The vivo S6 5G and Huawei nova 7 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches – vivo focusing on a sleek design and efficient chipset, while Huawei prioritizes raw processing power and rapid charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and overall processing power, the Huawei nova 7 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Kirin 985 chipset and 40W charging significantly outperform the vivo S6 5G’s Exynos 980 and 18W charging, making it ideal for power users and those frequently on the go.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 31. Released 2020, April 12 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 74.7 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 2.94 x 0.34 in) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10 | OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55) | Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 980 (8 nm) | Kirin 985 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Mali-G77 (8-core) |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.0 | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, Panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | - | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 40W wired, 75% in 30 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White/Blue, Streamer Secret | Black, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Red, Green |
| Models | V1962A, V1962BA | JEF-TN00, JEF-AN00, JEF-NX9, JEF-AN20 |
| Price | - | About 390 EUR |
vivo S6 5G
- Potentially better power efficiency due to Exynos 980's architecture.
- Sleek and lightweight design (assumed based on vivo's design language).
- Competitive price point (likely).
- Slower 18W charging.
- Less powerful chipset compared to Kirin 985.
- Likely less advanced camera processing.
Huawei nova 7 5G
- Faster 40W charging with quick 30-minute boost.
- More powerful Kirin 985 chipset for better performance.
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessories.
- Potentially less power efficient than the Exynos 980.
- May run warmer under sustained load.
- Huawei's software situation (potential lack of Google services).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (OLED vs LCD, peak brightness) are missing, the focus here is on internal processing. Both likely feature FHD+ resolution displays typical of this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rate panels is a common omission in this segment, meaning users won't experience the smoother scrolling found on higher-end devices. Bezels are likely comparable, with both manufacturers aiming for a modern, immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests Huawei will likely emphasize its image processing capabilities. Huawei’s history demonstrates a focus on computational photography, potentially delivering more vibrant and detailed images, even with similar sensor sizes. The absence of information regarding OIS is a drawback for both, suggesting reliance on software stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and fixed focus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 7 5G’s Kirin 985 (7nm) has a clear architectural advantage over the vivo S6 5G’s Exynos 980 (8nm). The Kirin 985 utilizes a more powerful Cortex-A76 core (2.58 GHz) compared to the Exynos 980’s Cortex-A77 (2.2 GHz), and crucially, employs *three* A76 cores versus the Exynos’s two. This translates to superior multi-core performance, particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing or heavy multitasking. While both utilize Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (6 in the vivo, 4 in the Huawei), the Kirin’s overall configuration provides a performance edge. The 7nm process node of the Kirin 985 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 7 5G’s 40W wired charging is a significant advantage. The ability to reach 75% charge in just 30 minutes is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost. The vivo S6 5G’s 18W charging is comparatively slow, requiring considerably longer to fully charge the battery. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the nova 7 5G effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery size. The inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging on the Huawei is a useful, albeit niche, feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S6 5G if you prioritize a more power-efficient chipset for extended daily use and a slimmer profile. It’s a solid choice for users who don’t heavily rely on demanding applications or extensive gaming. Buy the Huawei nova 7 5G if you prefer faster processing speeds for multitasking and gaming, and if rapid charging is a must-have feature. This phone is geared towards users who demand performance and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the vivo S6 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 980 is generally a thermally efficient chip, but its 8nm process node is less advanced than the Kirin 985’s 7nm node. While it shouldn’t overheat drastically, expect some throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to a slight performance dip. The Huawei nova 7 5G is likely to maintain higher sustained performance due to its more efficient chipset.
❓ Is the 5W reverse wired charging on the Huawei nova 7 5G useful in real-world scenarios?
While 5W reverse charging isn't fast, it's surprisingly practical for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend's phone in an emergency. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it offers a convenient solution for small charging needs on the go.
❓ How does the Kirin 985 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Kirin 985 is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at high settings. The powerful Cortex-A76 cores and Mali-G77 GPU provide ample processing power for smooth gameplay. Expect to be able to run the game at high frame rates (likely 60fps) with minimal stuttering, even with demanding graphics settings.
❓ What is the impact of the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) on the Huawei nova 7 5G?
The absence of GMS means the Huawei nova 7 5G doesn't come with pre-installed Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, or the Play Store. Huawei offers its own ecosystem, AppGallery, and allows sideloading of apps, but compatibility and convenience may be limited for some users. This is a significant consideration for those heavily reliant on Google services.
