The Lava Agni 5G and vivo iQOO 9 SE represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. The Agni 5G aims for a balance of features and affordability, while the iQOO 9 SE prioritizes performance with a flagship-level chipset, albeit from a previous generation. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO 9 SE emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 888 5G chipset delivers significantly superior processing power, and the 66W fast charging drastically reduces downtime. While the Lava Agni 5G offers a respectable experience, it can't match the iQOO 9 SE's raw performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 09 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 18 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.8 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g (7.20 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, AF
5 MP, 115˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fiery Blue | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | LXX501 | - |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 87h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9)
GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lava Agni 5G
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Respectable overall performance for everyday tasks
- Decent battery endurance
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor compared to the iQOO 9 SE
- Display likely lacks the brightness of the iQOO 9 SE
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- Ultra-fast 66W wired charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially higher price
- Snapdragon 888 can run warmer under sustained load
- Camera details are currently unknown
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 863 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Lava Agni 5G. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on brand trends), the iQOO 9 SE’s infinite contrast ratio suggests a more refined visual experience. Details regarding refresh rate and panel technology (like LTPO) are missing for both, but the iQOO 9 SE’s brightness advantage is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having photo and video capabilities, but specific details are scarce. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the iQOO 9 SE’s positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a more sophisticated camera system with potentially larger sensors and better image stabilization. The Lava Agni 5G likely focuses on providing a functional camera experience rather than pushing boundaries in image quality. We'd need sample images to make a definitive judgement.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The iQOO 9 SE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Lava Agni 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm). The Snapdragon 888 features a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A78 cores, offering a considerable advantage in single-core and multi-core performance. The Dimensity 810, while capable, relies on older Cortex-A76 cores. The 5nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The iQOO 9 SE is the clear winner for users prioritizing gaming and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for either). However, the iQOO 9 SE’s 66W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 14 minutes and 100% in 39 minutes. The Lava Agni 5G’s 33W charging is significantly slower. This faster charging capability on the iQOO 9 SE mitigates any potential battery capacity disadvantage, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Agni 5G if you prioritize a balanced experience with a focus on value and are less demanding in terms of gaming or intensive tasks. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE if you are a mobile gamer, frequently use demanding applications, or simply want the fastest possible performance in this price bracket and value rapid charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets. However, iQOO typically implements effective thermal management solutions, including vapor chamber cooling, to mitigate overheating. While some throttling may occur during extremely demanding games, it shouldn't significantly impact the overall gaming experience.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Lava Agni 5G slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Compared to the iQOO 9 SE’s 66W charging, 33W is considerably slower. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially over an hour and a half. This could be inconvenient for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery, but acceptable for those who charge overnight.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Lava Agni 5G?
The Dimensity 810 is capable of running most popular mobile games at medium to high settings. However, you may experience frame drops in graphically intensive titles, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. It's suitable for casual gamers but won't deliver the same level of performance as the iQOO 9 SE.
❓ Does the iQOO 9 SE support high refresh rate gaming?
While the context data doesn't explicitly state the display's refresh rate, iQOO phones often feature high refresh rate displays (90Hz or 120Hz). If the iQOO 9 SE does have a high refresh rate panel, it will support smoother gameplay in compatible games, provided the game itself supports higher frame rates.
