Realme GT Neo2 vs vivo iQOO 9T: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO 9T emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift, and the 120W charging is a game-changer, reaching 100% in just 19 minutes. While the Realme GT Neo2 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers, the iQOO 9T’s advancements justify the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme GT Neo2 | vivo iQOO 9T |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 22 | 2022, August 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 28 | Available. Released 2022, August 02 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.8 g (7.05 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| - | Dust and dripping water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@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) |
| 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 stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 100% in 36 min | 120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 19 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Neo Black, Neo Blue, Neo Green | Alpha, Legend (BMW M branding) |
| Models | RMX3370 | - |
| Price | About 980 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 111h | Endurance rating 117h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -25.1 LUFS (Very good) | -28.8 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 726039 (v9) GeekBench: 3185 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme GT Neo2
- Excellent value for money
- Solid Snapdragon 870 performance
- Respectable 65W fast charging
- Lower peak display brightness
- Older Snapdragon 870 chipset
vivo iQOO 9T
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Higher peak display brightness
- Higher price point
- Potentially more heat under sustained load (though 4nm helps)
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical for AMOLED panels. However, the iQOO 9T significantly outshines the GT Neo2 in peak brightness, reaching 1033 nits compared to the GT Neo2’s 659 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely employ similar color calibration, the iQOO 9T’s higher brightness provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. Details regarding refresh rate and panel technology (LTPO) are missing, but the brightness difference is a clear win for the iQOO 9T.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the iQOO 9T’s positioning as a more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume it benefits from a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. The absence of details necessitates caution, but the iQOO 9T likely offers a more versatile and capable camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO 9T’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the GT Neo2’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 8+ Gen 1’s newer architecture and smaller process node deliver improved performance and, crucially, better thermal efficiency. The iQOO 9T’s CPU configuration – 1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 – offers a more potent combination than the GT Neo2’s 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher sustained frame rates in demanding games. While the GT Neo2 is no slouch, the iQOO 9T provides a more future-proof and responsive experience.
Battery Life
The iQOO 9T and GT Neo2 have endurance ratings of 117h and 111h respectively, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The iQOO 9T’s 120W charging is a standout feature, achieving 50% charge in just 8 minutes and a full charge in 19 minutes. The GT Neo2’s 65W charging, while respectable, takes 36 minutes to reach 100%. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The iQOO 9T’s faster charging effectively mitigates any slight disadvantage in raw battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme GT Neo2 if you prioritize value and a balanced experience. It’s ideal for everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and users who don’t demand the absolute fastest performance. Buy the vivo iQOO 9T if you’re a power user, a mobile gamer, or someone who values incredibly fast charging and future-proofing with a newer chipset. The iQOO 9T is geared towards those who want a near-flagship experience without the flagship price tag.