ZTE nubia Z60S Pro vs. vivo iQOO 12 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The ZTE nubia Z60S Pro and vivo iQOO 12 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone market. The nubia Z60S Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, aims for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the iQOO 12 Pro, with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, prioritizes raw power and cutting-edge charging technology. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and the fastest charging speeds, the vivo iQOO 12 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers a noticeable performance uplift, and the 120W wired and 50W wireless charging are unmatched. However, the nubia Z60S Pro remains a compelling option for those seeking excellent battery life and a potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE nubia Z60S Pro vivo iQOO 12 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, July 232023, November 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, August 12Available. Released 2023, November 14
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame-
Dimensions163.6 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)164.6 x 75.4 x 8.6 mm or 8.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight220 g (7.76 oz)205 g or 210 g (7.23 oz)
Display
ProtectionLongxi glass-
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~452 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, MyOS 14 (International), MyOS 14.5 (China)Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 (International), OriginOS 4 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.6, 35mm (standard), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), 1/4.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 125˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, AF-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, ulti-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.6, 70mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), AF
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS, 10-bit8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L2+L5), GLONASS (G1+G5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired120W wired 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5100 mAh5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Aqua, WhiteBlack, Red, White (BMW M branding)
Models-V2329A
PriceAbout 670 EURAbout 650 EUR

ZTE nubia Z60S Pro

  • Excellent battery life (12:12h active use)
  • Competitive price point (likely)
  • Efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset

  • Slower charging speeds (80W wired)
  • Older chipset compared to iQOO 12 Pro

vivo iQOO 12 Pro

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for peak performance
  • Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
  • 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging

  • Potentially higher price
  • Battery life may be slightly less than nubia Z60S Pro

Display Comparison

While specific display details are absent, both phones likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED panels. The iQOO 12 Pro, being a newer device, may benefit from advancements in panel technology, potentially offering higher peak brightness and improved color accuracy. However, without detailed specifications, it's difficult to definitively state a display advantage. Both brands are known for vibrant displays, so user preference will likely play a larger role.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, iQOO phones often prioritize camera performance, and the newer chipset in the iQOO 12 Pro likely enables more advanced image processing capabilities. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures makes it difficult to assess image quality, but the iQOO 12 Pro’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 should provide improvements in dynamic range and low-light performance. We can assume both phones will offer a versatile camera system, but the iQOO 12 Pro likely has an edge in computational photography.

Performance

The iQOO 12 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant leap over the nubia Z60S Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm). The Gen 3 features a new CPU architecture with the Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, compared to the Z60S Pro’s 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3. This, combined with the newer Adreno GPU, translates to faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance, particularly noticeable in demanding games. The iQOO 12 Pro’s CPU configuration (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) also offers a more balanced core distribution than the Z60S Pro’s (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510).

Battery Life

The nubia Z60S Pro boasts an impressive 12:12h active use battery score, indicating excellent power efficiency. While the iQOO 12 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, despite being more powerful, is also more efficient. However, the iQOO 12 Pro’s charging capabilities are a game-changer: 120W wired charging will deliver a full charge significantly faster than the nubia Z60S Pro’s 80W charging. The addition of 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging further enhances the iQOO 12 Pro’s convenience, offering flexibility in charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE nubia Z60S Pro if you need exceptional battery endurance for all-day use and value a balanced flagship experience without the absolute highest price tag. Buy the vivo iQOO 12 Pro if you prioritize peak performance for demanding games and applications, and if rapid charging – both wired and wireless – is a critical feature for your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the iQOO 12 Pro generate significantly more heat during prolonged gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the nubia Z60S Pro?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful, Qualcomm has focused on improving thermal efficiency with each generation. The iQOO 12 Pro likely incorporates advanced cooling solutions to mitigate heat generation. However, sustained peak performance will inevitably produce more heat than the Z60S Pro, potentially leading to slight throttling after extended gaming, though the iQOO 12 Pro's superior cooling should minimize this.
❓ How much faster is the 120W charging on the iQOO 12 Pro compared to the 80W charging on the nubia Z60S Pro in real-world usage?
The iQOO 12 Pro’s 120W charging can realistically charge a typical smartphone battery from 0% to 100% in around 25-30 minutes, while the nubia Z60S Pro’s 80W charging will likely take closer to 45-60 minutes. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the lack of wireless charging on the nubia Z60S Pro a significant drawback for users accustomed to this convenience?
For users who regularly utilize wireless charging, the absence of this feature on the nubia Z60S Pro is a notable omission. The iQOO 12 Pro’s 50W wireless charging provides a convenient alternative to wired charging, especially for overnight top-ups or in situations where a cable isn’t readily available.