vivo iQOO 9 SE vs iQOO 7: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO 9 SE and the iQOO 7. Both pack the Snapdragon 888, but significant differences exist. Let's dive in to see which one comes out on top.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 7 boasts significantly faster charging (especially in China) and a potentially more refined software experience. However, the iQOO 9 SE offers a brighter display and potentially improved camera capabilities. Ultimately, the iQOO 7 is the faster charging champion, while the 9 SE might offer a slightly better overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9 SE vivo iQOO 7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 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, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA - India
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2022, February 232021, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 02Available. Released 2021, January 15
Body
Dimensions163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)162.2 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)209.5 g (7.41 oz)
 Splash and dust resistant-
Display
ProtectionPanda Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels (~394 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 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 12, Funtouch 12Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 (International), OriginOS 1.0 (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm-
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min120W wired, 100% in 15 min (China) 66W wired (International)
Type4500 mAh4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Fusion, Sunset SierraGray, Blue, White, Legend
Models-V2049A, I2009
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 480 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 87h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -26.1 LUFS (Good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9) GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

vivo iQOO 9 SE

  • Brighter Display (863 nits)
  • Excellent Battery Life (87h Endurance)
  • Potentially Improved Camera

  • Slower Charging (66W)
  • Older Software (potentially)

vivo iQOO 7

  • Incredibly Fast Charging (120W in China, 66W International)
  • Potentially More Mature Software
  • Good Overall Performance

  • Less Bright Display
  • Potentially Older Camera Technology

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.58-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the iQOO 9 SE measures a peak brightness of 863 nits, significantly brighter than the iQOO 7. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The iQOO 7's contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' which is a nominal value, suggesting excellent contrast, but lacks a concrete measurement.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited for both phones in the provided data. However, based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9 SE is expected to have a more modern camera system with potentially improved image processing. The iQOO 7's camera is still capable, but likely lacks some of the newer features found in the 9 SE. Both likely feature a primary 48MP sensor.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, ensuring smooth performance for demanding games and applications. While the hardware is identical, software optimization and potential thermal management differences could impact real-world performance. The iQOO 7 might have slightly more mature software at this point.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 SE boasts an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The iQOO 7, while not explicitly stated, typically offers good battery life. The charging speed is where the iQOO 7 truly shines, especially in the Chinese market with its 120W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% in just 15 minutes. The international version offers 66W charging, still very fast, but slower than the Chinese variant.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9 SE is ideal for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize a brighter display and potentially better camera performance. The vivo iQOO 7 is a great choice for those who value incredibly fast charging speeds and don't mind a slightly older software version. Consider your charging habits and display preferences when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 7 still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the iQOO 7 remains a capable device, especially if you prioritize fast charging. However, newer phones offer improvements in camera technology and software features.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both phones offer excellent gaming performance thanks to the Snapdragon 888. Real-world performance may vary slightly depending on thermal management and software optimization.