The iQOO Z9 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A55 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The iQOO aims to undercut the competition with aggressive pricing and a focus on core performance, while the Galaxy A55 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and a more refined software experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a brighter, more color-accurate display and longer battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is the superior choice. However, users on a tighter budget who prioritize raw CPU performance for tasks like app switching and light gaming will find the iQOO Z9 Lite a compelling alternative.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 15 | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 20 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xclipse 530 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mocha Brown, Aqua Flow | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | I2306 | SM-A556V, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | $ 324.99 / £ 251.50 / € 319.99 / ₹ 23,998 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Z9 Lite
- More powerful CPU for the price
- Potentially more affordable
- Faster wired charging (15W vs 15W - assuming similar battery capacity)
- Likely inferior display quality
- Less efficient chipset
- Unknown battery life
Samsung Galaxy A55
- Superior display brightness and color accuracy
- Excellent battery life (13:27h active use)
- More efficient chipset (4nm Exynos 1480)
- Higher price point
- Slower CPU clock speeds compared to iQOO Z9 Lite
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A55 boasts a clear advantage in the display department, achieving a measured peak brightness of 1010 nits. This significantly surpasses what we’d expect from the iQOO Z9 Lite, making the A55 far more usable outdoors. While the iQOO Z9 Lite’s panel specifications are not provided, Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology typically delivers superior color accuracy and contrast. The A55’s higher brightness also benefits HDR content consumption, offering a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience. We anticipate the iQOO Z9 Lite uses an LCD panel, which, while functional, won’t match the A55’s visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the iQOO Z9 Lite, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Samsung typically prioritizes camera performance in its A-series devices. The Galaxy A55 likely features a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Exynos 1480, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. While the iQOO Z9 Lite may offer a competitive main sensor, the A55’s image processing algorithms and potential for features like optical image stabilization (OIS) – common in Samsung’s A-series – will likely deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. We’d expect the A55 to excel in video recording as well.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480, fabricated on a 4nm process, offers a more efficient and powerful architecture than the iQOO Z9 Lite’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The A55’s CPU configuration – 4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – provides a noticeable performance uplift over the iQOO’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. While both phones utilize Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, the A78 cores in the A55 are a generation ahead of the A76 cores in the iQOO, translating to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A55 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 13 hours and 27 minutes. While the iQOO Z9 Lite’s battery capacity is unknown, the A55’s longer runtime suggests a combination of a larger battery and the more efficient 4nm Exynos 1480 chipset. Furthermore, the A55 supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the iQOO Z9 Lite’s 15W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The A55’s charging speed, combined with its excellent battery life, makes it the more convenient option for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9 Lite if you need a phone primarily for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming, and are looking for the most performance for your dollar. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if you prefer a more polished user experience, a significantly brighter and more vibrant display, and all-day battery life, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1480, built on a 4nm process, is generally efficient and well-managed in terms of thermals. While some throttling may occur during extended, graphically demanding gaming, it's unlikely to be a significant issue for most users. Samsung’s thermal management system is typically effective at preventing overheating and maintaining stable performance.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the iQOO Z9 Lite slow compared to other phones in this price range?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to the 25W charging offered by the Samsung Galaxy A55 and many other phones in the mid-range segment. While it will still charge the device overnight, users who frequently need quick top-ups may find it inconvenient.
❓ How does the Dimensity 6300 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 6300 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you may need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. The Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 will provide a more stable and higher-fidelity gaming experience.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect from Samsung for the Galaxy A55?
Samsung typically provides excellent software support for its A-series devices. The Galaxy A55 is likely to receive at least four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security patches, ensuring long-term usability and security.
