vivo iQOO 8 Pro vs iQOO 9: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is renowned for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. The iQOO 8 Pro and iQOO 9 both pack a punch, but cater to slightly different priorities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 edges out the 8 Pro thanks to its potentially improved camera system and slightly more modern design. However, the 8 Pro's faster wireless charging and potentially better cooling solution make it a strong contender for serious gamers. It's a close call, depending on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 8 Pro vivo iQOO 9
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, August 172022, February 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 26Available. Released 2022, March 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions165 x 75.2 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 -Monster Touch support
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 60mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 0.8µm, AF-
Video8K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS
RadioYesNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 18 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min
Type4500 mAh4350 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite (BMW M branding), Black, Pilot EditionLegend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange
ModelsV2141A, I2017-
PriceAbout 660 EURAbout 510 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 105h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9) GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 8 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
  • Fast 50W wireless charging
  • Potentially better cooling for sustained performance
  • Excellent display

  • Camera potentially less advanced than iQOO 9
  • Slightly older design

vivo iQOO 9

  • Potentially improved camera system
  • Slightly faster 120W wired charging
  • Modern design
  • High peak brightness display

  • No wireless charging
  • Thermal management potentially less effective than 8 Pro

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays, but the iQOO 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 749 nits, suggesting better outdoor visibility. The iQOO 8 Pro's display is likely very good, but lacks specific brightness data. The iQOO 9's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal value and doesn't necessarily translate to a significantly better viewing experience in practice. Both likely use AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse in the provided specs. However, the iQOO 9 is generally considered to have a more advanced camera system. Expect improvements in image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The iQOO 8 Pro's camera is still capable, but likely not as refined.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888+ chipset, ensuring flagship-level performance. While the hardware is identical, the iQOO 9 might benefit from slightly improved thermal management due to potential design differences, leading to sustained performance during extended gaming sessions. Software optimization could also play a role.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the iQOO 9 claiming an endurance rating of 105 hours. The iQOO 8 Pro also boasts excellent battery life. The iQOO 9's 120W wired charging is slightly faster (50% in 6 minutes vs 18 minutes for 100% on the 8 Pro), offering quicker top-ups. The iQOO 8 Pro has 50W wireless charging, which the iQOO 9 lacks.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 8 Pro is ideal for gamers prioritizing blazing-fast wired and wireless charging and potentially superior cooling. The iQOO 9 is a better choice for users who value a potentially improved camera experience and a more contemporary design, while still enjoying excellent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9 worth the upgrade from the iQOO 8 Pro?
It depends on your priorities. If camera improvements and a more modern design are important, then yes. If you heavily rely on wireless charging and prioritize sustained performance during long gaming sessions, the 8 Pro remains a strong choice.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both offer excellent gaming performance thanks to the Snapdragon 888+ chipset. The iQOO 8 Pro's potential cooling advantage might give it a slight edge in sustained performance during extended gaming.