vivo iQOO 9 vs iQOO 9 Pro: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering exceptional performance at competitive prices. The iQOO 9 and iQOO 9 Pro represent the pinnacle of this philosophy, but with subtle differences that cater to different user needs. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to determine which device deserves your attention.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 Pro offers a superior overall package with faster wireless charging, a potentially better display (infinite contrast), and likely improved camera capabilities. However, the iQOO 9 remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing value and blazing-fast wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9 (China) vivo iQOO 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 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, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, January 052022, January 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 12Available. Released 2022, January 12
Body
Build-Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back or aramid fiber back
Dimensions164.5 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)164.8 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)204 g or 210 g (7.20 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 1500 nits (peak)LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS Ocean (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1 (V6)
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED lash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (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)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 60mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.3, 15mm, 150˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with dual speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/384kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 100% in 19 min 10W reverse wireless120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 20 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
Type4700 mAh4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsWhite (BMW M branding), Orange, BlackLegend (White w/ BMW M branding), Dark Cruise, Orange
ModelsV2171AV2172A, I2022
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 630 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 97h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 862324 (v8), 997948 (v9) GeekBench: 3708 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9 (China)

  • Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Competitive price
  • Excellent performance for gaming

  • Slower wireless charging (10W)
  • Potentially less impressive display compared to Pro
  • Camera details are limited

vivo iQOO 9 Pro

  • Superior display with 1000 nits brightness and infinite contrast
  • Faster 50W wireless charging
  • Excellent battery life (97h endurance)
  • Likely improved camera system

  • Higher price
  • Wired charging speed is same as iQOO 9

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The iQOO 9 Pro boasts a measured 1000 nits peak brightness and an 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely AMOLED), suggesting superior image quality and deeper blacks compared to the iQOO 9. While the iQOO 9's display is still high quality, the Pro's is likely the winner here.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse in the provided specs. However, the 'Camera: Photo / Video' notation suggests both offer capable photography and videography. The iQOO 9 Pro likely features a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger sensor or improved image processing algorithms, leading to better low-light performance and overall image quality. Further research is needed to confirm.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and CPU configuration, ensuring comparable raw performance in gaming and everyday tasks. Expect smooth multitasking and high frame rates in demanding games. Differences in thermal management (which isn't specified) could slightly impact sustained performance.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 Pro boasts an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. While the iQOO 9's battery life isn't specified, it's likely still very good. The iQOO 9 Pro also offers 50W wireless charging compared to the iQOO 9's 10W, providing significantly faster wireless top-ups.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9 (China) is ideal for gamers and power users on a budget who want top-tier performance and incredibly fast wired charging. The iQOO 9 Pro is best suited for users who demand the absolute best in display quality, faster wireless charging, and potentially a more refined camera experience, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize display quality, faster wireless charging, and potentially a better camera, the iQOO 9 Pro is worth the investment. However, the iQOO 9 offers excellent value for its price.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and CPU, so raw performance is very similar. Differences in thermal management could lead to slight variations in sustained performance.