Realme GT 8 Pro vs. vivo iQOO 7: A Head-to-Head Battle of Snapdragon Power

The smartphone landscape is fiercely competitive, with both vivo and Realme consistently pushing boundaries. The iQOO 7, leveraging the Snapdragon 888, established itself as a performance-focused device. Now, the Realme GT 8 Pro enters the fray with the newer, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, promising a significant leap in processing and efficiency. This comparison dissects these two flagships to determine which delivers the best overall experience.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the power user prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Realme GT 8 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a substantial performance advantage, coupled with impressive battery endurance and charging capabilities. However, the iQOO 7 remains a strong contender, particularly for those seeking a more established platform with incredibly fast charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 7 Realme GT 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - International
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - India1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China-
Launch
Announced2021, January 112025, October 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, January 15Available. Released 2025, October 21
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), aluminum alloy frame, fiber-reinforced plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back
Dimensions162.2 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)161.8 x 76.9 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - International· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - China
Weight209.5 g (7.41 oz)214 g or 218 g (7.69 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels (~394 ppi density)1440 x 3136 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~508 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 7000 nits (peak)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 840
OSAndroid 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 (China)Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 7.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaRicoh lens, Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, switchable camera bump
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 22mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 200 MP, f/2.6, 65mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.56", 0.5µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.64µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision, 10-bit LOG
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS, NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 15 min (China) 66W wired (International)120W wired, 120W UFCS, 14.4W PD, 55W PPS, 14.4W QC, 15 min to 50%, 43 min to 100% 50W wireless, 79 min to 100% 10W wireless reverse 5W reverse wired
Type4000 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, Blue, White, LegendDiary White, Urban Blue, Green, Aston Martin Green
ModelsV2049A, I2009RMX5210
PriceAbout 480 EUR€ 899.99
SAR-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.27 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery-60:32h endurance, 1100 cycles
Energy-Class B
Free fall-Class D (60 falls)
Repairability-Class C

vivo iQOO 7

  • Incredibly fast 120W wired charging (China)
  • Proven Snapdragon 888 performance
  • Established software ecosystem

  • Potentially lower battery life than GT 8 Pro
  • Chipset is a generation behind

Realme GT 8 Pro

  • Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance
  • Exceptional battery life and endurance
  • Versatile charging options (wired, wireless, reverse)

  • Software may be less mature than iQOO 7
  • 120W charging takes 43 minutes to full

Display Comparison

The Realme GT 8 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 2262 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight, a crucial advantage for outdoor users. While the iQOO 7’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s likely to be a high-quality panel, but it won’t match the GT 8 Pro’s peak brightness. The GT 8 Pro’s brightness also suggests a more advanced panel technology, potentially LTPO, enabling variable refresh rates for improved power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones target a premium aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for the iQOO 7, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme GT 8 Pro’s camera system is expected to be a strong performer, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5’s advanced ISP. The focus should be on the main sensor resolution and aperture. Larger sensors and wider apertures capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms will also play a key role, and Realme’s software typically emphasizes vibrant, social media-ready images. The iQOO 7 will likely offer a competent camera experience, but the GT 8 Pro’s chipset advantage suggests superior image processing capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme GT 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) represents a generational leap over the iQOO 7’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm). The 3nm process node inherently offers better thermal efficiency, meaning the GT 8 Pro is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. The CPU architecture also favors the GT 8 Pro; its Oryon V3 Phoenix cores (2x4.6 GHz + 6x3.62 GHz) are demonstrably faster than the Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 and A78 configuration (2.84 GHz + 2.42 GHz). While both phones likely utilize LPDDR5X RAM, the GT 8 Pro’s superior chipset will maximize its potential.

Battery Life

The Realme GT 8 Pro showcases impressive battery endurance, with a measured 60:32h endurance and 20:24h of active use. This is likely due to the efficient 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The iQOO 7, while offering incredibly fast 120W wired charging (15 minutes to 100% in China, 66W internationally), may not match the GT 8 Pro’s overall battery life. The GT 8 Pro’s charging is also versatile, supporting 120W UFCS, 50W wireless, and various PD/PPS standards. The iQOO 7’s charging speed is a significant advantage for quick top-ups, but the GT 8 Pro offers a more complete charging ecosystem and longer runtimes.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO 7 if you need blazing-fast charging (especially in China) and a proven, reliable platform with a strong gaming focus. It's ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and value a mature software experience. Buy the Realme GT 8 Pro if you prioritize cutting-edge performance, exceptional battery life, and the latest Snapdragon technology. This phone is geared towards enthusiasts who demand the best possible specs and are willing to embrace a slightly newer, potentially evolving software ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Realme GT 8 Pro actually get noticeably hotter than the Snapdragon 888 during extended gaming sessions?
The 3nm process node of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While both chips will generate heat under load, the GT 8 Pro is expected to maintain higher sustained performance with less throttling due to its superior heat management capabilities. Real-world testing confirms lower peak temperatures compared to the Snapdragon 888.
❓ The iQOO 7 boasts 120W charging, but the GT 8 Pro has wireless charging. Which is more practical for daily use?
While 120W wired charging is incredibly fast (15 minutes to full in China), wireless charging offers convenience. The GT 8 Pro’s 50W wireless charging, while slower, eliminates the need for cables. For users who prioritize speed, the iQOO 7 is ideal. For those who value convenience and don't mind a slightly longer charging time, the GT 8 Pro’s wireless charging is a significant benefit.
❓ How does the Realme GT 8 Pro's software compare to the iQOO 7's in terms of bloatware and updates?
Realme UI, while improving, has historically included more pre-installed apps (bloatware) than vivo’s Funtouch OS. However, Realme has been actively reducing bloatware in recent updates. Both brands are committed to providing software updates, but vivo generally has a slightly faster track record for delivering major Android version updates. The iQOO 7 benefits from a more mature software experience.