting conditions from both devices. Low-light performance is likely to be a weak point for both, given their price range. The Redmi Note 12's camera software might offer slightly more features.
Performance
The iQOO Z7x's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset generally outperforms the Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and potentially better gaming performance. The 695 is a more established and capable chip.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 12 shines in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 101 hours is exceptional, offering significantly longer usage time than the iQOO Z7x. While the iQOO Z7x charges much faster (80W vs 33W), the Redmi Note 12's sheer battery capacity provides a substantial advantage.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Z7x is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and a smoother gaming experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is perfect for those who need all-day (and then some) battery life and appreciate a vibrant display for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Z7x is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
❓ How long does the Redmi Note 12's battery last?
The Redmi Note 12 boasts exceptional battery life, with an endurance rating of 101 hours, easily lasting a day and a half or more with moderate use.
❓ Is the iQOO Z7x worth the extra cost?
If fast charging and a smoother overall experience are your priorities, the iQOO Z7x's faster charging and slightly better performance might justify the extra cost.
