vivo iQOO 9 vs iQOO 9 Pro: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. The iQOO 9 and iQOO 9 Pro are two of their flagship offerings, but which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display quality to charging speed, to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 Pro offers a brighter display, a newer and more efficient chipset, and the added convenience of wireless charging. However, the iQOO 9 boasts slightly better battery endurance and marginally faster wired charging. Ultimately, the Pro is the superior device, justifying its higher price for those seeking the best overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	vivo iQOO 9	vivo iQOO 9 Pro

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) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
	-	CDMA2000 1x

Launch
Announced	2022, February 23	2022, January 05
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 02	Available. Released 2022, January 12

Body
Build	Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back	Glass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back or aramid fiber back
Dimensions	159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm	164.8 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)	204 g or 210 g (7.20 oz)
	Splash and dust resistant	Splash and dust resistant

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)	1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~518 ppi density)
Size	6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)	LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
	Monster Touch support	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 730
OS	Android 12, Funtouch 12	Android 12, Funtouch 12 (International), OriginOS Ocean (China)

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
	UFS 3.1	UFS 3.1 (V6)

Main Camera
Dual	48 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)	-
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED lash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Triple	-	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 60mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.3, 15mm, 150˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps	8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	No
35mm jack	No	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with dual speakers
	24-bit/192kHz audio	32-bit/384kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min	120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 20 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
Type	4350 mAh	4700 mAh

Misc
Colors	Legend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange	Legend (White w/ BMW M branding), Dark Cruise, Orange
Models	-	V2172A, I2022
Price	About 510 EUR	About 630 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 105h	Endurance rating 97h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-25.5 LUFS (Very good)	-24.8 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9) GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 862324 (v8), 997948 (v9) GeekBench: 3708 (v5.1) GFXBench: 46fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9

Excellent Battery Life
Faster Wired Charging (slightly)
Competitive Price
Smooth 120Hz Display

Lower Peak Brightness
Older Chipset
No Wireless Charging

vivo iQOO 9 Pro

Brighter Display
Newer & More Efficient Chipset
Wireless Charging Support
Reverse Wireless Charging

Slightly Shorter Battery Life
Slightly Slower Wired Charging
Higher Price

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9 Pro takes a clear lead in the display department. While both phones feature excellent OLED panels with infinite contrast ratios, the Pro's 1000 nits peak brightness significantly surpasses the iQOO 9's 749 nits. This difference is noticeable in outdoor visibility and HDR content playback. Both offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates for fluid scrolling and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Generally, the Pro models in vivo's lineup tend to have slightly improved camera hardware and image processing algorithms. Expect the iQOO 9 Pro to potentially offer better low-light performance and more refined image quality. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable.

Performance

The iQOO 9 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a generation newer than the iQOO 9's Snapdragon 888+. The 8 Gen 1 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, along with better power efficiency. While both phones handle demanding games with ease, the Pro provides a smoother and more consistent experience, especially during extended gaming sessions. The Pro's 4nm process also contributes to reduced heat generation.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 edges out the iQOO 9 Pro in terms of raw battery endurance, with an endurance rating of 105 hours compared to 97 hours. However, the iQOO 9 Pro's 120W wired charging is incredibly fast, and the addition of 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging provides added convenience.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9 is ideal for gamers and power users on a budget who prioritize battery life and fast-wired charging. The iQOO 9 Pro is the better choice for those who demand the absolute best performance, a brighter display, and the flexibility of wireless charging, even if it means a slightly shorter battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9 Pro worth the extra money?

If you prioritize the best possible performance, a brighter display, and wireless charging, then the iQOO 9 Pro is worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and value battery life, the iQOO 9 remains a compelling option.

❓ Which chipset is better, Snapdragon 888+ or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is generally considered the better chipset due to its improved CPU and GPU performance, as well as its enhanced power efficiency.