Vivo has introduced two new phones in China, the Vivo G5i and Vivo G5z, with a headline feature that stands out immediately: a 7,200 mAh battery. The pair is also paired with 44W fast charging, giving it a clear advantage in the entry-level to mid-range segment.
What makes the launch unusual is that both models are nearly identical. Vivo says the difference is limited to branding, while the design and specifications remain the same.
Battery life takes center stage
Beyond the large capacity itself, Vivo claims the 7,200 mAh battery in both devices can remain usable for up to six years. That positioning places long-term endurance at the heart of the G5i and G5z pitch.
The company also backs the phones with durability certifications that are uncommon in this class. Both devices carry five-star drop and impact resistance certification, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water protection.
Shared design and a single color option
Visually, the two phones follow a flat-sided body design. On the rear, both use a rounded-square camera module that fits current smartphone design trends.
For the China market, Vivo is offering only one color option: Obsidian Black. The restrained palette reinforces the idea that these devices are built around practicality rather than visual variety.
Display, chipset, and software
Both models feature a 6.75-inch LCD panel with HD Plus resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The display setup aims to balance affordability with smoother everyday use.
Inside, the G5i and G5z are powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. Vivo pairs it with up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage.
On the software side, the phones run OriginOS 6 based on Android 16. That keeps the two models aligned not only in hardware but also in their software experience.
Cameras and practical extras
For imaging, Vivo equips both phones with a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP front camera. The setup is straightforward and matches the broader positioning of the devices.
Vivo also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, NFC, and an IR blaster. NFC adds practical convenience for daily use, while the IR blaster allows the phones to control compatible home electronics.
Price in China
Vivo is selling the G5i and G5z in two memory configurations in China. The 6 GB/128 GB version costs 2.199 yuan, while the 8 GB/256 GB version is priced at 2.899 yuan.
That pricing places the phones in a segment where battery life, durability, and everyday usability matter just as much as core performance. With identical specifications and only branding set apart, the two models are effectively the same package under different names.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| 6 GB/128 GB | 2.199 yuan |
| 8 GB/256 GB | 2.899 yuan |
For buyers focused on endurance, the combination of a 7,200 mAh battery, 44W charging, IP68 and IP69 protection, and a 120 Hz display gives the Vivo G5i and G5z a very specific identity. Vivo has built them as twin models that lean heavily on durability and long use rather than visual separation.