The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices. The iQOO 9 and iQOO Neo 7 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.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9 boasts a Snapdragon 888+ and impressive charging speeds, while the iQOO Neo 7 leverages the Dimensity 8200 for excellent efficiency and gaming. The Neo 7 edges out the 9 in sustained performance and value, but the 9's charging is noticeably faster.
| 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 / 2100 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 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 (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm | 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 | 200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | Monster Touch support | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.99 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, 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 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/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | 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 | 120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min | 120W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 4350 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Legend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | - | I2214 |
| Price | About 510 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 105h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.5 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9)
GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
vivo iQOO 9
- Faster Charging (18 mins to 100%)
- Potentially Premium Build Quality
- High Peak Brightness
- Slightly Older Chipset
- Potentially Higher Price
- Camera Details Limited
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- More Efficient Chipset (Dimensity 8200)
- Excellent Sustained Performance
- Likely Better Value
- Slightly Slower Charging (25 mins to 100%)
- Camera Details Limited
- Potentially Less Premium Build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the iQOO 9's measured 749 nits peak brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility. The iQOO Neo 7 likely has a similar brightness, but specific measurements are needed for a definitive comparison. Both offer smooth 120Hz refresh rates for fluid scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited in the provided specs. However, both phones likely feature capable camera systems for their price range. Expect versatile setups with wide, ultrawide, and potentially macro lenses. Image processing and video capabilities will be key differentiators, requiring further testing to determine a clear winner.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 7's Dimensity 8200 generally outperforms the iQOO 9's Snapdragon 888+ in sustained performance and efficiency. While the 888+ still offers plenty of power, the 8200's architecture and 4nm process provide better thermal management and longer-lasting performance during extended gaming sessions. The iQOO 9's CPU has a slightly higher peak clock speed, but real-world performance favors the Neo 7.
Battery Life
The iQOO 9's endurance rating of 105h is exceptionally high, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the iQOO Neo 7's Dimensity 8200's efficiency likely contributes to comparable or even slightly better real-world battery performance. While the iQOO 9 charges significantly faster (120W vs 120W, 18 min vs 25 min), the Neo 7's charging speed is still very impressive.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 9 is ideal for users prioritizing raw charging speed and a slightly more premium feel. The iQOO Neo 7 is a better choice for gamers seeking sustained performance, excellent efficiency, and a more budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Neo 7 generally offers better sustained gaming performance due to its more efficient Dimensity 8200 chipset.
❓ Is the iQOO 9's charging speed worth it?
If incredibly fast charging is a top priority, the iQOO 9's 18-minute 100% charge is a significant advantage. However, the Neo 7's 25-minute charge is still very quick.
