vivo iQOO 9 SE vs iQOO 9T: A Detailed Showdown

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

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9T emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and brighter display. However, the iQOO 9 SE remains a strong contender, offering excellent battery life and a more budget-friendly price point.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO 9 SE	vivo iQOO 9T

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2022, February 23	2022, August 02
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 02	Available. Released 2022, August 02

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions	163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)	165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	199 g (7.02 oz)	206 g (7.27 oz)
	Splash and dust resistant	Dust and dripping water resistant

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size	6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, Funtouch 12	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1

Main Camera
Dual	48 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	-
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.9, (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), AF
Video	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Radio	No	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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	66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min	120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 19 min
Type	4500 mAh	4700 mAh

Misc
Colors	Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra	Alpha, Legend (BMW M branding)
Price	About 400 EUR	About 600 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 87h	Endurance rating 117h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-26.1 LUFS (Good)	-28.8 LUFS (Average)
Performance	AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9) GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

vivo iQOO 9 SE

Excellent battery life
More affordable price
Capable gaming performance
Good display quality

Older chipset
Slower charging
Lower peak brightness

vivo iQOO 9T

Faster performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
Incredibly fast charging (120W)
Brighter display
Improved image processing (likely)

Slightly shorter battery life
Higher price

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9T boasts a significantly brighter display at 1033 nits compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 863 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (infinite nominal), but the 9T's higher brightness provides better visibility in outdoor conditions. Both likely use AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, providing smooth scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9T likely has a slightly improved camera system due to the newer chipset and potentially better image processing algorithms. Both likely feature a primary sensor around 50MP, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens.

Performance

The iQOO 9T's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the iQOO 9 SE's Snapdragon 888. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. The 9T's newer CPU architecture also contributes to better efficiency.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 SE shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours. However, the iQOO 9T compensates with incredibly fast 120W charging, reaching 100% in just 19 minutes, compared to the 9 SE's 39 minutes. While the 9T has a lower endurance rating (117h), the rapid charging minimizes downtime.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9 SE is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a more affordable price tag, while still enjoying a capable gaming experience. The iQOO 9T is the better choice for power users and gamers who demand the fastest performance, quickest charging, and a brighter, more vibrant display.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9T worth the extra money over the iQOO 9 SE?

If you prioritize performance and charging speed, the iQOO 9T is definitely worth the investment. However, if battery life and budget are your primary concerns, the iQOO 9 SE remains a compelling option.

❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from each phone?

The iQOO 9T will handle demanding games at higher settings and frame rates more consistently. The iQOO 9 SE is still capable of playing most games, but you might need to lower graphics settings for optimal performance.