Vivo iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy A55 5G – Which Mid-Range Phone Reigns Supreme in 2024?

When deciding between two capable smartphones like the Vivo iQOO Z9s and the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, it’s essential to understand how each one aligns with your needs. Both devices sit comfortably in the mid-range market but cater to slightly different audiences. Whether you’re drawn to powerful gaming performance, fast charging, and a budget-friendly price tag or prefer a well-rounded experience with better camera capabilities, longer software support, and a more polished multimedia experience, there’s a lot to consider.

This detailed comparison breaks down the key aspects of both smartphones, including their design, performance, battery life, software features, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone is the right fit for your lifestyle and preferences. Dive in to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each device and make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

Materials Used

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: This phone features a combination of plastic and glass, giving it a sleek and modern appearance while maintaining durability. It’s designed to feel comfortable in hand, striking a balance between lightweight construction and sturdiness.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Samsung opted for a premium plastic back with Gorilla Glass on the front, which offers a more refined and polished feel. The Gorilla Glass adds a layer of protection, enhancing the phone’s durability against daily wear and tear.

Weight and Dimensions

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Weighing in at around 193 grams and measuring 8.7mm in thickness, this phone is relatively slim and manageable despite its larger display size.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Slightly lighter at 189 grams and thinner at 8.4mm, the Galaxy A55 provides a more compact and portable experience, which could be more comfortable for users who prefer a lighter device.

Display Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The device sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals for both everyday tasks and gaming. Additionally, its peak brightness of 1800 nits makes it highly visible even in bright sunlight.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: The Galaxy A55 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid navigation and gaming experiences. The display is further enhanced with HDR10+ support, which provides richer and more vivid visuals.

Performance and Hardware

Processor (Chipset Comparison)

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200, this chipset is optimized for mid-range performance, offering efficient power management and smooth multitasking. It’s well-suited for gaming and other demanding tasks without significant slowdowns.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: The Galaxy A55 is equipped with the Exynos 1480 processor, delivering comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Samsung’s optimizations help enhance the overall user experience, especially when paired with its OneUI software.

RAM and Storage Options

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: This model comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It also supports virtual RAM expansion up to 8GB, allowing for improved multitasking when needed.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Offering 8GB of RAM and a more generous 256GB of internal storage, the Galaxy A55 is better suited for users who need extra space for apps, media, and files.

GPU Capabilities

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The device is equipped with the Mali-G610 GPU, capable of handling most games at medium to high settings. It ensures a smooth gaming experience with minimal lag.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Similarly, the Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480 chipset is paired with the same Mali-G610 GPU. Samsung’s software optimizations might give it a slight edge in gaming performance, especially in graphically intensive scenarios.

Cooling System

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Includes a liquid cooling system designed to maintain optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions, making it a better choice for heavy gamers.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: While it lacks an advanced cooling system like the iQOO Z9s, the Galaxy A55 manages heat well during normal usage and moderate gaming, though it might warm up during extended play.

Camera Capabilities

Rear Camera Specifications

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It supports various features like night mode and AI enhancements, providing decent image quality across different lighting conditions.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: This device offers a triple-camera setup: a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. With features like Super Steady OIS and advanced AI modes, the Galaxy A55 excels in photography, making it a strong contender in this category.

Front Camera Specifications

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Equipped with a 16MP front camera, it captures clear and sharp selfies, although it might struggle in low light conditions.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Featuring a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, the Galaxy A55 delivers more detailed selfies, even in challenging lighting environments.

Special Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: This device includes AI-based background removal and enhanced portrait modes, making it versatile for creative photography.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Offers features like Single Take and Pro Mode, allowing users to capture professional-quality photos with ease. Its night mode is particularly effective, enhancing low-light photography.

Both devices are strong contenders in their respective categories, but each offers unique strengths depending on the user’s priorities. The iQOO Z9s is more suited for gaming enthusiasts, while the Galaxy A55 5G provides a balanced experience with an emphasis on camera and software features.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Capacity

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: This device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which provides solid battery life for most users. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or simply browsing, this large battery should comfortably last through a full day of usage.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Similarly, the Galaxy A55 also features a 5000mAh battery. Samsung devices are known for their efficient battery management, and this capacity ensures that you can go a full day without worrying about recharging.

Charging Speed

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The Z9s supports 120W fast charging, which is one of the fastest available in its category. This allows the battery to charge from 0 to 100% in approximately 20 minutes, making it highly convenient for users who are always on the go.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: On the other hand, the Galaxy A55 supports 25W fast charging. While not as fast as the iQOO Z9s, it still offers decent speed, recharging the battery to a significant level in about an hour. It strikes a balance between speed and battery health.

Battery Management Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The phone includes features like intelligent power-saving modes and AI-based battery optimization, which help extend battery life based on usage patterns. The AI adjusts background processes to conserve energy when the phone isn’t in heavy use.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Samsung includes similar battery management tools such as adaptive power saving, which adjusts power consumption based on your usage. Samsung also offers “Protect Battery,” a feature that limits charging to 85% to prolong battery lifespan, ideal for those who want to maintain long-term battery health.

Software and Features

Operating System Version

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: It runs on Android 14, layered with Vivo’s custom FunTouch OS 14. This version of Android brings a variety of enhancements, from better notifications to improved privacy controls.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: This device also runs on Android 14, but with Samsung’s OneUI 6 on top. OneUI is known for being one of the most polished and feature-rich Android skins, providing a user-friendly experience with extensive customization options.

Custom UI Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: FunTouch OS is lighter and focuses on delivering a smooth experience with less bloatware. It includes features like Ultra Game Mode, which enhances gaming performance by allocating system resources and reducing distractions while playing.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: OneUI 6, on the other hand, offers a broader range of features. It includes Samsung Knox for enhanced security, a more intuitive multitasking experience, and features like DeX, which allows you to use your phone as a desktop by connecting it to a monitor. Samsung’s ecosystem integrations, such as seamless connectivity with Galaxy Buds and Watches, also add to the overall experience.

Software Support and Updates

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Vivo typically provides at least two major Android updates for its devices, along with security patches for a few years. However, the update cycle might not be as frequent or as extended as some other brands.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Samsung excels in this area, promising up to four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates. This makes the Galaxy A55 a better choice for long-term users who want their device to stay updated with the latest features and security improvements.

Connectivity and 5G Support

5G Capabilities

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The device supports a broad range of 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most networks worldwide. Whether you’re in a city with well-developed 5G infrastructure or in a developing area, the iQOO Z9s is built to handle high-speed connections efficiently.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: The Galaxy A55 also supports extensive 5G bands and is optimized for both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, making it highly versatile for different 5G environments. Samsung’s optimizations also help manage power consumption when using 5G.

Other Connectivity Options

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: This phone comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, providing faster internet speeds and better network efficiency in crowded areas. It also includes Bluetooth 5.3, which offers improved connectivity range and data transfer speeds. NFC is also present, allowing for easy contactless payments.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: The Galaxy A55 matches the iQOO Z9s with Wi-Fi 6 support and Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, it includes Samsung’s seamless device connectivity features, such as Quick Share and Samsung DeX, which enhance productivity and user experience. NFC support is also standard, making mobile payments a breeze.

In summary, both devices offer strong connectivity and battery management, but the Samsung Galaxy A55 stands out with better long-term software support and additional productivity features. The iQOO Z9s, however, excels in fast charging and gaming-focused optimizations, making it a compelling choice for power users.

Audio and Multimedia

Speaker Quality and Type (Stereo, Mono)

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The iQOO Z9s is equipped with dual stereo speakers, which provide a balanced audio experience. The stereo setup ensures that audio is clear and immersive, especially during gaming or watching movies. The sound output is loud, and the clarity is decent, but it might lack the richness and depth that audiophiles seek.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Samsung also equips the Galaxy A55 with stereo speakers, which are tuned for a better multimedia experience. The audio quality is generally well-rounded, with clearer mids and highs. Samsung’s speakers tend to perform better in terms of overall sound depth, making them a good choice for media consumption.

Audio Jack Availability

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Unfortunately, the iQOO Z9s does not include a 3.5mm audio jack. Users will need to rely on wireless headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for wired audio connections.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Similarly, the Galaxy A55 5G omits the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. This is consistent with many mid-range and flagship models today, pushing users towards wireless audio solutions or adapters.

Additional Multimedia Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The phone comes with various gaming enhancements like Ultra Game Mode, which optimizes sound settings for gaming. The device also supports Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth, making it a good option for users who prefer wireless headphones with high-quality sound.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: Samsung integrates features like Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience when using headphones or external speakers. The device also supports advanced audio codecs like aptX, which enhances the quality of Bluetooth audio. Additionally, Samsung’s software includes features like Music Share and Media Controls, which allow for seamless multimedia management.

Price and Value for Money

Price Comparison

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: The iQOO Z9s is positioned as a mid-range device, generally priced lower than the Galaxy A55. This makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize performance, particularly in gaming, without breaking the bank.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: The Galaxy A55 comes with a slightly higher price tag, reflecting its broader feature set and Samsung’s brand premium. It targets users who are willing to pay a bit more for better software support, a more refined user experience, and improved camera performance.

Overall Value Considering Features

• Vivo iQOO Z9s: Given its aggressive pricing and strong focus on performance, particularly in gaming and fast charging, the iQOO Z9s offers excellent value for money. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize speed, gaming, and a large display but can compromise on some premium features like software updates and camera performance.
• Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: While the Galaxy A55 is more expensive, it justifies the price with a well-rounded feature set, including better software support, camera capabilities, and Samsung’s ecosystem integrations. It’s a solid choice for users who want a balanced smartphone experience and are looking for a device that will stay relevant for years due to extended software support.

Pros and Cons

Vivo iQOO Z9s

• Strengths:
  • Excellent performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor.
  • Fast 120W charging that drastically reduces downtime.
  • Strong gaming features, including a liquid cooling system.
  • Affordable price for the features offered.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Camera performance, while decent, falls short compared to competitors.
  • Limited software update support compared to Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G

• Strengths:
  • Strong camera system with Samsung’s advanced software optimizations.
  • Stereo speakers with better sound depth and Dolby Atmos support.
  • Extended software support with up to four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
  • Integration with Samsung’s ecosystem (e.g., Samsung Knox, DeX).
• Weaknesses:
  • Slower charging speed (25W) compared to competitors.
  • Higher price point might not appeal to budget-conscious buyers.
  • Also lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which might be a downside for some users.

Both the Vivo iQOO Z9s and Samsung Galaxy A55 5G cater to different types of users. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with excellent performance and fast charging, the iQOO Z9s is a strong contender. However, if you prioritize camera quality, long-term software support, and a richer multimedia experience, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G might be worth the extra investment.

Tricia Nelson

Tricia Nelson is a skilled writer at 3Zebras, known for her insightful articles on technology, science, and gaming. She covers a wide range of topics, from the potential of nanotechnology in mimicking cobwebs to exploring new discoveries in astronomy. Tricia’s work stands out for its clear explanations and engaging style, making complex subjects accessible to all readers. Her contributions have made her a respected voice in the 3Zebras community​,