The vivo Z5 and Oppo K3 represent a fascinating point in the mid-range smartphone market – a time when incremental chipset improvements could significantly impact user experience. Both devices leverage Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7-series, but the Z5 boasts the slightly newer Snapdragon 712, while the K3 utilizes the Snapdragon 710. This comparison dissects the nuances between these two SoCs and their impact on daily usage, gaming, and battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly faster performance and marginally quicker charging, the vivo Z5 emerges as the better choice. The Snapdragon 712 offers a small but measurable performance uplift over the 710 in the Oppo K3, making it ideal for those who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming. However, the difference isn't massive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, August | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | 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 | 187 g (6.60 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), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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, GALILEO, BDS | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3765 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora illusion, Bamboo Forest Night, Holographic illusion | Black, Nebula Purple, Morning White |
| Models | V1921A, V1921T, 1921 | CPH1955, PCGM00 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 210 EUR |
vivo Z5
- Slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 712)
- Faster 22.5W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- No significant advantage in display quality
Oppo K3
- Potentially lower price point
- Solid all-around performance
- Reliable Snapdragon 710 chipset
- Slower 20W charging
- Slightly less processing power than the Z5
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Oppo provided display specs beyond the basic resolution. However, given the market positioning of both devices, it's safe to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display, which is tied to the chipset. The Snapdragon 712 in the Z5 *may* offer slightly smoother animations due to its higher clock speeds, but this is unlikely to be a visually noticeable difference for most users. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of the time.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature similar camera setups geared towards the mid-range market. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 712 *may* offer slightly improved image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The difference will be minimal, and image quality will largely depend on the sensor and lens used, which are currently unknown.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The vivo Z5’s Snapdragon 712 features a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the K3’s Snapdragon 710) for its Kryo 360 Gold cores. While both utilize the same Kryo 360 architecture, the 100MHz difference, coupled with minor improvements in the 712’s GPU, translates to a measurable, though not dramatic, performance increase in benchmarks and real-world tasks. The 712’s Adreno 612 GPU offers a small advantage in graphics rendering, potentially leading to slightly higher frame rates in demanding games. Both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, but the 712’s improved memory controller could contribute to slightly faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Both devices offer respectable battery life, but the vivo Z5’s 22.5W charging provides a tangible advantage over the Oppo K3’s 20W charging. While both are wired charging solutions, the Z5 can replenish its battery faster, reducing downtime. The actual battery capacity is not specified, but the faster charging speed of the Z5 means users will spend less time tethered to a wall outlet, especially beneficial for those who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5 if you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games with a bit more headroom, and if the faster 22.5W charging is a priority. Buy the Oppo K3 if you're looking for a solid all-around performer at potentially a lower price point, and aren't overly concerned with squeezing every last bit of performance out of your device. The K3 is a strong contender for users who prioritize value and a balanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in gaming performance between the Snapdragon 712 and 710?
While the Snapdragon 712 offers a performance edge, the difference isn't massive. You'll likely see slightly higher frame rates in demanding games on the Z5, but the K3 will still provide a perfectly playable experience. The difference will be more noticeable in graphically intensive titles.
❓ How much faster is the 22.5W charging on the vivo Z5 compared to the 20W charging on the Oppo K3?
The 22.5W charging on the Z5 will reduce charging times by approximately 15-20% compared to the K3's 20W charging. This means you'll be able to get a significant charge in a shorter amount of time, which is particularly useful if you're often on the go.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z5 offer any advantages in terms of software updates or long-term support?
Generally, newer chipsets receive longer software support. However, software update policies are primarily determined by the manufacturer (vivo in this case), not the chipset itself. It's best to check vivo's official update schedule for the Z5 to determine its long-term support outlook.
