Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options from vivo. The iQOO 9 (China) and S10e cater to different users – one prioritizing raw power, the other focusing on style and photography. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9 (China) is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and blazing-fast 120W charging. The S10e offers a more balanced experience with a focus on aesthetics and a capable camera, but falls short in raw power. It's a trade-off between speed and style.
| 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 05 | 2021, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 12 | Available. Released 2021, October 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 160.9 x 74.3 x 7.5 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10, 1500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, HDR |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| 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/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, 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 | 44W wired |
| Type | 4700 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White (BMW M branding), Orange, Black | Black, White, Aurora |
| Models | V2171A | V2130A |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 320 EUR |
vivo iQOO 9 (China)
- Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 performance
- 120W ultra-fast charging
- Likely high refresh rate display
- Versatile camera system
- Potentially higher price
- May lack some of the S10e's aesthetic refinements
- China-specific model may have software limitations
vivo S10e
- Stylish design
- Excellent selfie camera
- More affordable price
- Good overall performance for everyday tasks
- Dimensity 900 chipset is less powerful
- Slower 44W charging
- Standard 60Hz display
- Less versatile camera system
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 (China) likely features a high refresh rate AMOLED display (typically 120Hz) for smoother visuals, while the S10e probably has a standard 60Hz AMOLED display. Both likely offer vibrant colors and good viewing angles, but the iQOO 9's higher refresh rate will provide a more responsive feel, especially during gaming. Screen size is likely similar, around 6.5 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
The S10e is heavily marketed for its selfie camera capabilities, likely featuring a high-resolution front-facing sensor and advanced beauty modes. The iQOO 9 (China) likely has a versatile rear camera system, potentially with a main sensor, ultrawide, and telephoto lens. While the iQOO 9 might offer more versatility, the S10e's selfie camera is likely superior.
Performance
This is where the iQOO 9 (China) truly shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a flagship chipset, significantly outperforming the Dimensity 900 in the S10e. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance on the iQOO 9. The iQOO 9's cooling system will also be more robust, preventing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The iQOO 9 (China) has a massive advantage with its 120W wired charging, capable of fully charging the battery in under 20 minutes. The S10e's 44W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4000-4500mAh), but the iQOO 9's charging speed makes a huge difference in convenience.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 9 (China) is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who demands top-tier performance. The vivo S10e is a great choice for those prioritizing a stylish design, good selfie camera, and a more budget-friendly price point, without needing the absolute fastest processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO 9 (China) worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and fast charging, absolutely. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a significant upgrade. However, if you're on a budget and don't need the absolute fastest speeds, the S10e offers a compelling alternative.
❓ Will the iQOO 9 (China) receive software updates?
As a China-specific model, software update support might be limited compared to globally released devices. Research the update situation before purchasing.
