Realme Neo7 Turbo vs. iQOO 9T: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The Realme Neo7 Turbo and vivo iQOO 9T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Neo7 Turbo brings the latest Mediatek Dimensity 9400e chipset to the table, while the iQOO 9T leverages the established Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, charging speed, and overall user experience to determine which device reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw charging speed and a proven track record, the iQOO 9T is the better choice. Its 120W charging fully replenishes the battery in just 19 minutes. However, the Neo7 Turbo’s Dimensity 9400e offers a potentially more efficient architecture, making it a strong contender for those focused on sustained performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme Neo7 Turbo vivo iQOO 9T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 292022, August 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 29Available. Released 2022, August 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions162.4 x 76.1 x 8.6 mm (6.39 x 3.00 x 0.34 in)165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)206 g (7.27 oz)
 -Dust and dripping water resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 1800 nits (HBM), 6500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9400e (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G720 MC12Adreno 730
OSAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Triple-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
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide), 1/3.09"16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes, 360˚Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired, PD, PPS, UFCS, 50% in 18 min, 100% in 47 min120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 19 min
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 7200 mAh4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, SilverAlpha, Legend (BMW M branding)
PriceAbout 250 EURAbout 600 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 117h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.8 LUFS (Average)

Realme Neo7 Turbo

  • Potentially higher single-core performance with Dimensity 9400e’s Cortex-X4 cores.
  • Modern chipset architecture may offer better long-term efficiency.
  • Supports multiple fast charging protocols (PD, PPS, UFCS).

  • Charging speed is slower than the iQOO 9T.
  • Display specifications are currently unknown.

vivo iQOO 9T

  • Significantly faster 120W charging (19 minutes to full).
  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers a proven track record and thermal management.
  • Higher peak brightness (1033 nits) for better outdoor visibility.

  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a generation older than the Dimensity 9400e.
  • May exhibit more thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the newer architecture.

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 1033 nits, suggesting a vibrant viewing experience, though the Neo7 Turbo’s display specifications are currently unavailable. Both displays feature an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical for OLED panels. Without knowing the Neo7 Turbo’s panel technology (LTPO or not), it’s difficult to assess potential power savings from variable refresh rates. The iQOO 9T’s brightness advantage will be most noticeable in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. The iQOO 9T’s brand history suggests a focus on vibrant, saturated images, while Realme often aims for a more natural look. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is a significant omission, impacting low-light performance and video stability.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO 9T’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.19 GHz, alongside Cortex-A710 and A510 performance and efficiency cores. The Realme Neo7 Turbo counters with the Mediatek Dimensity 9400e (4nm), utilizing a Cortex-X4 prime core at 3.4 GHz, and three additional X4 cores, alongside Cortex-A720 efficiency cores. While clock speed isn’t everything, the Neo7 Turbo’s higher clocked X4 cores *suggest* a potential edge in single-core performance. However, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is known for its mature optimization and efficient thermal management, potentially leading to more consistent performance during extended gaming sessions. Both devices utilize a 4nm process, indicating good power efficiency, but the architectural differences will dictate real-world thermal behavior.

Battery Life

Both devices share an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (not specified). However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The iQOO 9T’s 120W wired charging can reach 50% in just 8 minutes and 100% in 19 minutes. The Realme Neo7 Turbo’s 100W charging takes 18 minutes for 50% and 47 minutes for a full charge. The iQOO 9T’s significantly faster charging is a major advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The inclusion of PD, PPS, and UFCS on the Neo7 Turbo suggests broader compatibility with various charging standards.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme Neo7 Turbo if you need a phone with a modern chipset architecture that *may* offer better long-term efficiency and sustained performance under load. Buy the vivo iQOO 9T if you prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and a well-established, reliable chipset with a proven thermal profile, even if it's a generation older.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the iQOO 9T overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is known to run hot under sustained load, but iQOO typically implements effective cooling solutions. While some throttling is possible, it’s unlikely to be severe enough to ruin the gaming experience. The Neo7 Turbo’s Dimensity 9400e, with its newer architecture, *may* offer better thermal efficiency, but real-world testing is needed to confirm.
❓ Does the Realme Neo7 Turbo support high refresh rate gaming, and what frame rates can be expected in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
While the Neo7 Turbo’s display refresh rate is unknown, the Dimensity 9400e is capable of supporting high refresh rates. Expect the phone to handle PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or potentially higher) with optimized settings. However, sustained performance will depend on the phone’s thermal management capabilities.
❓ Is the 120W charging on the iQOO 9T safe for long-term battery health?
Modern fast charging technologies incorporate safeguards to protect battery health. While extremely fast charging *can* theoretically contribute to faster battery degradation over several years, the iQOO 9T’s charging system is designed to minimize this effect. The convenience of rapid charging often outweighs the minimal potential impact on long-term battery life.