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 9T. Both offer impressive specs, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9T is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a brighter display, and incredibly fast 120W charging. While the iQOO 7 remains a capable device, the 9T's upgrades make it the superior choice for performance-focused users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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 | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 26 | 2022, August 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 01 | Available. Released 2022, August 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| | - | Dust and dripping water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~84.8% 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, Funtouch 11.1 | 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 |
| 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 | - |
| 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/2.5, (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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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/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 | 66W wired, 100% in 22 min | 120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 19 min |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Solid Ice, Storm Black, Monster Orange | Alpha, Legend (BMW M branding) |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.8 LUFS (Average)
|
vivo iQOO 7 (India)
- Excellent value
- Solid Snapdragon 870 performance
- Fast 66W charging
- Good battery life
- Older chipset
- Less bright display
- Slower charging compared to 9T
vivo iQOO 9T
- Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Incredibly fast 120W charging
- Excellent battery life
- Higher price
- Potential for thermal throttling (though generally well-managed)
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9T's display is a noticeable upgrade. Its 1033 nits peak brightness significantly outperforms the iQOO 7, offering better visibility in sunlight. The iQOO 9T also boasts an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While the iQOO 7 has a good display, the 9T's is simply superior.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the iQOO 9T likely has an edge due to its newer image processing capabilities and potentially improved sensors. Specific camera details are missing, but the 9T's newer chipset generally translates to better image quality and video recording.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the iQOO 9T is a substantial leap over the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO 7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly improved gaming performance on the 9T. The 9T's newer architecture and fabrication process (4nm vs 7nm) contribute to better efficiency as well.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 117h. However, the iQOO 9T's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The iQOO 7's 66W charging is still fast, but not in the same league.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 7 is a great option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a solid Snapdragon 870 experience. The iQOO 9T is ideal for those who demand the absolute best performance, a vibrant display, and blazing-fast charging speeds, and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO 9T worth the extra money over the iQOO 7?
If performance and charging speed are your top priorities, then yes. The iQOO 9T offers a significant upgrade in both areas. However, if you're on a tighter budget, the iQOO 7 still provides a good experience.
❓ Does the iQOO 9T get hot during gaming?
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 can generate heat under heavy load, but vivo has implemented cooling solutions to mitigate this. While some thermal throttling may occur during extended gaming sessions, it's generally well-managed.
