The vivo Z5i and Samsung Galaxy A50s represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both aimed to deliver a balanced experience, but they took different approaches to achieving it. The Z5i leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 675, while the A50s opts for Samsung's in-house Exynos 9611. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power management, the vivo Z5i emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 675, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable edge in CPU and GPU performance compared to the 10nm Exynos 9611, making it better suited for gaming and multitasking.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 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 22. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glazed Black, Jade Blue | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush Violet2 |
| Models | - | SM-A507F, SM-A507FN, SM-A5070 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 154761 (v7)
GeekBench: 5295 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 9.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Z5i
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 675 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 11nm process
- Less established brand recognition compared to Samsung
- Software update support may be less consistent
Samsung Galaxy A50s
- Samsung One UI offers a refined user experience
- Potentially wider availability of software updates
- Strong brand reputation and customer support
- Exynos 9611 chipset is less efficient and prone to throttling
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Higher price point for comparable performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, without specific display specs like resolution or peak brightness, a direct comparison is difficult. The A50s, being a Samsung, may benefit from slightly more refined color calibration, but the Z5i’s display quality is likely comparable. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the design trends of their release period.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of a 2MP macro lens (which is largely irrelevant), a definitive camera comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary sensor around the 12-16MP range. The Exynos 9611’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range in certain scenarios. However, the Snapdragon 675’s ISP is also capable, and image quality will heavily depend on software tuning. The Z5i’s advantage in processing power could also contribute to faster image processing times.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Z5i’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm) features a Kryo 460 CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Silver – designed for a balance of performance and efficiency. The Samsung Galaxy A50s utilizes the Exynos 9611, with a 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. While the A50s’ Cortex-A73 cores have a higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 675’s architecture and smaller manufacturing process (11nm vs 10nm) generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. This means the Z5i is less likely to throttle under prolonged load, benefiting gamers and heavy multitaskers.
Battery Life
Both devices offer modest battery capacities, typical for their time. The vivo Z5i supports 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A50s is limited to 15W. This 3W difference, while not massive, translates to a faster 0-100% charge time for the Z5i. The Snapdragon 675’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5i if you need a phone that can handle demanding applications and games without significant throttling, and if you value a more efficient chipset. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A50s if you prefer the Samsung One UI experience, and if you prioritize a potentially wider availability of software updates within the Samsung ecosystem, despite a slight performance compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy A50s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load, particularly during graphically intensive games. While it won't necessarily shut down, you can expect frame rate drops and reduced performance after extended gaming. The Snapdragon 675 in the Z5i manages heat more effectively, providing a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. You'll likely get better close-up results using the main camera in 'close focus' mode.
❓ Can the vivo Z5i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it may not consistently achieve 60fps on maximum settings, it can comfortably handle the game at 45-50fps, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. The Z5i’s thermal management will prevent significant throttling during extended play sessions.
