The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive performance and features at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO 9, boasting the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, and the iQOO Neo 6, offering a more balanced experience with the Snapdragon 870. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9 takes the performance crown thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, offering significantly faster speeds for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the iQOO Neo 6 provides excellent value with its efficient Snapdragon 870, impressive battery life, and potentially more stable performance under sustained load. It's a trade-off between raw power and overall practicality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 05 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 1500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 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) | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 100% in 19 min
10W reverse wireless | 80W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min |
| Type | 4700 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White (BMW M branding), Orange, Black | Dark Nova, Cyber Rage |
| Models | V2171A | I2126 |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 360 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 97h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.0 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 627246 (v8), 730223 (v9)
GeekBench: 3076 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO 9 (China)
- Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
- Incredibly fast 120W charging
- Potentially better camera system
- Premium build quality (likely)
- Potential for thermal throttling
- May have shorter battery life
- Higher price point
- China-specific model - software/support considerations
vivo iQOO Neo 6
- Excellent battery life (97h endurance)
- Efficient Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Faster 80W charging
- More stable performance under load
- Generally more affordable
- Less powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- Potentially less advanced camera system
- May have a less premium design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the iQOO Neo 6's 772 nits max brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility. The iQOO 9 likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (often 120Hz), contributing to smoother scrolling and animations. The Neo 6's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but suggests good black levels.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse in the provided specs. Both phones are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Based on typical iQOO configurations, expect the iQOO 9 to potentially have a more advanced camera system with better low-light performance and video recording capabilities, leveraging its flagship chipset. The Neo 6 will likely offer a solid, reliable camera experience.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the iQOO 9 is undeniably more powerful on paper. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher frame rates in demanding games. However, the 8 Gen 1 is known to run hotter, potentially leading to thermal throttling under prolonged heavy use. The Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO Neo 6 is still a very capable chip, offering excellent performance for most tasks and generally running cooler.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo 6 shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 97h is exceptional, suggesting outstanding battery life. The iQOO 9's 120W charging is incredibly fast, but it might not compensate for potentially lower overall battery capacity. The Neo 6's 80W charging is still very quick, getting you to 50% in 12 minutes and 100% in 32 minutes.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 9 (China) is ideal for gamers, power users, and those who demand the absolute best performance. If you prioritize speed, cutting-edge technology, and don't mind potential thermal throttling, this is your pick. The vivo iQOO Neo 6 is perfect for everyday users, mobile gamers who value battery life and stability, and those seeking a great all-around phone at a more accessible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO 9 worth the extra money over the iQOO Neo 6?
If you're a hardcore gamer or need the absolute fastest performance, the iQOO 9 is worth it. Otherwise, the iQOO Neo 6 offers excellent value and a more balanced experience.
❓ Will the iQOO 9 overheat?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to run hot. While vivo likely implemented cooling solutions, expect potential thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
