vivo iQOO 8 vs iQOO 9: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is renowned for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices, particularly catering to gamers. The iQOO 8 and iQOO 9 both offer impressive specs, but which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 edges out the iQOO 8 thanks to its slightly faster Snapdragon 888+, improved charging speed, and potentially better display brightness. While both offer excellent value, the iQOO 9’s refinements make it the superior choice for most users, especially gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 8 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, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 5, 8, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 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 24Available. Released 2022, March 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions159 x 75.1 x 8.6 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 -Monster Touch support
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55Octa-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
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@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 HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioNoNo
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, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min
Type4350 mAh4350 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite, Orange, BlackLegend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange
ModelsV2136A-
PriceAbout 500 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

  • Excellent 120W charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Competitive price

  • Slightly older chipset compared to iQOO 9
  • Lower peak brightness than iQOO 9
  • Camera details are limited

vivo iQOO 9

  • Faster Snapdragon 888+ chipset
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging (50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min)
  • Higher peak brightness (749 nits)
  • Potentially improved camera software

  • Slightly higher price than iQOO 8
  • Camera details are limited

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. However, the iQOO 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 749 nits, significantly higher than the iQOO 8 (estimated around 600 nits based on typical AMOLED performance). The iQOO 9's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but suggests excellent black levels. The iQOO 9 likely has better outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided specs. However, both phones are expected to offer capable camera systems for their price range. The iQOO 9 likely benefits from software optimizations and potentially a slightly improved sensor due to being the newer model. Expect good image quality in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance might be similar.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, but the iQOO 9 utilizes the slightly faster Snapdragon 888+. This translates to a marginal performance boost in demanding games and applications. Both phones offer ample RAM and storage for smooth multitasking and gaming.

Battery Life

Both phones boast impressive battery life, with an endurance rating of 105 hours. The iQOO 9's 120W charging is significantly faster than the iQOO 8's 120W, allowing for incredibly quick top-ups. The iQOO 9 can charge 50% in 6 minutes and 100% in 18 minutes, a substantial advantage.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo iQOO 8? Those seeking a fantastic gaming experience on a slightly tighter budget will appreciate the iQOO 8's performance and 120W charging. Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9? Gamers and power users who prioritize the latest chipset, faster charging, and potentially a brighter display will find the iQOO 9 a worthwhile upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 888+ in the iQOO 9 a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 8?
While both are excellent chipsets, the 888+ offers a slight performance boost, particularly noticeable in demanding games and multitasking. It's not a massive difference, but it's an improvement.
❓ How does the charging speed of the iQOO 9 compare to the iQOO 8?
The iQOO 9's 120W charging is significantly faster. It can charge 50% in just 6 minutes and 100% in 18 minutes, while the iQOO 8's charging speed is comparable but slightly slower.