The iQOO Z9 and Xiaomi Redmi K70 Ultra represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Z9, available primarily in China, focuses on delivering a solid experience with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. The K70 Ultra, however, aims higher with MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9300+ chipset, positioning itself as a performance leader. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset offers a significant performance leap over the iQOO Z9’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, coupled with faster 120W charging. While the Z9 offers a respectable experience, the K70 Ultra delivers a more premium and capable package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 48, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2024, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 29 | Available. Released 2024, July 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.9 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 160.4 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.31 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch/drop-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) | 1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR, 4500 nits (peak) | OLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 4000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.25 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 |
| OS | Android 14, OriginOS 4 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 20 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.4, A2DP, LE, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c) | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired
7.5W reverse wired | 120W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 24 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Black, White, Violet, Green Championship Edition, Orange Championship Edition |
| Models | V2361A | 2407FRK8EC |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 330 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z9 (China)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
- 80W fast charging is still quick
- Significantly less powerful than the K70 Ultra
- China-specific software and availability
- Likely a less refined overall experience
Xiaomi Redmi K70 Ultra
- Flagship-level Dimensity 9300+ performance
- Ultra-fast 120W charging with PD3.0
- Likely a superior display and camera system
- Higher price tag
- Potential for higher power consumption
- May require importing depending on region
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the K70 Ultra’s positioning, it likely features a higher-quality panel – potentially AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and higher peak brightness – than the Z9. The K70 Ultra’s flagship aspirations suggest a more refined display experience with narrower bezels and potentially better color accuracy. The Z9, targeting a more budget-conscious segment, likely utilizes a standard AMOLED or LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, given the K70 Ultra’s higher price point and overall positioning, it’s reasonable to assume it features a more advanced camera system. This could include a larger main sensor, optical image stabilization (OIS), and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Z9 likely offers a competent camera experience, but the K70 Ultra is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K70 Ultra’s MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ is a significant upgrade over the iQOO Z9’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. The Dimensity 9300+ boasts a 1x3.25 GHz Cortex-X4 core alongside 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 cores, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720 cores, offering substantially higher peak performance and improved multi-core capabilities compared to the Z9’s 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510 configuration. Both are built on a 4nm process, but the architectural advantages of the Dimensity 9300+ translate to a more responsive and capable device, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The K70 Ultra will likely exhibit less throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Redmi K70 Ultra’s 120W wired charging is a major advantage, promising a full charge in approximately 24 minutes. The iQOO Z9’s 80W charging is respectable, but significantly slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the K70 Ultra mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The K70 Ultra also supports PD3.0, offering wider compatibility with chargers and accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9 (China) if you need a reliable, efficient smartphone for everyday tasks and light gaming, and are comfortable with the China-specific software and import considerations. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Ultra if you prioritize raw performance for demanding games and applications, require the fastest possible charging speeds, and value a more powerful processor for long-term usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi K70 Ultra’s Dimensity 9300+ overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 9300+ is known for its efficiency, and Xiaomi typically employs robust thermal management solutions in their ‘K’ series. While some heat generation is inevitable during intense gaming, the K70 Ultra is expected to maintain stable performance for extended periods without significant throttling, thanks to its advanced cooling system and efficient chipset.
❓ Is the iQOO Z9 a good option for users who primarily use their phone for social media and basic tasks?
Yes, the iQOO Z9’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like social media browsing, video streaming, and light web browsing. It offers a smooth and responsive experience for these use cases, and its 80W charging provides convenient top-ups.
❓ Does the Redmi K70 Ultra support global LTE bands, or is it limited to China-specific networks?
This is a crucial consideration. While the K70 Ultra is a globally appealing device, its network compatibility can vary. It's essential to verify that the specific model you purchase supports the LTE bands used by your carrier to ensure full functionality. Check detailed specifications before purchasing.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the iQOO Z9 and the Redmi K70 Ultra?
The iQOO Z9 likely runs vivo’s OriginOS, which is heavily customized for the Chinese market. The Redmi K70 Ultra runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which offers more global language support and features. MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, while OriginOS prioritizes a streamlined and visually appealing interface.
