vivo Z1x vs Nokia 7.2: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Contenders

The vivo Z1x and Nokia 7.2 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Z1x prioritizes performance with a newer chipset and faster charging, while the Nokia 7.2 focuses on a clean software experience and a well-regarded display. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo Z1x emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 712 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Nokia 7.2’s Snapdragon 660, and the 22.5W charging is a significant convenience. While the Nokia 7.2 boasts a clean Android One experience, the Z1x’s performance advantage is more impactful for daily use.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Z1x Nokia 7.2
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROW
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps or LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - IN
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, September2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 23
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame
Dimensions159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)159.9 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189.6 g (6.70 oz)180 g (6.35 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDIPS LCD, HDR10
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 616Adreno 512
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRZeiss optics, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX
NFCNoYes (excl. India)
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging22.5W wired 5W reverse wired10W wired
Type4500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsFusion Blue, Phantom PurpleCyan Green, Charcoal, Ice
Models1917, PD1921F_EXTA-1193, TA-1178, TA-1196, TA-1181
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 240 EUR
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     0.55 W/kg (body)1.15 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.44 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 69h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1342:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -29.6 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 139495 (v7), 164484 (v8) GeekBench: 5440 (v4.4), 1398 (v5.1) GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo Z1x

  • Faster Snapdragon 712 processor
  • Significantly faster 22.5W charging
  • 5W Reverse Wired Charging
  • Potentially better gaming performance

  • Software experience may not appeal to all (Funtouch OS)
  • Camera specs are unknown

Nokia 7.2

  • Clean Android One software experience
  • Bright and high-contrast display (585 nits, 1342:1)
  • Good battery endurance (69h)
  • Reputable brand for image processing

  • Slower Snapdragon 660 processor
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Less powerful for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

The Nokia 7.2’s display is a standout feature, achieving a measured peak brightness of 585 nits and a 1342:1 contrast ratio. This ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. While the vivo Z1x’s display specifications aren’t provided, the Nokia 7.2’s high brightness and contrast give it a clear advantage for media consumption. The nominal 1342:1 contrast ratio on the Nokia 7.2 suggests a well-tuned panel, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nokia 7.2’s brand reputation suggests a focus on image processing quality, potentially offering more natural-looking photos. The absence of detailed camera specs on the Z1x suggests it may rely more on software enhancements, which can sometimes lead to over-processed images. The lack of information on OIS or aperture sizes prevents a deeper analysis.

Performance

The vivo Z1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Nokia 7.2’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 712’s Kryo 360 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, deliver faster single-core performance, while its six Kryo 360 Silver cores at 1.7 GHz handle background tasks efficiently. The 10nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the 14nm Snapdragon 660. This means the Z1x will maintain higher sustained performance during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks. The Nokia 7.2’s Snapdragon 660, with its 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, is still capable, but noticeably slower.

Battery Life

Both the vivo Z1x and Nokia 7.2 share an endurance rating of 69 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Z1x’s 22.5W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the Nokia 7.2’s slow 10W charging. The Z1x can significantly reduce charging times, getting you back up and running much faster. The Z1x also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Nokia 7.2, allowing it to top up other devices.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Z1x if you need a phone for gaming, multitasking, or frequently use demanding applications. The Snapdragon 712 provides a smoother experience and faster app loading times. Buy the Nokia 7.2 if you prioritize a clean, bloatware-free Android experience and a consistently bright display, and your usage is primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7.2 still capable of handling modern apps and games?
While the Snapdragon 660 is a capable chip, it's showing its age. It can handle most everyday tasks and some less demanding games, but you'll likely experience slowdowns and longer loading times with newer, more graphically intensive titles compared to the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z1x.
❓ How much faster is the 22.5W charging on the vivo Z1x compared to the 10W charging on the Nokia 7.2?
The difference is substantial. 22.5W charging can significantly reduce charging times, potentially taking a phone from 0% to 50% in around 30-45 minutes, while the Nokia 7.2’s 10W charging could take over 2 hours to reach the same level. This makes the Z1x much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Nokia 7.2's Android One software guarantee faster updates?
Android One typically provides quicker security updates and a guaranteed upgrade to the latest Android version for a set period. However, Nokia's update track record has been inconsistent, so while it *should* receive updates faster than the Z1x, it's not a certainty.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on the vivo Z1x a major concern?
It is a concern. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, or presence of OIS, it's difficult to assess the Z1x's camera performance. It suggests that the camera may not be a primary selling point, and image quality might rely heavily on software processing.