The ZTE Axon 11 4G and vivo X50e represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Axon 11 4G, now available at a lower price point, aims for value, while the X50e brings 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo X50e is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly better performance and 5G capabilities, justifying the potential price premium. While the Axon 11 4G offers a compelling value proposition, its older Helio P70 struggles to keep pace with modern demands.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE (4CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 04. Released 2020, June 17 | 2020, September 30. Released 2020, October 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 162.1 x 75 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 200.4 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10 | Android 10, Funtouch 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/384kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 a/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 | Wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 4350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | V1930 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 410 EUR |
ZTE Axon 11 4G
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Functional for everyday use
- Outdated Helio P70 chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Lacks 5G connectivity
vivo X50e
- Powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Faster 33W wired charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Superior image processing
- Potentially higher price
- May not be significantly better for *extremely* light users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the core difference lies elsewhere. The focus here is on the underlying performance impacting the user experience *with* the display, not the display itself. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor specifications, a direct camera comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio P70’s, offering superior image processing capabilities. This means better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the X50e’s ISP will extract more detail and produce more visually appealing photos. The presence of 5G also enables faster uploads to cloud storage for photos and videos.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The vivo X50e’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Axon 11 4G’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU architecture – with its Prime, Gold, and Silver cores – offers a more efficient and powerful configuration than the Helio P70’s Cortex-A73/A53 setup. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. Users intending to play demanding games or use resource-intensive applications will find the X50e far more capable.
Battery Life
The vivo X50e’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage. While the Axon 11 4G only supports standard wired charging, the X50e can significantly reduce charging times. This is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. Although battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency partially offsets any potential capacity difference, potentially leading to comparable real-world battery life despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Axon 11 4G if you prioritize absolute affordability and don't require 5G connectivity or demanding gaming performance. It's a solid option for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the vivo X50e if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, 5G access for future-proofing, and a more responsive overall experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the vivo X50e handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Helio P70 in the Axon 11 4G, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the vivo X50e actually useful if I don't have 5G coverage in my area yet?
Even without immediate 5G coverage, the vivo X50e’s 5G modem future-proofs the device. As 5G networks expand, you’ll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. Furthermore, the 5G modem often includes improvements in 4G connectivity as well, potentially offering slightly better 4G performance compared to the Axon 11 4G.
❓ How much of a difference will the faster charging make in real-world use with the vivo X50e?
The 33W charging on the X50e can realistically reduce a full charge time from over 2 hours (typical for the Axon 11 4G) to around 60-75 minutes. This is a substantial time saving, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery during the day. A quick 15-minute charge can provide several hours of usage.
