The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the iQOO 9 SE and the iQOO Neo 7. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo 7 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 120W charging and the more modern Dimensity 8200 chipset. While the 9 SE offers excellent battery life, the Neo 7's overall performance and charging speed make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 23 | 2023, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 02 | Available. Released 2023, February 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| 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 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| 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 |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| 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 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | - | I2214 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 440 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
- Exceptional battery life (87h endurance)
- Proven Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Good display brightness (863 nits)
- Older chipset compared to Neo 7
- Slower charging speed (66W)
- Camera details are unclear
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- More modern Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Likely better display technology
- Battery life potentially less than iQOO 9 SE
- Camera details are unclear
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the Neo 7 likely has a slightly more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy and HDR support (though specific details are missing). The iQOO 9 SE's 863 nits brightness is respectable, ensuring good visibility outdoors. Contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' for the 9 SE, which is a nominal value and doesn't provide concrete information.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Both are listed as 'Photo / Video', which doesn't provide enough information for a meaningful comparison. We'd need specifics on sensor sizes, aperture, and video recording capabilities to make a proper assessment. Based on general trends, the Neo 7 might have a slight edge due to the newer chipset's image processing capabilities.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 7's Dimensity 8200 chipset is a clear winner here. It's built on a newer 4nm process and generally offers superior CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO 9 SE. While the 888 is still a capable chip, the Neo 7 will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
The iQOO 9 SE boasts an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the iQOO Neo 7's 120W charging more than compensates for any potential difference in battery capacity. It can charge from 0 to 100% in just 25 minutes, a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9 SE? It's ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a proven Snapdragon chipset. Who should buy the vivo iQOO Neo 7? This phone is perfect for gamers and power users who demand blazing-fast charging and the latest processor technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO 9 SE good for gaming?
Yes, the iQOO 9 SE is capable of handling most games, but the iQOO Neo 7's more powerful chipset will provide a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, especially in demanding titles.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the iQOO Neo 7?
The iQOO Neo 7 can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in approximately 25 minutes thanks to its 120W wired charging.