The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO 7 and the iQOO 9 SE. Which one offers the best value and performance for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9 SE edges out the iQOO 7 thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and brighter display. While the iQOO 7 boasts incredibly fast charging, the 9 SE's overall package of performance, display quality, and battery life makes it the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 26 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | 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)
Auxiliary lens | 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/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | 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, 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 | 66W wired, 100% in 22 min | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Solid Ice, Storm Black, Monster Orange | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Price | About 350 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) |
vivo iQOO 7 (India)
- Incredibly fast 66W charging
- Smooth gaming performance
- Competitive price
- Slightly older chipset
- Less bright display compared to iQOO 9 SE
- Camera details are limited
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Slightly more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Excellent battery life
- Modern camera system (likely)
- Slightly slower charging than iQOO 7
- Price may be slightly higher
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 863 nits, significantly brighter than the iQOO 7. While the iQOO 7's display is perfectly adequate, the 9 SE's higher brightness offers better visibility in outdoor conditions and a more vibrant viewing experience. The iQOO 9 SE also boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9 SE likely has a more modern camera system with improved image processing. However, without specific sensor details, a definitive comparison is difficult. Expect the 9 SE to offer better low-light performance.
Performance
The iQOO 9 SE's Snapdragon 888 (5nm) offers a slight performance advantage over the iQOO 7's Snapdragon 870 (7nm). While both chips are capable of handling demanding games and multitasking, the 888 generally provides smoother performance and better sustained clock speeds. The Cortex-X1 core in the 888 is a key differentiator.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life with an endurance rating of 87 hours. The iQOO 7's 66W charging is exceptionally fast, reaching 100% in just 22 minutes. The iQOO 9 SE's charging is slightly slower, reaching 50% in 14 minutes and 100% in 39 minutes, but still very respectable.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 7 (India) is a great choice for users prioritizing blazing-fast charging and a smooth gaming experience on a budget. The vivo iQOO 9 SE is ideal for those seeking a brighter display, slightly better performance, and excellent battery life for extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 or 888 better?
The Snapdragon 888 is generally considered slightly better than the 870, offering a small performance boost and improved efficiency due to its smaller 5nm process.
❓ Which phone has faster charging?
The iQOO 7 has faster charging, reaching 100% in 22 minutes compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 39 minutes.
