vivo iQOO 9 SE vs iQOO 9: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. The iQOO 9 SE and iQOO 9 both offer impressive specs, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which device is the right fit for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 takes the crown with its significantly faster charging, slightly better CPU, and longer battery life. However, the iQOO 9 SE remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a powerful Snapdragon 888 experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9 SE vivo iQOO 9
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, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, February 232022, February 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 02Available. Released 2022, March 02
Body
Build-Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)
 Splash and dust resistantSplash and dust resistant
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassPanda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)AMOLED, 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-A55)Octa-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 12, Funtouch 12Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 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 lens48 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/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
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, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS
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, 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, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min
Type4500 mAh4350 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Fusion, Sunset SierraLegend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 510 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 87h Endurance rating 105h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.1 LUFS (Good) -25.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9) GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9) GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9 SE

  • Slightly brighter display
  • Competitive price
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Capable Snapdragon 888 performance

  • Shorter battery life
  • Slower charging speed
  • Potentially slightly less refined camera

vivo iQOO 9

  • Longer battery life
  • Faster 120W charging
  • Slightly better performance (Snapdragon 888+)
  • Potentially better camera processing

  • Higher price
  • Slightly lower peak brightness compared to SE

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The iQOO 9 SE boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 863 nits compared to the iQOO 9's 749 nits, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Both have a nominal infinite contrast ratio, indicating deep blacks and vibrant colors. While both are great, the iQOO 9 SE has a slight edge in brightness.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided data. However, both phones are expected to offer capable camera systems for their price range. The iQOO 9 likely has slightly improved image processing due to the 888+ chipset. Both likely feature a main sensor around 48MP, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Real-world camera performance would require a more in-depth test.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 888, but the iQOO 9 utilizes the slightly more powerful Snapdragon 888+. This translates to a marginal performance boost in demanding tasks and games. The iQOO 9 also has a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.99 GHz vs 2.84 GHz). While both offer flagship-level performance, the iQOO 9 holds a slight advantage.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 significantly outperforms the iQOO 9 SE in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 105 hours compared to 87 hours. This difference is substantial and will be noticeable in daily usage. The iQOO 9's 120W charging is also a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times (50% in 6 minutes, 100% in 18 minutes) compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 66W charging (50% in 14 minutes, 100% in 39 minutes).

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE? Gamers on a tighter budget who prioritize a smooth gaming experience and don't need the absolute fastest charging. Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9? Users who demand the quickest charging speeds, slightly improved performance, and extended battery life for all-day use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 888+ in the iQOO 9 a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE?
While both are powerful chips, the 888+ offers a slight performance boost, particularly in sustained workloads and demanding games. The difference is noticeable but not massive.
❓ How much does the iQOO 9 cost compared to the iQOO 9 SE?
The iQOO 9 typically commands a higher price tag than the iQOO 9 SE, reflecting its improved features and performance. Exact pricing varies by region and configuration.