The vivo Z1x and Oppo K3 represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7-series, aimed to deliver a compelling blend of performance and affordability. However, a subtle yet significant difference in their chipsets – the Snapdragon 712 in the Z1x versus the 710 in the K3 – warrants a detailed comparison for users prioritizing responsiveness and sustained performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the vivo Z1x emerges as the slightly better choice. The Snapdragon 712 offers a modest but noticeable performance uplift over the 710, and the 22.5W charging provides a faster top-up experience. While the differences aren't massive, they justify the Z1x's slight edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 161.2 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.35 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.6 g (6.70 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.5", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3765 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fusion Blue, Phantom Purple | Black, Nebula Purple, Morning White |
| Models | 1917, PD1921F_EX | CPH1955, PCGM00 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Z1x
- Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 712)
- Faster 22.5W charging
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially higher price
- May not be significantly faster in all real-world scenarios
Oppo K3
- Potentially lower price
- Capable Snapdragon 710 performance
- Solid all-around experience
- Slower 20W charging
- Slightly less processing power than the Z1x
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Oppo specified display details beyond size in their marketing for these models. Assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels common to the price bracket, the key differentiator will be calibration and brightness. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the focus here is on the chipset, so display differences are likely minimal in real-world impact.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond sensor counts, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup geared towards versatility. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 712 *may* offer slightly improved image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions. However, software optimization plays a crucial role, and differences here are likely subtle. We can assume both phones will have similar limitations with low-light performance given their market segment.
Performance
The core distinction lies in the chipsets. The vivo Z1x’s Snapdragon 712 boasts a slightly higher clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz) on its Kryo 360 Gold cores compared to the Oppo K3’s Snapdragon 710. While both utilize the same CPU architecture (2x Gold + 6x Silver), the 100MHz clock speed increase translates to a measurable, though not dramatic, performance advantage for the Z1x in CPU-bound tasks. The GPU performance is also marginally better on the 712. Both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, but the Z1x’s chipset is better equipped to handle sustained workloads without significant thermal throttling.
Battery Life
The Oppo K3 features 20W wired charging, while the vivo Z1x steps it up to 22.5W. This difference, while seemingly small, translates to a faster 0-100% charge time for the Z1x. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 3940-4000mAh, based on market trends), the Z1x’s faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Z1x is also a unique feature absent on the K3, offering limited but useful functionality for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z1x if you prioritize slightly better performance for gaming and multitasking, and value faster charging speeds. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Oppo K3 if you're looking for a very capable all-rounder at potentially a lower price point, and aren't overly concerned with squeezing every last bit of performance out of your device. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in gaming performance between the Snapdragon 712 and 710?
While not a night-and-day difference, the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z1x will offer a slightly smoother gaming experience, particularly in demanding titles. The higher clock speeds and marginally improved GPU performance contribute to better frame rates and reduced stuttering. However, both phones are capable of handling most popular mobile games at medium settings.
❓ How much faster is the 22.5W charging on the vivo Z1x compared to the 20W charging on the Oppo K3?
Expect the vivo Z1x to charge approximately 10-15% faster than the Oppo K3. This translates to roughly 15-20 minutes saved when charging from 0% to 100%. While not a massive difference, it's a noticeable convenience for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z1x run cooler than the Snapdragon 710 in the Oppo K3 during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 712, being a slightly refined version of the 710, generally exhibits better thermal efficiency. This means the vivo Z1x is less likely to experience significant thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, potentially maintaining higher frame rates for longer periods. However, cooling solutions within each phone also play a crucial role.
