Realme X7 Max 5G vs. vivo Z1x: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Contenders

The Realme X7 Max 5G and vivo Z1x represent different approaches to the mid-range 5G smartphone market. The X7 Max 5G, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 1200, aims for flagship-level performance at a competitive price. Conversely, the vivo Z1x, with its Snapdragon 712, prioritizes efficiency and a more balanced experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the Realme X7 Max 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power compared to the vivo Z1x’s Snapdragon 712. However, the Z1x remains a viable option for those seeking a more efficient device with adequate performance for everyday tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Z1x Realme X7 Max 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, September2021, May 31
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, June 04
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189.6 g (6.70 oz)179 g (6.31 oz)
 -Splash resistant
Display
Protection-Dragontrail Glass
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 616Mali-G77 MC9
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioNo
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 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging22.5W wired 5W reverse wired50W wired, 50% in 16 min 2.5W reverse wired
Type4500 mAh, non-removable4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsFusion Blue, Phantom PurpleMercury Silver, Asteroid Black, Milky Way
Models1917, PD1921F_EX-
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 310 EUR
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     0.55 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 110h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.1 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 605819 (v8), 680671 (v9) GeekBench: 13105 (v4.4), 2614 (v5.1) GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo Z1x

  • More efficient Snapdragon 712 chipset for longer battery life during light use.
  • Potentially lower price point.
  • Reverse wired charging capability.

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the Dimensity 1200.
  • Slower charging speed (22.5W).
  • Less detailed display specifications.

Realme X7 Max 5G

  • Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset for excellent performance.
  • Ultra-fast 50W wired charging.
  • Brighter display with higher contrast.

  • Potentially higher price.
  • Dimensity 1200 may generate more heat under sustained load.
  • Lower reverse charging wattage (2.5W).

Display Comparison

The Realme X7 Max 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 640 nits, providing a significantly more visible display in outdoor conditions compared to the likely lower brightness of the vivo Z1x (spec not provided). While both phones likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their market segment, the X7 Max 5G’s higher brightness and infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggest a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. The Z1x’s display specifications are less detailed, making a direct comparison of color accuracy and viewing angles difficult.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo/video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The Realme X7 Max 5G likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 1200, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, a definitive camera comparison is challenging. However, the X7 Max 5G’s more powerful chipset suggests a greater capacity for computational photography features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X7 Max 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Z1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm). The Dimensity 1200’s octa-core configuration, featuring a high-clocked Cortex-A78 prime core, delivers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. The 6nm process node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 712, while capable, is geared towards mid-range performance and will struggle with demanding games at higher settings. The X7 Max 5G’s likely use of faster LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM further enhances its performance advantage.

Battery Life

Both phones share an endurance rating of 110 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the differing chipsets. However, the Realme X7 Max 5G’s 50W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of charging the battery to 50% in just 16 minutes. The vivo Z1x’s 22.5W charging is considerably slower. While the Z1x offers 5W reverse wired charging, the X7 Max 5G provides 2.5W reverse charging. The faster charging speed of the X7 Max 5G significantly reduces downtime and provides a more convenient user experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Z1x if you need a reliable daily driver with decent battery life and aren't demanding of intensive gaming or heavy multitasking. It's ideal for users who prioritize efficiency and a lower price point. Buy the Realme X7 Max 5G if you prefer a phone capable of handling demanding games, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks, and if fast 50W charging is a must-have feature. This is the choice for power users on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Dimensity 1200 in the Realme X7 Max 5G prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, it can generate more heat than the Snapdragon 712. However, Realme likely implemented thermal management solutions to mitigate this. User reports suggest that throttling is minimal during typical gaming sessions, but prolonged, demanding gameplay may lead to some performance reduction. The 6nm process node does help with thermal efficiency compared to older nodes.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z1x handle multitasking and app switching?
The Snapdragon 712 is capable of handling moderate multitasking. However, with fewer cores and lower clock speeds compared to the Dimensity 1200, the Z1x may experience some slowdown or app reloading when running numerous apps simultaneously. It's best suited for users who typically run a few apps at a time.
❓ Does the Realme X7 Max 5G support high refresh rate gaming?
The Realme X7 Max 5G's Dimensity 1200 chipset and likely display panel support high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz). This, combined with the powerful GPU, allows for smoother gameplay in supported titles. However, achieving consistently high frame rates will depend on the game's optimization and graphics settings.