The Realme GT Neo2T and vivo iQOO 9 SE represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The Neo2T leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200, while the iQOO 9 SE opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO 9 SE emerges as the stronger contender. The Snapdragon 888, despite being a generation older, provides a noticeable performance edge, particularly in sustained workloads. While the Realme GT Neo2T offers respectable performance, the iQOO 9 SE’s superior chipset and comparable battery life make it the better choice for demanding users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 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 | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 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 1200 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | 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 | 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 dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 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, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 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 | 65W wired
5W reverse wired | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | RMX3357 | - |
| Price | About 260 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) |
Realme GT Neo2T
- Efficient Dimensity 1200 chipset for everyday tasks
- Competitive 65W fast charging
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Snapdragon 888 offers superior performance
- Display brightness likely lower than iQOO 9 SE
- Limited camera details available
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Powerful Snapdragon 888 for gaming and multitasking
- High peak display brightness (863 nits)
- Faster 66W charging (39 minutes to full)
- Snapdragon 888 can run hotter under sustained load
- May be slightly more expensive than the GT Neo2T
- Camera details are also limited
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE boasts a measured peak brightness of 863 nits, a significant advantage over the unstated brightness of the GT Neo2T. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels (based on market segment), the iQOO 9 SE’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The iQOO 9 SE’s infinite contrast ratio, typical of AMOLED displays, ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without specific display specs for the GT Neo2T, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or refresh rate, but the iQOO 9 SE’s brightness gives it a clear edge.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both feature multi-camera setups. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. The iQOO 9 SE, being positioned slightly higher, may benefit from a more sophisticated image processing pipeline. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be a critical differentiator, but this information is unavailable. We can assume both will offer acceptable image quality for social media, but serious photographers will need more detailed specifications.
Performance
This is where the core difference lies. The iQOO 9 SE’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Realme GT Neo2T’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm). This generally translates to better thermal efficiency and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, offers a performance advantage over the Dimensity 1200’s Cortex-A78 (3.0 GHz) due to architectural improvements. While the Dimensity 1200 has more Cortex-A78 cores (3 vs 3), the Snapdragon 888’s overall architecture and 5nm process give it the upper hand in demanding tasks. Both phones feature ample RAM, but thermal management will be the deciding factor in prolonged gaming sessions, favoring the iQOO 9 SE.
Battery Life
Both the Realme GT Neo2T and vivo iQOO 9 SE achieve an impressive Endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. However, the charging speeds differ slightly. The iQOO 9 SE’s 66W charging can reach 50% in 14 minutes and 100% in 39 minutes, while the GT Neo2T offers 65W charging with unspecified full charge times. The iQOO 9 SE’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite the different chipsets, both phones manage power consumption effectively.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme GT Neo2T if you prioritize a balanced experience with a focus on efficient power consumption and are less concerned with absolute peak performance. It’s a solid all-rounder for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE if you demand more processing power for gaming, multitasking, or resource-intensive applications. The Snapdragon 888 delivers a more robust experience, making it ideal for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets, the iQOO 9 SE likely incorporates thermal management solutions (heat pipes, graphite sheets) to mitigate throttling. User reports suggest that throttling is manageable, but prolonged, demanding gaming may result in some performance reduction. The 5nm process helps, but it's not immune.
❓ Is the 65W/66W charging on either phone compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
Both Realme and vivo typically implement proprietary fast charging protocols. While they may work with some PD chargers, achieving the full 65W/66W speeds requires using the included charger or a charger specifically certified for their fast charging standards. Using a standard PD charger will likely result in slower charging speeds.
❓ How does the Dimensity 1200 in the Realme GT Neo2T handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 1200 can run Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. While capable, it won't deliver the same level of sustained performance as the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE, which can handle higher settings with less frame rate fluctuation.
