vivo iQOO 9 vs iQOO 9 SE: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. The iQOO 9 and iQOO 9 SE are two compelling options, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9 takes the crown with its significantly faster 120W charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful processor. However, the iQOO 9 SE remains a strong contender, offering a more budget-friendly option with a still-capable Snapdragon 888 and respectable battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9 vivo iQOO 9 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 8, 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
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back-
Dimensions159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
 Splash and dust resistantSplash and dust resistant
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassPanda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 Monster Touch support-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.99 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 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, gimbal OIS 13 MP, f/2.5, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)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
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 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, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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
Charging120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min
Type4350 mAh4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsLegend, Alpha, Phoenix OrangeSpace Fusion, Sunset Sierra
PriceAbout 510 EURAbout 400 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 105h Endurance rating 87h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.5 LUFS (Very good) -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9) GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9) GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9

  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Brighter display
  • Slightly more powerful processor
  • Excellent performance for gaming

  • Potentially higher price
  • Camera details are unclear

vivo iQOO 9 SE

  • More affordable
  • Still-capable Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Respectable battery life
  • Good value for money

  • Slower 66W charging
  • Slightly dimmer display
  • Marginally less powerful CPU

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9 boasts a peak brightness of 749 nits, noticeably brighter than the iQOO 9 SE's 863 nits. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (nominally infinite), the iQOO 9's higher brightness will provide better visibility in direct sunlight. Both likely feature AMOLED panels with smooth refresh rates (likely 120Hz, though not explicitly stated).

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse, simply labeled 'Photo / Video' for both devices. Based on typical iQOO configurations, expect a primary sensor (likely 50MP), ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable, with the iQOO 9 potentially having slightly better processing due to its more powerful chipset. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, supporting 4K resolution.

Performance

Both phones are powered by Snapdragon 888 5G chipsets, but the iQOO 9 has a slightly more powerful CPU configuration (Cortex-X1 clocked at 2.99 GHz vs 2.84 GHz on the SE). This translates to a marginal performance advantage in demanding tasks and games, though both should handle everyday use with ease. RAM and storage configurations likely vary, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9 holds a significant advantage in charging speed, with 120W wired charging compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 66W. This allows the iQOO 9 to charge from 50% to 100% in just 18 minutes, while the SE takes 39 minutes. While both have similar endurance ratings (105h vs 87h), the iQOO 9's faster charging makes it more convenient for topping up.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9 is ideal for power users, gamers, and anyone who prioritizes blazing-fast charging and a vibrant display. The iQOO 9 SE is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a smooth experience and a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9 SE worth buying if I'm on a budget?
Absolutely! The iQOO 9 SE offers excellent value with a capable processor, decent camera, and respectable battery life at a more affordable price point.
❓ How much faster is the iQOO 9's charging?
The iQOO 9 charges significantly faster, reaching 100% in just 18 minutes compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 39 minutes.