vivo iQOO 9T vs iQOO 9: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices, particularly targeting gamers. The iQOO 9 and iQOO 9T represent two iterations within this lineup, each boasting impressive specs. But which one offers the better overall experience?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9T emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and brighter display. While the iQOO 9 remains a capable device, the 9T's performance boost and improved screen make it the superior choice for demanding users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9T vivo iQOO 9
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 781, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, August 022022, February 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, August 02Available. Released 2022, March 02
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Panda Glass), aluminum frame, glass back
Dimensions165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)200 g / 202 g (7.05 oz)
 Dust and dripping water resistantSplash and dust resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Panda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
 -Monster Touch support
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 660
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 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)
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Triple50 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-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 8 min, 100% in 19 min120W wired, 50% in 6 min, 100% in 18 min
Type4700 mAh4350 mAh
Misc
ColorsAlpha, Legend (BMW M branding)Legend, Alpha, Phoenix Orange
PriceAbout 600 EURAbout 510 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 117h Endurance rating 105h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.8 LUFS (Average) -25.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 745168 (v8), 852898 (v9) GeekBench: 3503 (v5.1) GFXBench: 65fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9T

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Brighter display (1033 nits)
  • Excellent 120W fast charging
  • Slightly better battery endurance

  • Potentially higher price
  • Camera details are limited

vivo iQOO 9

  • Excellent 120W fast charging
  • Solid performance with Snapdragon 888+
  • Good battery life
  • Potentially more affordable

  • Less powerful chipset compared to iQOO 9T
  • Dimmer display (749 nits)
  • Camera details are limited

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9T boasts a significantly brighter display, measuring 1033 nits peak brightness compared to the iQOO 9's 749 nits. This translates to better visibility in direct sunlight and a more immersive viewing experience. Both phones feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term), and likely use AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, though specific panel technology details are not provided. The iQOO 9T's brighter screen is a noticeable advantage.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9 likely features a primary 48MP sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. The iQOO 9T may have slight improvements in image processing due to the newer chipset, but overall camera performance is likely comparable. Low-light performance and video recording quality would require further testing.

Performance

This is where the iQOO 9T truly shines. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the iQOO 9's Snapdragon 888+. The 8+ Gen 1 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother gameplay, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. The iQOO 9 is still capable, but the 9T provides a noticeable performance edge.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 117h and 105h respectively. The iQOO 9T has a slight edge in endurance. Both support 120W wired charging, allowing for incredibly fast charging speeds – 50% in around 8-6 minutes and 100% in 18-19 minutes. Charging speed is virtually identical.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9T? Gamers and power users seeking top-tier performance and a vibrant display. Who should buy the vivo iQOO 9? Users looking for a great value proposition with solid performance and fast charging, especially if the price difference is substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9T worth the extra money over the iQOO 9?
If you prioritize performance and a brighter display, the iQOO 9T is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute best performance, the iQOO 9 remains a compelling option.
❓ How does the camera compare between the two phones?
Detailed camera specifications are limited. Both phones likely offer a versatile camera system, but the iQOO 9T may benefit from slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset. Real-world camera comparisons would require more in-depth testing.