iQOO Neo 855 vs OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 855 Power

Both the vivo iQOO Neo 855 and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren represent a peak in Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 series performance. Released within a similar timeframe, they cater to users seeking flagship-level capabilities without the absolute highest price tags. However, subtle yet crucial differences in chipset, charging, and overall design philosophy separate these two contenders, making a direct comparison essential for informed buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and 5G connectivity, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren edges out the iQOO Neo 855. The Snapdragon 855+ offers a slight performance boost, and the McLaren branding hints at a more refined software experience. However, the iQOO Neo 855 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Neo 855 OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-71 SA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMACDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, October. Released 2019, October2019, October 23. Released 2019, November 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)162.6 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198.5 g (7.02 oz)206 g (7.27 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~516 ppi density)
Size6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 108.8 cm2 (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, HDR10Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9Android 10, OxygenOS 10.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
 64GB 6GB RAM (UFS 2.1), all others (UFS 3.0)UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µmMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio -
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, 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, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired30W wired
Type4500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4085 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPurple, Aurora White, BlackPapaya Orange
ModelsV1936A, V1936THD1925
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 800 EUR

vivo iQOO Neo 855

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Potentially better value for money
  • Strong gaming performance with Snapdragon 855

  • Snapdragon 855 is slightly less powerful than 855+
  • Potentially less refined software experience

OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren

  • Slightly more powerful Snapdragon 855+
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Potentially better camera system

  • Slower 30W wired charging
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays (based on market positioning), specific details like peak brightness and color accuracy are absent. However, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s fluid AMOLED panel was known for its excellent color calibration. The iQOO Neo 855, being a more value-focused device, may have slightly less accurate color reproduction. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar design language of the era. The absence of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rate scaling isn't as efficient as on newer panels.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren, positioned as a premium device, likely features a more sophisticated camera system with a larger primary sensor and potentially better image stabilization (OIS). The iQOO Neo 855 likely prioritizes value, potentially sacrificing some camera quality for a lower price point. Image processing styles will also differ; OnePlus typically aims for a more natural look, while vivo often employs more vibrant, saturated colors. The inclusion of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO Neo 855 utilizes the Snapdragon 855, while the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren boasts the Snapdragon 855+. The ‘+’ variant features slightly higher clock speeds – 2.96 GHz vs 2.84 GHz on the primary Kryo 485 core – translating to a marginal performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks. Both share the same GPU architecture, but the 855+ benefits from optimized drivers. The iQOO Neo 855’s thermal management will be crucial; the 855 was known to run warm, and efficient cooling is vital to sustain peak performance. Both likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, impacting multitasking speeds.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely fall in the 3500-4000 mAh range. The key differentiator is charging speed: the iQOO Neo 855 supports 33W wired charging, while the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren is limited to 30W. This 3W difference translates to a faster 0-100% charge time on the iQOO Neo 855, a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. However, real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and software optimization.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Neo 855 if you need a powerful gaming phone on a tighter budget and prioritize faster charging speeds. Its 33W charging will get you back in the game quicker. Buy the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren if you prefer a more polished user experience, benefit from the slightly enhanced Snapdragon 855+ performance, and require seamless 5G connectivity for streaming and downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the iQOO Neo 855 throttle under sustained gaming loads?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to generate heat under prolonged stress. The iQOO Neo 855’s thermal management system will be critical. While it won’t necessarily throttle immediately, expect some performance reduction after extended gaming sessions. Monitoring temperatures during gameplay is recommended.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren still relevant in 2024?
While 5G networks have expanded significantly, the specific 5G bands supported by the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren may not be fully compatible with all current networks. However, it will still provide faster data speeds than 4G LTE where compatible 5G infrastructure is available.
❓ Which phone is better for playing graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact or PUBG?
Both phones can handle these games, but the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren’s Snapdragon 855+ offers a slight edge in sustained performance. The optimized drivers and potentially better thermal management could result in slightly higher and more stable frame rates.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the iQOO Neo 855 and the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren?
The OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren runs OxygenOS, known for its clean interface and minimal bloatware. iQOO UI, on the other hand, is more heavily customized and may include more pre-installed apps. OnePlus generally offers faster software updates.