The Lenovo Legion Y700 and vivo iQOO 9 Pro represent distinct approaches to the Android gaming phone market. The Y700 aims for a compelling price-to-performance ratio with a slightly older, yet still potent, Snapdragon 870, while the iQOO 9 Pro throws flagship power at the problem with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and a blistering 120W charging solution. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average gamer prioritizing value and sustained performance, the Lenovo Legion Y700 emerges as the winner. While the iQOO 9 Pro boasts a more powerful chipset and significantly faster charging, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1's potential for thermal throttling and the higher price point make the Y700 a more consistently enjoyable experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 01 | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 10 | Available. Released 2022, January 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back or aramid fiber back |
| Dimensions | 207.1 x 128.1 x 7.9 mm (8.15 x 5.04 x 0.31 in) | 164.8 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM (cellular model only) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 375 g (13.23 oz) | 204 g or 210 g (7.20 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1600 x 2560 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~343 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.8 inches, 224.5 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, 500 nits (typ) | LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, ZUI 13 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS Ocean (China) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 (V6) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED lash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 60mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom
50 MP, f/2.3, 15mm, 150˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| | Tuned by JBL | 32-bit/384kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 45 min | 120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 20 min
50W wireless
10W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 6550 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Legend (White w/ BMW M branding), Dark Cruise, Orange |
| Models | TB-9707F | V2172A, I2022 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 97h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 862324 (v8), 997948 (v9)
GeekBench: 3708 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Lenovo Legion Y700
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Strong thermal management with Snapdragon 870
- Balanced gaming experience
- Slower charging speed (45W)
- Less powerful chipset than iQOO 9 Pro
- Limited display specifications available
vivo iQOO 9 Pro
- Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
- High peak brightness display (1000 nits)
- Potential for thermal throttling
- Higher price point
- Power consumption may be higher
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1000 nits, suggesting a more vibrant outdoor viewing experience compared to the Legion Y700, for which brightness data is unavailable. While both devices likely utilize high refresh rate panels, the iQOO 9 Pro’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio hints at superior black levels and overall image quality. The absence of specific display technology details for the Y700 (LTPO, AMOLED) leaves the iQOO 9 Pro with a clear advantage in display specifications.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are equipped with photo/video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the iQOO 9 Pro, being a flagship device, likely incorporates more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor, offering superior image quality in various lighting conditions. The Y700, positioned as a value-oriented gaming phone, likely prioritizes camera functionality less than the iQOO 9 Pro.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Legion Y700 utilizes the Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm), while the iQOO 9 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm). The 4nm process of the Gen 1 theoretically offers better power efficiency, but its higher peak performance also generates more heat. The Snapdragon 870, while older, is known for its excellent thermal management, potentially leading to less throttling during prolonged gaming. The iQOO 9 Pro’s Cortex-X2 prime core (3.00 GHz) offers a performance boost over the Y700’s Kryo 585 (3.2 GHz), but sustained performance is where the 870 might shine. Both devices benefit from octa-core configurations, but the architectural differences favor the iQOO 9 Pro in burst performance, while the Y700 prioritizes sustained output.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 97 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life despite differing charging capabilities. However, the iQOO 9 Pro’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 50% charge in just 8 minutes and a full charge in 20 minutes, compared to the Y700’s 45W charging which takes 45 minutes for a full charge. The iQOO 9 Pro also adds 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Y700. While battery capacity isn't specified, the iQOO 9 Pro’s charging speed significantly reduces downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo Legion Y700 if you need a capable gaming phone that won't break the bank, and you value consistent performance over raw benchmark numbers. It's ideal for users who play a variety of games and appreciate a balanced experience. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 Pro if you absolutely demand the fastest possible charging speeds, and are willing to pay a premium for the latest Snapdragon processor, understanding that thermal management might be a concern during extended, demanding gaming sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the iQOO 9 Pro prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate more heat than previous generations. While the iQOO 9 Pro likely incorporates cooling solutions, prolonged, demanding gaming may still lead to thermal throttling, potentially reducing sustained performance. The Legion Y700’s Snapdragon 870 is generally more efficient and less prone to overheating.
❓ How much faster is the 120W charging on the iQOO 9 Pro compared to the 45W charging on the Legion Y700 in real-world use?
The iQOO 9 Pro’s 120W charging is significantly faster. It can reach 50% charge in approximately 8 minutes and 100% in 20 minutes, while the Legion Y700 takes 45 minutes for a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the iQOO 9 Pro during short breaks, minimizing downtime.
❓ Does the Lenovo Legion Y700 support high frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 870 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or higher) with optimized settings. While it may not consistently achieve the absolute highest frame rates possible on the iQOO 9 Pro, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ What type of display technology does the Lenovo Legion Y700 use, and how does it compare to the iQOO 9 Pro's display?
Specific display technology details for the Legion Y700 are unavailable. However, the iQOO 9 Pro boasts a 1000 nit peak brightness and infinite contrast ratio, suggesting a superior display experience with more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. The Y700 likely uses a standard AMOLED panel, but lacks the iQOO 9 Pro's brightness and contrast advantages.
