The Huawei nova 5T and vivo Z5i represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal. The nova 5T leverages Huawei’s Kirin 980 chipset, a former flagship processor, while the Z5i opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675. This comparison dives deep into the nuances of each device to determine which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Huawei nova 5T is the clear winner. Its Kirin 980 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 675 in the Z5i. However, the Z5i remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't demand the absolute fastest processing speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.8 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Kirin 980 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G76 MP10 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1"
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 24 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glazed Black, Jade Blue | Black, Crush Blue, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green |
| Models | - | YAL-L21, YAL-L61, YAL-L71, YAL-L61D |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 340 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 313024 (v7), 395503 (v8)
GeekBench: 10013 (v4.4), 2504 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Z5i
- More powerful Kirin 980 processor
- Faster 22.5W charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potential software concerns related to Huawei's ecosystem
Huawei nova 5T
- More affordable price point
- Reliable Snapdragon 675 performance for everyday tasks
- Qualcomm's established software support
- Slower charging speed
- Noticeably less powerful processor compared to the nova 5T
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD) are missing, both likely utilize IPS LCDs common in this price bracket. The focus here is on processing power, not display fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate for typical use. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is standard for the segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the processors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Kirin 980’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the one found in the Snapdragon 675, suggesting the nova 5T will likely produce images with better dynamic range and detail. The presence of a more powerful processor allows for more complex image processing algorithms. It's reasonable to assume the nova 5T will offer a more refined camera experience, even if the sensor sizes are similar. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and won't significantly impact image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 5T’s Kirin 980 (7nm) is a significant step up from the vivo Z5i’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The Kirin 980 features a tri-cluster architecture with 2x 2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, 2x 1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, and 4x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offering superior multi-core performance and more efficient processing. The Snapdragon 675, with its 2x 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x 1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver cores, is competent but noticeably slower. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the nova 5T. The 7nm process node of the Kirin 980 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use. The charging speeds are where a clear distinction emerges. The Huawei nova 5T’s 22.5W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 24 minutes, is significantly faster than the vivo Z5i’s 18W charging. This faster charging is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the nova 5T effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5i if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks, social media, and light gaming, and are prioritizing affordability. Its Snapdragon 675 is sufficient for everyday use. Buy the Huawei nova 5T if you prefer a smoother experience with demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming, and value faster charging speeds – the Kirin 980 provides a noticeable performance advantage and the 22.5W charging is a significant convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 980 in the Huawei nova 5T experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 980 is a powerful processor, throttling can occur under sustained load. However, the 7nm process node and Huawei's thermal management solutions generally provide better throttling control compared to the Snapdragon 675 in the Z5i, resulting in more consistent performance over longer gaming periods.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo Z5i capable of running demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Snapdragon 675 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect to compromise on graphical fidelity to achieve smooth gameplay. The nova 5T's Kirin 980 will offer a significantly smoother experience with higher settings and frame rates.
❓ How does Huawei's software (EMUI) compare to vivo's (Funtouch OS) in terms of user experience and bloatware?
Historically, EMUI has been criticized for being more heavily customized and including more pre-installed bloatware than Funtouch OS. However, both interfaces have evolved. Users generally find Funtouch OS to be lighter and closer to stock Android, while EMUI offers more features but can feel less intuitive.
❓ What type of charging protocol does each phone use (Quick Charge, USB-PD, etc.)?
The Huawei nova 5T utilizes Huawei's SuperCharge protocol, while the vivo Z5i likely supports Qualcomm's Quick Charge. Neither phone explicitly supports USB-PD, meaning you'll get the fastest charging speeds with their respective proprietary chargers.
