The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive performance and features at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO Neo 6 and the iQOO 9 SE. Which one offers the best value and caters to your specific needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo 6 edges out the 9 SE thanks to its faster charging and slightly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset. However, the 9 SE boasts a brighter display and the newer Snapdragon 888, making it a compelling alternative for those prioritizing screen quality and slightly newer tech.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 31 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 31 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| 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, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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 | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | 4700 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Nova, Cyber Rage | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | I2126 | - |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 97h
|
Endurance rating 87h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.0 LUFS (Very good)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 627246 (v8), 730223 (v9)
GeekBench: 3076 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9)
GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO Neo 6
- Faster Charging (80W)
- Excellent Battery Life (97h Endurance)
- Efficient Snapdragon 870 Chipset
- Good Value for Money
- Slightly Lower Display Brightness
- Camera details are limited
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Brighter Display (863 nits)
- Newer Snapdragon 888 Chipset
- Sleek Design (likely)
- Slower Charging (66W)
- Slightly Shorter Battery Life (87h Endurance)
- Can run hotter under load
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE takes the lead in display brightness, measuring 863 nits compared to the Neo 6's 772 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (Infinite, nominally), suggesting deep blacks and vibrant colors. While both likely use AMOLED panels, the 9 SE's higher brightness provides better visibility in direct sunlight. The Neo 6's display is still very good, but the 9 SE offers a slightly more premium visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited in the provided specs. However, both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing and sensor size. Expect decent photo and video capabilities from both devices, but neither is likely to be a flagship-level camera system. Further testing would be needed to determine a clear winner.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 6 utilizes the Snapdragon 870, a proven performer known for its efficiency and gaming capabilities. The iQOO 9 SE features the Snapdragon 888, which offers a slight performance advantage in raw processing power, but can run hotter under sustained load. Both phones offer smooth multitasking and handle demanding games with ease, but the 870's efficiency might translate to slightly better thermal management.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo 6 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 97 hours, slightly surpassing the iQOO 9 SE's 87 hours. The Neo 6 also has significantly faster charging (80W vs 66W), reaching 50% in 12 minutes and 100% in 32 minutes, compared to 14 and 39 minutes respectively. This makes the Neo 6 the clear winner in battery and charging performance.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Neo 6 is ideal for gamers and power users who value fast charging and sustained performance. The iQOO 9 SE is a great choice for users who prioritize a vibrant display and appreciate the slightly newer Snapdragon 888, even with a trade-off in charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Neo 6's Snapdragon 870 offers excellent gaming performance with good thermal management. While the 9 SE's 888 is more powerful, it can get hotter. Both are capable, but the Neo 6 might provide a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the iQOO 9 SE worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize a brighter display and the latest Snapdragon chipset, the iQOO 9 SE is worth considering. However, the iQOO Neo 6 offers better value with its faster charging and longer battery life.
