As technology advances, what used to be expensive are starting to become affordable.
We’re seeing that evolution in the smartphone industry. Today, we have devices like the Vivo iQOO Neo 3 that comes with a set of high-end flagship specs, but with an affordable mid-range price tag.
It has a processor that we used to only see on a smartphone twice its price — a fast and vibrant display, plus an appealing set of cameras. Clearly, you don’t have to go broke to get a real flagship experience.
But the thing is, the Neo 3 is not the only one that has these bang-for-the-buck characteristics. There’s also the Xiaomi Black Shark 3, a gaming smartphone from a brand known for its value-oriented devices.
Today, in our Vivo iQOO Neo 3 versus Xiaomi Black Shark 3 specifications and features comparison, we’ll see how impressive these devices are despite their affordable price tags. And of course, we’ll help you decide which one to get. Let’s start.
| Vivo iQOO Neo 3 | Xiaomi Black Shark 3 | |
| Operating System | Android 10 iQOO UI | Android 10 Joy UI 11 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.57-inch FHD+ IPS 2408 x 1080 pixel resolution ~401ppi 144Hz refresh rate 90.4% screen-to-body ratio HDR10 | 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution ~392ppi HDR10+ 90Hz refresh rate MEMC 2.0 display processor |
| Processor | 2.84GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core | 2.84GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core Dual Heatsink |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 8GB/12GB |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 non-expandable | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.0 non-expandable |
| Front Camera | 16-megapixel | 20-megapixel |
| Rear Camera | 48-megapixel (f/1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 2-megapixel (macro) PDAF AI Scene Detection LED flash | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 13-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 5-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF AI Scene Detection LED flash |
| Audio | Headphone jack Stereo speakers | Headphone jack Stereo speakers |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS GALILEO USB Type-C NFC | 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NAVIC USB Type-C Magnetic pins |
| Others | n/a | Gaming Accessories Trigger buttons |
| Dimensions | 163.71 x 75.55 x 8.93mm | 168.72 x 77.33 x 10.42mm |
| Weight | 198.1g | 222g |
| Battery | 4,500mAh 44W fast charging | 4,720mAh 65W fast charger Magnetic 18W charger (sold separately) |
| Colors | Black Blue | Lightning Black Armor Gray Star Silver |
| Price | 6GB/128GB: CNY2,698 (~Php19,300) 8GB/128GB: CNY2,998 (~Php21,400) 12GB/128GB: CNY3,298 (~Php23,600) 8GB/256GB: CNY3,398 (~Php24,300) | 8GB/128GB: CNY3,499 (~Php25,500) 8GB/256GB: CNY4,699 (~Php34,300) 12GB/256GB: CNY4,999 (~Php36,400) |
The table above proves that both the Vivo iQOO Neo 3 and Xiaomi Black Shark 3 are some of the most value-oriented flagships in the market today. But the question remains, which one is right for you?
Well, if speed — and speed only — is what you’re after, then you might be better off with the Vivo iQOO Neo 3.
For a cheaper asking price of CNY2,998 (~Php21,400) for the similar 8GB/128GB configuration, you’re getting the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core processor — the fastest chipset for Android smartphones to date.
The interesting part is, this cheaper option has a faster 144Hz refresh rate, versus the 90Hz on the Black Shark 3. This will make compatible games run smoother.
But if you don’t mind spending a bit more, the extra features you’d be getting on the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 might still be worth your time.
For an extra CNY500 (~Php3,500), you’re getting a slightly bigger 6.7-inch screen, with a more vibrant AMOLED panel, HDR10+ support, and a dedicated MEMC 2.0 display processor. We also have the fingerprint scanner beneath the display, instead of mounting it on the side.
It may have the same processor, but the one on the Black Shark 3 is sandwiched with two heat-pipes for better thermals, resulting in better performance consistency even after long hours of use.
You’re also getting added features on the battery department. The Black Shark 3 has a 4,720mAh battery that’s slightly bigger than the 4,500mAh of the iQOO Neo 3. Plus, a much faster 65W fast charging, versus the 44W on the competition.
There’s also the magnetic pins, which lets you comfortably charge the device while playing. It’s also used in attaching the Black Shark gaming accessories.
Speaking of gaming, it’s obvious that the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 has a more edgy design with hints of RGB, while the Vivo iQOO Neo 3 went with a cleaner and elegant look. We will let you decide on this one since designs are subjective.
Since it’s a gaming device, the Black Shark 3 has trigger buttons on each shoulder. This lets you easily fire a gun in shooting games, and possibly act as shortcuts for other tasks.
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Oh, and of course, there are the cameras. The Black Shark 3 has a 20-megapixel selfie snapper, 64-megapixel main shooter, 13-megapixel ultra-wide, and 5-megapixel depth sensor.
That easily outshines the 16-megapixel front, 48-megapixel main, 8-megapixel ultra-wide, and 2-megapixel macro cameras of the IQOO Neo 3.
Bottom line is, both devices are great for the price, which makes the Vivo iQOO Neo 3 a really good buy. It’s now up to you if the extra features of the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 are worth paying for.