Scored using Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Smartphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartphones Methodology v1.0

vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£410RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:6.44 inchesMain camera megapixels:48 MP & 13 MP & 13 MP & 2 MP

vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

6.3

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 67% of smartphones
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.5

Camera

15%

5.7

Display

15%

6.2

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

8.1

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

â–¼Worse than 63%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartphone vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.5

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.5

Camera

15%

5.7

Display

15%

6.2

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.5

Connectivity

4%

8.1

Audio

3%

6.9

Design

6.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

6.9
Brand name
vivo
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor which is faster than processors in 70.4% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1.8% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
12 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 12 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 59% of smartphones and equal to that of 24.3% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.84 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.84 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 68.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 10
Android version
Android 10
This smartphone runs Android version Android 10 which is older than that found in 88.8% of smartphones and equal to that in 5.1% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
48 MP & 13 MP & 13 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 48 MP & 13 MP & 13 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 76.6% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
30.7 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 30.7 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 63.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.3% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
1.6 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.44 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.44 inches which is smaller than the screens of 84.4% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
409 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 409 ppi which is higher than that of 66.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.5% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
4,400 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,400 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 84.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1.2% of smartphones.
Charging speed
55 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 55 W which is faster than in 64.1% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 0.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
50 min
This smartphone reaches a full wired charge in 50 min which is faster than 67.5% of smartphones and equal to the time of 2.6% of smartphones.
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
158.5 mm
This smartphone has a height of 158.5 mm which is shorter than 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.4% of smartphones.
Width
74.9 mm
This smartphone has a width of 74.9 mm which is narrower than 71.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.2% of smartphones.
Thickness
9.2 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 9.2 mm which is thicker than 82.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 1% of smartphones.
Weight
214.5 g
This smartphone weighs 214.5 g which is heavier than 77.4% of smartphones.
Device volume
105,228 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 105,228 cm³ which is larger than 78.2% of smartphones.
Show more

vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 8.25x higher PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone achieves a higher PassMark score than the average smartphone (36,212 vs 4,389). The average smartphone PassMark score is 4,389.
    36,212 vs 4,389
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • 18.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.84 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (12 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    12 GB vs 8 GB
  • 8.25x higher PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone achieves a higher PassMark score than the average smartphone (36,212 vs 4,389). The average smartphone PassMark score is 4,389.
    36,212 vs 4,389
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 18.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.84 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 2 more memory channels
    This smartphone has more memory channels than the average smartphone (4 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • 75.8% more L2 cache
    This smartphone has more L2 cache than the average smartphone (1,800 KB vs 1,024 KB). The average L2 cache is 1,024 KB.
    1,800 KB vs 1,024 KB
  • 60.1% higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (41 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    40.98 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 18.6% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,117 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,117 vs 942
  • 9.8% higher PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone has a higher PCMark Work 3.0 performance score than the average smartphone (11,837 vs 10,783). The average score is 10,783.
    11,837 vs 10,783
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 29.3% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,274 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    3,274 vs 2,533
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Has a multi-lens front camera
    This smartphone features a multi-lens front camera, the average smartphone does not. 18% of smartphones have multiple front lenses.
  • Supports 360° panorama
    This smartphone can capture 360° panoramas, the average smartphone cannot. 25.2% of smartphones support 360° panoramas.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Has an infrared sensor
    This smartphone includes an infrared sensor, the average smartphone does not. 33.3% of smartphones feature an IR blaster.
  • 1 more external displays supported
    This smartphone supports more external displays than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone supports 1 external displays.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • 28.5% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (848 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    848 nits vs 660 nits
  • 3.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (409 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    409 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass 6 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 6 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 66.7% faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (55 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    55 W vs 33 W
  • 12 min faster GSMArena full wired charge time
    This smartphone has a faster GSMArena full wired charge time than the average smartphone (50 min vs 62 min). The average charge time is 62 min.
    50 min vs 62 min
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 5.1 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (158.5 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    158.5 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 1.1 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (74.9 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    74.9 mm vs 76 mm
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 38.2% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (587 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    587 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • 12% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • 5.44x less popular
    vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 6.3% worse value for money
    vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.9 vs 7.3).
    6.9 vs 7.34
  • 57.7% more expensive
    vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£410 vs £260).
    £410 vs £260
  • 38.2% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (587 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    587 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • 16.7% higher TDP (less efficient)
    This smartphone has a higher TDP than the average smartphone (5 W vs 6 W). The average smartphone has a TDP of 6 W.
    5 W vs 6 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (7 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    7 nm vs 6 nm
  • 11.4% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (1,086 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    1,086 vs 1,226
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 10 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 10 vs Android 14
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No theme customization
    This smartphone does not support theme customization, the average smartphone does. 91% of smartphones allow theme customization.
  • No offline voice commands
    This smartphone does not support offline voice commands, the average smartphone does. 90.4% of smartphones offer offline voice control.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (48 MP & 13 MP & 13 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    48 MP & 13 MP & 13 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No manual focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a manual focus mode, the average smartphone does. 91.2% of smartphones offer manual focus.
  • 4.1% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (30.7 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    30.7 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • No continuous autofocus in video
    This smartphone does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average smartphone does. 94.2% of smartphones have continuous AF.
  • No manual exposure control
    This smartphone does not offer manual exposure control, the average smartphone does. 94% of smartphones have manual exposure.
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.45 vs f/2.2). The average smartphone front aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.45 vs f/2.2
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 0.23 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.4 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.44 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 25% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (180 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    180 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 152 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (848 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    848 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 12% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5,000 mAh.
    4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2020 vs 2024). 4.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    February 2020
    2020 vs 2024
  • 9.3% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (214.5 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    214.5 g vs 196.2 g
  • 0.9 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (9.2 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    9.2 mm vs 8.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
RevAtlas
≈ estimated
25/02/2020
Camera review · photo, video and selfie tests
Verdict
vivo iQOO 3 5G has a quite impressive camera setup, better than a rival, though its telephoto and selfies lag behind.
9.0
Digit
≈ estimated
25/02/2020
Hands-on review · gaming and benchmark tests
Verdict
vivo iQOO 3 5G is one of the year's best performers, matching premium flagships in raw performance.
9.0
Mr. Phone
≈ estimated
25/02/2020
Hands-on first look · unboxing and early performance checks
Verdict
vivo iQOO 3 5G shows very impressive performance and a fast, smooth display so far, with the full review still to come.
6.0
Beebom
≈ estimated
25/02/2020
First impressions · performance, camera and battery tests
Verdict
vivo iQOO 3 5G is powerful and fast, but its software and camera leave doubts about it as an all-around phone.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techradar.com
26/02/2020
Launch review · Gaming flagship
Verdict
The iQOO 3 is a powerful gaming phone with fast charging and long battery life, though its 60Hz screen feels dated for a 2020 flagship.
xda-developers.com
05/04/2020
Detailed review · Gaming performance
Verdict
The iQOO 3 is very fast with a strong AMOLED screen and quick charging, but its 60Hz display and cluttered software hold it back.
digit.in
13/03/2020
Detailed review · Performance and value
Verdict
The iQOO 3 is a fast, affordable way to get the Snapdragon 865, though its 60Hz display and cluttered software count against it.
androidauthority.com
01/04/2020
Hands-on review · Affordable flagship
Verdict
The iQOO 3 is a fast, affordable gaming phone with good air triggers, but its derivative design, software and 60Hz screen hold it back.
techpp.com
25/02/2020
Hands-on review · Gaming flagship
Verdict
The iQOO 3 5G is a very fast phone that suits gamers and everyday users alike, but its camera interface is fiddly and the UI has quirks.
in.mashable.com
26/02/2020
Hands-on review · Gaming phone
Verdict
The iQOO 3 5G is a strong value flagship for gamers, with fast charging and great gaming hardware, though its cameras need better software tuning.
F
fr.moviles.com
18/03/2020
Summary of the review
A
androidworld.nl
25/07/2022
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB)

  • Extremely fast and top-tier performance due to the Snapdragon 865 SoC, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage.
  • Mind-blowing 55W 'Monster Charging' which can charge the phone to 50% in approximately 15 minutes.
  • Great, vibrant Super AMOLED display with excellent brightness and HDR10+ support for media consumption.
  • Dedicated pressure-sensitive 'Monster Touch' shoulder buttons that are a significant advantage for gaming.
  • Solid and premium build quality and construction.
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack with Hi-Fi audio output, a rarity in high-end phones.
  • Dependable and long battery life for daily use.
  • Good daytime camera performance with a decent ultra-wide angle and an impressive macro mode.
  • Highly customizable and generally smooth user interface, though with some caveats.
  • Dedicated AI button that can be remapped for other useful functions like Google Assistant's Visual Snapshot.

What customers don't like about vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB)

  • The display is only 60Hz, a significant drawback for a flagship/gaming phone, despite a 180Hz touch response rate.
  • Software experience can feel overwhelming, bloated with pre-installed software and gimmicky features.
  • Single, bottom-firing speaker is not loud and falls short of flagship expectations (lacks stereo sound).
  • Low-light camera performance and night mode are not great, with issues like poor autofocus and image noise/artifacts.
  • Cannot unlock the bootloader or install custom ROMs, limiting options for tinkerers.
  • Gets uncomfortably warm during extended, intensive gaming sessions.
  • Lack of features found on competing flagships at the time, such as wireless charging or an IP rating for water resistance.
  • Some users reported issues with mobile data disconnection after software updates or a broken 5G network indicator in the software.

Verdict

The vivo iQOO 3 5G, specifically the 12GB + 256GB variant, is a high-performance gaming-centric smartphone featuring a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, a 6.44-inch Super AMOLED display, and 5G connectivity for next-generation speeds. Key highlights (pros) include incredibly fast 55W Super FlashCharge for rapid charging, physical pressure-sensitive "Monster Touch" shoulder buttons ideal for gaming, and a sophisticated quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor. Potential drawbacks (cons) might include the display's standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is lower than the high-refresh-rate screens found on some competing performance phones, and the absence of wireless charging.

Compare vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) with other smartphones

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of vivo iQOO 3 5G (12GB + 256GB) and other smartphones

No results found