The vivo Y73 and iQOO Z5x represent distinct approaches within vivo’s mid-range lineup. The Y73 prioritizes a balance of features at a competitive price, while the iQOO Z5x aims for a more performance-focused experience, particularly appealing to mobile gamers. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the iQOO Z5x emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 900 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Y73’s Helio G95, and the faster 44W charging mitigates the slightly smaller battery. While the Y73 remains a viable option, the Z5x’s superior processing power justifies the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 10 | 2021, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 12 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 74.4 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.29 in) | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, HDR10, 430 nits (typ), 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 61% in 30 min | 44W wired, 70% in 38 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Flare, Roman Black | Black, Orange, Silver |
| Models | V2059, V2146, V2212, V2168 | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y73
- Potentially lower price point
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Vivo’s established camera software
- Less powerful Helio G95 chipset
- Slower 33W charging
- Likely less efficient power consumption
vivo iQOO Z5x
- Significantly faster Dimensity 900 chipset
- Faster 44W charging
- Improved thermal management
- Potentially higher price
- iQOO’s more aggressive design aesthetic
- May prioritize performance over camera features
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, refresh rate, peak brightness) are missing. The focus here is on internal power. The Y73’s Helio G95 will struggle to consistently drive high refresh rates, while the Z5x’s Dimensity 900 has the headroom to handle 90Hz or even 120Hz displays if implemented. This impacts smoothness during scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. However, the iQOO brand generally emphasizes performance, suggesting a focus on image processing speed. The Y73 may lean towards more saturated, social-media-friendly image profiles, typical of vivo’s aesthetic. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, meaning low-light performance will likely be a weakness for both. The usefulness of any 2MP macro lens on either phone is questionable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Z5x’s Mediatek Dimensity 900, built on a more efficient 6nm process, significantly outperforms the vivo Y73’s Helio G95 (12nm). The Dimensity 900’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.4 GHz) provide a substantial CPU performance boost compared to the Y73’s Cortex-A76 cores (2.05 GHz). This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z5x’s 44W charging is a clear advantage, achieving 70% charge in 38 minutes, compared to the Y73’s 33W charging (61% in 30 minutes). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Z5x effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Dimensity 900’s superior power efficiency also contributes to longer battery life during demanding tasks, offsetting any capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y73 if you prioritize a consistently smooth experience for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light multimedia consumption, and value a slightly more conservative design. Buy the vivo iQOO Z5x if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, demand faster app loading times, and appreciate quicker charging speeds, even if it means a potentially more aggressive aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iQOO Z5x’s Dimensity 900 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
The Dimensity 900 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but expect to make compromises on graphics settings. High settings may result in frame drops, so medium settings are recommended for a smoother experience. The Z5x’s improved thermal management will help sustain performance for longer periods compared to the Y73.
❓ Is the charging speed difference between 33W and 44W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 44W charging on the iQOO Z5x provides a tangible benefit. While both phones offer fast charging, the Z5x’s faster rate translates to significantly less time tethered to a charger, especially important for users who frequently top up their battery throughout the day. The 70% in 38 minutes is a substantial improvement over the Y73’s 61% in 30 minutes.
❓ Does either phone support 5G connectivity?
The Mediatek Dimensity 900 in the iQOO Z5x *does* support 5G connectivity. The Helio G95 in the vivo Y73 is a 4G-only chipset. This is a key consideration for users in areas with 5G coverage.
