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Smartphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£290RAM capacity:12 GBInternal storage:512 GBScreen size:6.78 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP

vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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%

7.6

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 77% of smartphones
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–²Better than 87%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 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%

7.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.7

Camera

15%

8.8

Display

15%

7.4

Battery

10%

8.1

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

6.8

Audio

3%

6.7

Design

â–²Better than 78%
?

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

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Technical Specifications of smartphone vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 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%

7.7

Performance & Hardware

18%

6.7

Camera

15%

8.8

Display

15%

7.4

Battery

10%

8.1

Software

10%

7.8

Connectivity

4%

6.8

Audio

3%

6.7

Design

7.6
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 Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

8.0
Brand name
vivo
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor which is faster than processors in 66.2% of smartphones and equal to processors in 1% 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
512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 512 GB which is larger than the storage of 77.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 17.2% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.63 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.63 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 1% of smartphones.
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Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% 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.
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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
50 MP & 2 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 57.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.9% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.4 which is narrower than that of 57.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 12.6% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
32 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 32 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 42.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.2% 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
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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.
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Screen size
6.78 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.78 inches which is larger than the screens of 73.5% of smartphones and equal to those of 9.5% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1260x 2800 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1260x2800 px which is higher than that of 83.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.1% of smartphones.
Pixel density
453 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 453 ppi which is higher than that of 83.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 3% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 144 Hz which is higher than in 89.9% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
6,000 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 6,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 73.2% of smartphones and equal to those in 6.9% of smartphones.
Charging speed
80 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 80 W which is faster than in 78.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 7.4% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
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Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include 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
?
Show more
Height
163.7 mm
This smartphone has a height of 163.7 mm which is taller than 51.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.9% of smartphones.
Width
75.9 mm
This smartphone has a width of 75.9 mm which is narrower than 50.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.4% of smartphones.
Thickness
8 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8 mm which is thinner than 63.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 6.9% of smartphones.
Weight
194.6 g
This smartphone weighs 194.6 g which is lighter than 54.6% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.1% of smartphones.
Device volume
97,800 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 97,800 cm³ which is smaller than 46.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 5% of smartphones.
Show more

vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the agentic AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Blue Heart Little V, AI Blue Heart Model, AI Subtitles, AI Document Summary, AI Super Search
    agentic vs fundamental
  • 3,500 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • 20% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (6,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    6,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 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
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1260x2800 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1260x2800 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 9.6% better value for money
    vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) has better value for money than the average smartphone (8.04 vs 7.3).
    8.04 vs 7.34
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 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
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 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
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.63 GHz & 3x2.4 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.63 GHz & 3x2.4 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 9.6% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.6 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.63 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 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
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • 2x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (512 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    512 vs 256
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2,750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the agentic AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Blue Heart Little V, AI Blue Heart Model, AI Subtitles, AI Document Summary, AI Super Search
    agentic vs fundamental
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.4 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.4 vs 5.2
  • 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.
  • 3,500 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    4,500 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1260x2800 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1260x2800 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This smartphone has a higher contrast ratio than the average smartphone (6000000:1 vs 1000000:1). The average smartphone contrast ratio is 1000000:1.
    AMOLED/OLED displays have an effectively infinite contrast ratio
    6,000,000:1 vs 1,000,000:1
  • 14.7% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (453 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    453 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 20% higher refresh rate
    This smartphone has a higher refresh rate than the average smartphone (144 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone refresh rate is 120 Hz.
    144 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • 0.11 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (6.8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    6.78 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 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.
  • 25% higher touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a higher touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (300 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average touch sampling rate is 240 Hz.
    300 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 2.42x faster charging speed
    This smartphone supports a faster charging speed than the average smartphone (80 W vs 33 W). The average charging speed is 33 W.
    80 W vs 33 W
  • 20% larger battery capacity
    This smartphone has a larger battery capacity than the average smartphone (6,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh). The average smartphone battery is 5,000 mAh.
    6,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • Supports aptX Adaptive
    This smartphone supports aptX Adaptive, the average smartphone does not. 34.5% of smartphones include aptX Adaptive support.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 0.3 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (8 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    8 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • 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 LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 5.44x less popular
    vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP64 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP64 vs IP67
  • 2.6% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (10,498 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    10,498 vs 10,783
  • 5.44x less popular
    vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 2.6% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (10,498 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    10,498 vs 10,783
  • 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.
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartphone has a lower IP rating than the average smartphone (IP64 vs IP67). 0.00% of smartphones have a higher IP rating.
    IP64 vs IP67

Video reviews

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

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB)

  • Excellent battery life powered by a 6,000mAh capacity that can last over a full day of moderate use.
  • Strong performance for its price point, with users reporting smooth gaming on titles like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves thanks to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
  • High-quality display featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and sharp resolution.
  • Effective thermal management with a large vapor chamber that prevents significant overheating during intensive tasks.
  • Fast 80W wired charging capability, reaching full charge in approximately 44 minutes.
  • OriginOS is often praised by enthusiasts as being smoother and more customizable than FuntouchOS, despite being a China-specific ROM.

What customers don't like about vivo iQOO Z9 China (12GB + 512GB)

  • Camera system lacks versatility, specifically missing an ultrawide lens, telephoto lens, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
  • Notification issues are common on the China ROM, with some apps failing to alert users unless locked in the background.
  • Build materials feel less premium, consisting primarily of a plastic frame and back.
  • Significant amount of pre-installed Chinese bloatware and 'Hot Apps' recommendations that require manual cleanup.
  • China ROM specific drawbacks such as lack of out-of-the-box Google Play Services and potential issues with Android Auto.
  • UFS 2.2 storage is considered outdated compared to faster UFS 3.1 or 4.0 standards found in some competitors.

Verdict

The vivo iQOO Z9 (China) 12GB+512GB is a performance-focused mid-range smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset and featuring a vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution (2800x1260), and 4,500 nits peak brightness. Its standout characteristics include a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W wired and 7.5W reverse charging, alongside a dual rear camera system led by a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor. Main pros include its exceptional battery endurance, smooth high-refresh-rate display, and generous memory configuration that ensures seamless multitasking. However, potential cons include the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens, a build consisting of a plastic frame and back, no 3.5mm headphone jack, and software that often includes substantial bloatware or notification delays typical of some regional ROMs.

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