vivo iQOO 9T vs iQOO 9 SE: A Detailed Showdown

The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. Two popular contenders are the iQOO 9T and the iQOO 9 SE. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The iQOO 9T takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and blazing-fast 120W charging. While the 9 SE offers a more budget-friendly option, the 9T's performance and charging speed provide a noticeable edge for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 9T vivo iQOO 9 SE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 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, 41, 661, 3, 4, 5, 8, 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 back-
Dimensions165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in)163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)199 g (7.02 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 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.84 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, 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)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 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/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 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 audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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 min66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min
Type4700 mAh4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsAlpha, Legend (BMW M branding)Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra
PriceAbout 600 EURAbout 400 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 117h Endurance rating 87h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.8 LUFS (Average) -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9) GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1) GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO 9T

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Brighter display
  • Slightly better battery endurance

  • Potentially higher price
  • Camera specs not fully detailed

vivo iQOO 9 SE

  • More affordable price
  • Good all-around performance
  • Decent battery life
  • 66W fast charging

  • Slower Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Less bright display
  • Slower charging speed

Display Comparison

The iQOO 9T boasts a significantly brighter display at 1033 nits compared to the iQOO 9 SE's 863 nits. Both feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term indicating very high contrast), but the increased brightness of the 9T makes it more visible in direct sunlight and offers a more vibrant viewing experience. Both likely use AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, providing smooth scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9T likely has a slightly better camera system due to the more powerful processor assisting with image processing. Both likely feature a main sensor around 50MP, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the 9T may offer better low-light performance.

Performance

This is where the iQOO 9T truly shines. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the iQOO 9 SE's Snapdragon 888. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance on the 9T. The 9 SE is still capable, but the 9T's processor provides a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The iQOO 9T holds a slight edge in endurance rating (117h vs 87h), suggesting slightly better overall battery life despite its more power-hungry processor. However, the real difference lies in charging speed. The iQOO 9T's 120W charging is incredibly fast, reaching 50% in just 8 minutes and 100% in 19 minutes, while the iQOO 9 SE's 66W charging takes 14 minutes to reach 50% and 39 minutes for a full charge.

Buying Guide

The vivo iQOO 9T is ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and rapid charging. The iQOO 9 SE is a great choice for users seeking a solid all-around smartphone with good performance and a more accessible price point, prioritizing battery life over raw speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the iQOO 9T worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and fast charging, the iQOO 9T is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute fastest speeds, the iQOO 9 SE remains a compelling option.
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 888?
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significantly improved version of the Snapdragon 888, offering better performance, improved efficiency, and enhanced graphics capabilities.