The OnePlus 10R and vivo iQOO 9 SE represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The 10R leverages the newer, more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max, while the iQOO 9 SE relies on the established Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus 10R emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 8100 Max chipset provides a noticeable performance edge and superior efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life. While the iQOO 9 SE offers a respectable experience, the 10R’s faster charging and more modern processor give it a clear advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA), Cat12 600/150 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 28 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 04 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.97 x 0.32 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC6 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB 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 | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 100% in 32 min | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sierra Black, Forest Green, Prime Blue | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | CPH2411 | - |
| Price | ₹ 34,999 | About 400 EUR |
| SAR | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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) |
OnePlus 10R
- Faster 80W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient Dimensity 8100 Max chipset
- Potentially better sustained gaming performance
- Display specifications are largely unknown
- Camera details are lacking
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Proven Snapdragon 888 platform
- Respectable 66W fast charging
- Measured peak display brightness of 863 nits
- Snapdragon 888 prone to thermal throttling
- Less efficient chipset compared to Dimensity 8100 Max
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE boasts a measured peak brightness of 863 nits, a respectable figure for outdoor visibility. However, the OnePlus 10R’s display specifications are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Given the market segment, we can assume a similar brightness level. Both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. Without knowing the 10R’s panel technology (LTPO vs. standard OLED), it’s difficult to assess potential advantages in refresh rate management and power efficiency. The iQOO 9 SE’s brightness is a known quantity, providing a baseline for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture information, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The absence of specifics suggests neither phone is positioned as a camera-centric device. We can assume both will offer competent performance in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be a differentiating factor dependent on sensor size and software algorithms. Ignoring the likely presence of low-resolution auxiliary lenses (like 2MP macros) is crucial for a realistic assessment.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The OnePlus 10R’s Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Max (5nm) is architecturally superior to the iQOO 9 SE’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5nm). The 8100 Max utilizes a more modern CPU core configuration – 4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Snapdragon 888’s 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55. The Cortex-X1 in the 888 offers peak performance, but the 8100 Max’s more balanced core arrangement and newer process node generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal management. The Snapdragon 888 is known to throttle under prolonged load, a potential issue for gamers. The 5nm fabrication process is shared, but Mediatek’s optimizations within the 8100 Max give it an edge.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified). However, the charging speeds are markedly different. The OnePlus 10R’s 80W wired charging can reach 100% in 32 minutes, while the iQOO 9 SE’s 66W charging takes 39 minutes. While the difference isn’t massive, the 10R offers a faster top-up. The iQOO 9 SE does reach 50% in 14 minutes, which is faster than the 10R’s unspecified 50% charge time, but the overall 0-100% time favors the OnePlus device. The efficiency of the Dimensity 8100 Max could also contribute to slightly better battery life in everyday use.
Buying Guide
Buy the OnePlus 10R if you prioritize sustained gaming performance, faster charging speeds, and a more future-proof chipset. It’s ideal for power users and mobile gamers who demand responsiveness. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE if you value a proven platform with a strong track record, and are looking for a solid all-rounder at a potentially lower price point, accepting some compromises in raw processing power and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load, which can lead to thermal throttling. While the iQOO 9 SE likely incorporates cooling solutions, it may still experience performance drops during prolonged gaming compared to the more efficient Dimensity 8100 Max in the OnePlus 10R.
❓ How does the 80W charging on the OnePlus 10R compare to other fast charging technologies?
80W charging is exceptionally fast, placing the OnePlus 10R among the quickest-charging smartphones available. It’s significantly faster than standard 25W or 33W charging, and competitive with other 65W or 80W implementations. This means less downtime and more time using your phone.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a major drawback for either phone?
Yes, the absence of sensor size, aperture, and image processing details makes it difficult to assess the camera capabilities. Both phones likely offer adequate performance for casual photography, but enthusiasts seeking high-quality images may want to look elsewhere.
