Realme GT Neo 3 vs vivo iQOO 9 Pro: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around performance and incredibly fast charging, the vivo iQOO 9 Pro emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, coupled with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, offers a more premium experience, despite the potential for thermal throttling. However, the Realme GT Neo 3 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme GT Neo 3 | vivo iQOO 9 Pro |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1x | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 22 | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 30 | Available. Released 2022, January 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, glass back | Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back or aramid fiber back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 164.8 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 204 g or 210 g (7.20 oz) |
| - | Splash and dust resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ | LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC6 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS Ocean (China) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 (V6) | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED lash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | 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 | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with dual speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/384kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (dual side) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 100% in 32 min | 120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 20 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Plain Black (Asphalt Black), Silverstone White (Sprint White), Le Mans Blue (Nitro Blue) | Legend (White w/ BMW M branding), Dark Cruise, Orange |
| Models | RMX3561, RMX3560 | V2172A, I2022 |
| Price | About 430 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 97h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -27.1 LUFS (Good) | -24.8 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 819348 (v9) GeekBench: 4079 (v5.1) GFXBench: 53fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 862324 (v8), 997948 (v9) GeekBench: 3708 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme GT Neo 3
- Faster charging time (32 minutes)
- More power-efficient chipset (5nm)
- Potentially more consistent performance under sustained load
- Lower peak display brightness
- Lacks wireless charging
vivo iQOO 9 Pro
- Higher peak display brightness
- Significantly faster charging (20 minutes)
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- More prone to thermal throttling
- Less power-efficient chipset (4nm)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, but the iQOO 9 Pro boasts a significant advantage in peak brightness, reaching 1000 nits compared to the GT Neo 3’s 796 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both likely employ AMOLED panels, the iQOO 9 Pro’s higher brightness and potential for a higher refresh rate (not specified in the data, but typical for this class) make it the superior choice for media consumption and outdoor use. The lack of refresh rate data for the GT Neo 3 is a notable omission.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or OIS. Given the iQOO 9 Pro’s positioning as a flagship, it’s reasonable to assume a more sophisticated camera system with a larger primary sensor and optical image stabilization. The absence of camera specs makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the iQOO 9 Pro likely offers superior image quality and low-light performance. We can safely ignore the presence of a likely 2MP macro lens on both devices, as these are rarely useful.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO 9 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm), while the GT Neo 3 features the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 (5nm). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s CPU configuration – 1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 – is geared towards peak performance, but the 4nm process isn’t as efficient as the Dimensity 8100’s 5nm node. This means the iQOO 9 Pro is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. The Dimensity 8100’s 4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 offer a strong balance of power and efficiency, making it a more consistent performer over longer gaming sessions. Both phones benefit from fast RAM, though the specific LPDDR5x speed isn’t provided.
Battery Life
The iQOO 9 Pro’s charging speed is a standout feature, achieving 50% charge in just 8 minutes and 100% in 20 minutes with its 120W wired charging. It also adds 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging. The GT Neo 3’s 80W wired charging is still very fast (100% in 32 minutes), but significantly slower. Both phones share an endurance rating of 97 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the difference in charging speeds. The iQOO 9 Pro’s wireless charging capabilities provide added convenience, while the GT Neo 3 focuses solely on wired speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme GT Neo 3 if you need a phone that charges *incredibly* quickly (32 minutes to full) and offers solid performance for gaming and everyday tasks without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their battery and want a reliable, fast device. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 Pro if you prefer the absolute highest performance, benefit from wireless charging convenience, and are willing to accept potentially higher temperatures during extended, demanding sessions. This phone caters to power users and those who demand the latest technology.