The vivo Z1x and Xiaomi Mi A3 represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver a balanced experience, but they took different approaches. The Z1x prioritized performance with a more powerful chipset, while the Mi A3 focused on a clean software experience through its Android One implementation. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the vivo Z1x is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 712 offers a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks and gaming. However, the Xiaomi Mi A3’s clean Android One software and respectable battery life make it a solid choice for those valuing simplicity and software updates.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2019, July 17. Released 2019, July 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm (6.04 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.6 g (6.70 oz) | 173.8 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 48 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4030 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fusion Blue, Phantom Purple | Kind of Gray, Not just Blue, More than White |
| Models | 1917, PD1921F_EX | M1906F9SH, M1906F9SI |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.53 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 74dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 81dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2345Basemark X: 17948 |
vivo Z1x
- Faster Snapdragon 712 processor for smoother performance
- 22.5W fast charging significantly reduces charging time
- 5W reverse wired charging for topping up other devices
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially lacking in brightness
- Camera details are limited, making image quality assessment difficult
Xiaomi Mi A3
- Clean Android One software with guaranteed updates
- Respectable battery life with 101-hour endurance rating
- Quick Charge 3.0 support for faster charging (though slower than Z1x)
- Snapdragon 665 processor is less powerful than the Z1x’s 712
- Display brightness may be insufficient in direct sunlight
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi A3 features a 363 nits max brightness display, which, while adequate for indoor use, may struggle in direct sunlight. The vivo Z1x’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely offers similar brightness levels. The Mi A3 boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term that doesn’t translate to a significantly superior viewing experience compared to a typical AMOLED panel. Without detailed color accuracy data for the Z1x, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Mi A3’s Android One software may offer more accurate color calibration options.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. The absence of specific details makes a direct comparison challenging. However, the Mi A3’s Android One software often includes Google’s excellent computational photography algorithms, potentially enhancing image quality. Without knowing the main sensor size or aperture on the Z1x, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Mi A3 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The vivo Z1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Mi A3’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 712’s Kryo 360 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, provide a substantial boost in CPU performance compared to the 665’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Z1x. The 10nm process node of the SD712 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While the 665 is efficient, it’s geared towards everyday tasks rather than demanding gaming or content creation.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Z1x and Xiaomi Mi A3 achieve an endurance rating of 101 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Z1x’s 22.5W wired charging is significantly faster than the Mi A3’s 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 support. This means the Z1x can replenish its battery much quicker, minimizing downtime. The Z1x also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Mi A3, allowing it to top up other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z1x if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps and games with relative ease, and if fast charging is a priority. It’s ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Mi A3 if you prefer a bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed updates, and if battery life and a clean UI are more important than raw processing power. It’s a great option for everyday users who value simplicity and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the Mi A3 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 665 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Z1x’s Snapdragon 712 offers a significantly better gaming experience with higher frame rates and more consistent performance at higher settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Xiaomi Mi A3 from 0% to 100%?
With its 18W charging and Quick Charge 3.0 support, the Xiaomi Mi A3 typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on the charger used. The vivo Z1x, with its 22.5W charging, can achieve a full charge in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
❓ Does the Android One software on the Mi A3 guarantee a specific number of software updates?
The Mi A3 was promised two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches as part of the Android One program. However, update delivery can sometimes be delayed.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Z1x useful for everyday scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging is primarily useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches in a pinch. It's not fast enough to significantly charge a smartphone.
