The vivo Z3x and Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S represent a fascinating point in smartphone history – the peak of the Snapdragon 660’s popularity. Both devices aimed for the budget-conscious consumer, but subtle differences in features and implementation could sway a buyer. This comparison dissects those nuances to determine which phone delivers the better overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 660 chipset, the Redmi Note 7S’s inclusion of 18W Quick Charge 4 support provides a tangible benefit in daily usability, offsetting any minor differences in other areas.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, May | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| 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) | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60/120fps, (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3260 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora | Onyx Black, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, Astro White |
| Models | V1730GA | M1901F71 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 140 EUR |
vivo Z3x
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Solid Snapdragon 660 performance
- Reliable battery life (estimated)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- May lack advanced camera features
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S
- 18W Quick Charge 4 support
- Potentially better camera with 48MP sensor
- MIUI offers extensive customization
- MIUI can be resource-intensive
- Aggressive background app management
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Z3x and Redmi Note 7S likely feature IPS LCD panels, common for this price point in 2019. Without specific display specs like resolution or brightness, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Redmi Note 7S’s larger screen size (typically 6.3 inches vs. the Z3x’s 6.26 inches) may offer a more immersive viewing experience. The absence of high refresh rate technology on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more modern phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will depend heavily on sensor size and image processing. The Redmi Note 7S often featured a 48MP main sensor in its variants, which, while not always translating to superior image quality, provides more detail for cropping and digital zoom. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi Note 7S, a common feature in Xiaomi’s software, could give it an edge in low-light photography. The inclusion of 2MP depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff and contributes little to overall image quality.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) with its octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). This means CPU performance will be virtually identical in most tasks. The real-world difference will come down to RAM management and software optimization. While RAM amounts aren’t specified, the Redmi Note 7S’s MIUI often includes aggressive background app management, which could impact multitasking. Thermal throttling, while not a major concern with the SD660, could be slightly better managed on the Z3x if vivo employed a more conservative software profile.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely hover around the 4000mAh mark, typical for this class of device. The key differentiator is the Redmi Note 7S’s 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support. This significantly reduces charging times compared to the Z3x, which likely relies on standard 10W or 15W charging. For users who frequently need to top up their battery, the Redmi Note 7S offers a substantial convenience advantage. The SD660’s efficiency contributes to reasonable battery life on both devices, but the faster charging of the Redmi Note 7S is a clear win.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z3x if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience and are less concerned with fast charging. It’s a solid option for users who prefer a minimalist approach. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7S if you value faster charging speeds and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI software, which offers extensive customization options and features. This phone is ideal for users who frequently top up their battery throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 660 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 660 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. Both phones will offer a similar gaming experience in this regard.
❓ Is the MIUI software on the Redmi Note 7S heavily customized with bloatware?
MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, but it does come pre-installed with a fair amount of bloatware. Fortunately, many of these apps can be uninstalled. The level of bloatware can vary depending on the region and carrier.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Redmi Note 7S compare to standard 5W charging?
18W Quick Charge 4 is significantly faster than standard 5W charging. A full charge from 0% to 100% on the Redmi Note 7S will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with QC4, whereas a standard 5W charger could take 4-5 hours.
