The vivo Z3x and Xiaomi Mi A3 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Z3x leverages the slightly older, but still capable, Snapdragon 660, while the Mi A3 opts for the newer, more efficient Snapdragon 665. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and software experience, the Xiaomi Mi A3 emerges as the better choice. While the vivo Z3x offers a similar level of performance, the Mi A3’s Snapdragon 665, coupled with its Android One program, provides a smoother, more up-to-date software experience and potentially better long-term battery life.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, May | 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 | 154.8 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.09 x 2.95 x 0.31 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 173.8 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, 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), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3260 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4030 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora | Kind of Gray, Not just Blue, More than White |
| Models | V1730GA | M1906F9SH, M1906F9SI |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 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 Z3x
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance due to higher clock speeds.
- May offer a more vibrant image processing style (subjective).
- Established brand recognition in some markets.
- Less efficient Snapdragon 660 chipset.
- Likely less frequent software updates.
- Charging speed is unknown and potentially slower.
Xiaomi Mi A3
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset for better battery life.
- Android One program guarantees timely software updates.
- 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support for faster charging.
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance compared to the Z3x.
- May have a more subdued image processing style (subjective).
- Display brightness is only moderately high.
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Mi A3 boasts a measured peak brightness of 363 nits, a respectable figure for outdoor visibility, though not class-leading. While the Z3x’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely comparable. Both devices feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating a typical AMOLED panel. The absence of high refresh rate technology on either device means users won’t experience the smoother scrolling found on more premium phones. The Mi A3’s display is the only one with measured data, giving it a slight edge in quantifiable display quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize similar budget-oriented camera modules. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on many phones in this segment is likely, but its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. The image processing style will likely be the differentiating factor, leaning towards vivo’s typically vibrant aesthetic versus Xiaomi’s more natural approach.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Z3x utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, built on a 14nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. The Xiaomi Mi A3, however, employs the Snapdragon 665, fabricated on a more efficient 11nm process, with a similar octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). The 11nm process of the 665 translates to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Z3x’s higher clock speeds on the Gold cores *suggest* a slight theoretical performance advantage, the 665’s efficiency and optimized architecture likely result in a more consistent user experience.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Z3x and Xiaomi Mi A3 achieve an impressive endurance rating of 101 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. However, the Snapdragon 665 in the Mi A3’s more efficient 11nm process contributes to lower power consumption. The Mi A3 also supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Z3x, whose charging capabilities are unspecified. This faster charging, combined with the efficient chipset, gives the Mi A3 a slight advantage in overall usability.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z3x if you prioritize raw, sustained performance for demanding tasks and don't mind a potentially less refined software experience. Its Snapdragon 660, while older, can handle heavier workloads slightly better. Buy the Xiaomi Mi A3 if you value a clean, bloatware-free Android experience with guaranteed updates, efficient power management, and a more modern chipset, even if it means a marginal performance decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 660 in the vivo Z3x struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 660 can run PUBG Mobile, users may experience frame drops and throttling during extended gaming sessions, especially at higher graphics settings. The 665 in the Mi A3, with its improved efficiency, is likely to offer a more consistent gaming experience, though neither phone will match the performance of higher-end chipsets.
❓ How long will the Xiaomi Mi A3 receive Android updates?
As part of the Android One program, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is guaranteed at least two major Android version updates and three years of security patches. This ensures the phone remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features for a longer period than the vivo Z3x, which typically receives less consistent software support.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Mi A3 significantly faster than a standard 10W charger?
Yes, 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 will noticeably reduce charging times compared to a standard 10W charger. While a full 0-100% charge time isn't specified, you can expect a substantial boost in charging speed, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
