iQOO Neo5 S vs OnePlus 9RT 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The iQOO Neo5 S and OnePlus 9RT 5G represent a fascinating intersection in the Android market. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, aiming to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. However, subtle differences in charging technology and potential software experiences create a compelling comparison for users seeking the best value in a powerful smartphone.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and potentially a more streamlined software experience, the iQOO Neo5 S emerges as the winner. Its 66W charging achieves 70% capacity in just 18 minutes, a significant advantage over the OnePlus 9RT's 29-minute full charge, despite both utilizing the Snapdragon 888.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Neo5 S OnePlus 9RT 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, December 202021, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 25Available. Released 2021, October 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)198.5 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
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
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 70% in 18 min65W wired, 100% in 29 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsOrange, Blue, BlackHacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue
Models-MT2110, MT2111
PriceAbout 380 EURAbout 590 EUR

vivo iQOO Neo5 S

  • Faster 66W charging (70% in 18 mins)
  • Potentially more aggressive thermal management for sustained performance
  • Competitive price point for Snapdragon 888 performance

  • Funtouch OS may not appeal to all users
  • Limited information on camera capabilities

OnePlus 9RT 5G

  • OxygenOS offers a cleaner software experience
  • Potentially wider software update support
  • Established brand reputation within the Android community

  • Slower 65W charging (100% in 29 mins)
  • May be priced slightly higher than the iQOO Neo5 S
  • Thermal throttling potential with Snapdragon 888

Display Comparison

While specific display details (resolution, refresh rate, panel type) are absent from the provided data, both phones likely feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED panels, common for devices in this segment. The focus here shifts to charging, as display quality is often comparable. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests a standard refresh rate implementation, potentially impacting battery life during sustained high-refresh-rate usage.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. OnePlus typically aims for a more natural look, while vivo often enhances colors and contrast. The absence of sensor size data makes it difficult to assess low-light performance, but larger sensors generally capture more light and produce better images in challenging conditions.

Performance

Both the iQOO Neo5 S and OnePlus 9RT 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means raw processing power will be virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from thermal management and RAM optimization. The 5nm process node is efficient, but the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load; how each manufacturer handles this will be crucial for maintaining peak performance during gaming or demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The battery capacity isn't specified, but the charging speeds are a clear point of divergence. The iQOO Neo5 S boasts 66W wired charging, achieving 70% charge in just 18 minutes. The OnePlus 9RT 5G offers 65W wired charging, taking 29 minutes to reach 100%. This 11-minute difference is significant for users who prioritize quick top-ups. While a larger battery capacity on the OnePlus 9RT could offset this, the faster charging of the iQOO Neo5 S provides a more immediate benefit for those constantly on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 S if you prioritize the fastest possible charging speeds and are comfortable with vivo’s Funtouch OS. This phone is ideal for users who frequently top up their battery throughout the day and demand minimal downtime. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you prefer OxygenOS’s cleaner interface and a potentially wider availability of software updates, even if it means sacrificing some charging speed. It’s a solid choice for users invested in the OnePlus ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 888 in either phone tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat under sustained load. Both the iQOO Neo5 S and OnePlus 9RT 5G will likely experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming. However, the effectiveness of each manufacturer's cooling solution (vapor chamber, heat dissipation materials) will determine how severely performance is impacted. Look for independent reviews that specifically test gaming performance over extended periods.
❓ How does the software experience differ between vivo’s Funtouch OS and OnePlus’s OxygenOS?
OxygenOS is generally regarded as a cleaner, more stock-Android-like experience with minimal bloatware. Funtouch OS, on the other hand, features a more customized interface with unique features and a different aesthetic. Users who prefer a streamlined and customizable experience will likely favor OxygenOS, while those who enjoy a more feature-rich and visually distinct interface might prefer Funtouch OS.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed (18 mins vs 29 mins) truly noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. While both phones offer fast charging, the iQOO Neo5 S’s ability to reach 70% charge in just 18 minutes is a significant advantage. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery before leaving the house or during short breaks. The 11-minute difference to a full charge on the OnePlus 9RT can add up over time.