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 newer iQOO Neo 7. Which one offers the best value and performance for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo 7 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, more modern chipset, and improved display. While the iQOO 7 remains a capable device, the Neo 7's advancements make it the better overall choice for most users, especially gamers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 26 | 2023, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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 |
| 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 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Solid Ice, Storm Black, Monster Orange | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | - | I2214 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 440 EUR |
vivo iQOO 7 (India)
- Proven Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Good value for money
- Reliable performance
- Slower charging
- Older chipset
- Likely LCD display
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Modern Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Improved camera performance
- Potentially higher price
- Mediatek chipset (some prefer Snapdragon)
Display Comparison
The iQOO Neo 7 boasts a 120Hz AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smoother scrolling experience compared to the iQOO 7's likely LCD panel (specifications confirm LCD). The Neo 7's higher refresh rate is a noticeable advantage for gaming and general use. Brightness is also likely improved on the Neo 7.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the iQOO Neo 7 likely has an edge due to its newer image processing capabilities and potentially improved sensors. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Neo 7. Both likely feature a 64MP main sensor, but the Neo 7's software and processing will be key.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 8200 in the iQOO Neo 7 is a clear winner here. While the Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO 7 is still a capable processor, the Dimensity 8200 offers better efficiency and raw performance, especially in demanding games. Expect smoother frame rates and less thermal throttling on the Neo 7.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo 7's 120W charging is a game-changer. It can charge from 50% to 100% in just 25 minutes, a significant improvement over the iQOO 7's 66W charging. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4500-5000mAh), but the Neo 7's charging speed makes a huge difference in daily usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO 7 (India)? Those looking for a reliable, slightly older flagship with a proven Snapdragon 870 chipset and a good value proposition. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Neo 7? Gamers and power users who prioritize blazing-fast charging, a more recent and efficient chipset, and a smoother display experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still a good chipset?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chipset, especially for gaming. However, the Dimensity 8200 offers a noticeable performance and efficiency boost.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Neo 7 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset, smoother display, and faster charging, allowing for longer gaming sessions.
