The vivo Z5i and Oppo K5 represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches, primarily centered around their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Snapdragon 675-powered Z5i and the Snapdragon 730G-equipped K5, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Oppo K5 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 730G offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Z5i’s Snapdragon 675, coupled with significantly faster 30W charging. While the Z5i remains a capable device, the K5 provides a more robust and enjoyable experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2019, October. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, 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 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 67% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glazed Black, Jade Blue | Cyber metal, Fantasy forest, Polar sunshine |
| Models | - | PCNM00 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 240 EUR |
vivo Z5i
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 is still a capable chipset
- Slower Snapdragon 675 processor
- Significantly slower 18W charging
- Likely less refined camera performance
Oppo K5
- Faster Snapdragon 730G processor
- 30W fast charging (67% in 30 minutes)
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Potentially higher price
- May experience slightly more heat under sustained load (though 8nm helps)
- No information on display quality beyond basic assumptions
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Given the context data focuses on the chipsets, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely 60Hz. The real difference will come down to color calibration and peak brightness, which are not specified. However, given Oppo’s generally stronger display tuning, the K5 likely offers a slightly more vibrant and accurate visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature multi-camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The Snapdragon 730G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 675’s, offering improved image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. This means the K5 is likely to produce sharper, more detailed photos with better dynamic range. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone features optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The Oppo K5’s Snapdragon 730G, built on an 8nm process, represents a significant step up from the vivo Z5i’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 730G’s Kryo 470 Gold cores clock at 2.2 GHz versus the 675’s 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores, and the 730G benefits from a more efficient architecture. This translates to approximately 20-30% better CPU performance in benchmarks and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance, making the K5 the superior choice for gaming and demanding applications. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds are a key distinction. The Oppo K5’s 30W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of reaching 67% charge in just 30 minutes. The vivo Z5i’s 18W charging is considerably slower. Even if the Z5i has a slightly larger battery, the K5’s faster charging mitigates any potential endurance advantage, offering greater convenience for users on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5i if you need a functional, affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Buy the Oppo K5 if you prioritize smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, and significantly faster charging – making it ideal for users who demand more from their device and value convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 730G in the Oppo K5 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 730G is specifically designed for gaming. It offers a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 675, allowing for smoother frame rates and a more responsive gaming experience in titles like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, even at higher graphics settings. While not a flagship-level experience, it's more than capable for enjoyable mobile gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Oppo K5 compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Z5i in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Oppo K5 can reach 67% charge in 30 minutes, while the vivo Z5i will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This means you can quickly top up the K5 during short breaks, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the move. The Z5i requires a much longer charging period.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 730G in the Oppo K5 offer any advantages for video recording?
Yes, the Snapdragon 730G’s improved ISP supports higher-quality video recording, including potentially better stabilization and dynamic range. While the exact video recording capabilities depend on the software implementation, the 730G provides the hardware foundation for superior video performance compared to the 675.
