The iQOO Neo5 SE and Honor X9 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a smooth experience, they take drastically different approaches to achieving it, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the core differences between the Snapdragon 870-powered iQOO Neo5 SE and the Snapdragon 695-equipped Honor X9 5G, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and sustained gaming, the iQOO Neo5 SE is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 870 offers a significant leap in processing power over the Honor X9 5G’s Snapdragon 695. However, the Honor X9 5G counters with slightly faster charging and a potentially more efficient chipset, making it a viable option for everyday users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 20 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2022, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | V2157A | ANY-NX1 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 240 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo5 SE
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 870)
- Superior gaming performance
- Likely faster RAM (LPDDR5)
- Potentially better camera image quality
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Slower charging speed (55W)
Honor X9 5G
- Faster charging (66W, 81% in 30 min)
- Potentially better battery life
- More power-efficient chipset (Snapdragon 695)
- Likely more affordable
- Noticeably slower processor
- Lower gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the iQOO Neo5 SE’s focus on performance, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel (potentially 120Hz or 144Hz) geared towards gaming. The Honor X9 5G, positioned as a more mainstream device, may prioritize power efficiency with a standard 60Hz or 90Hz display. Bezels and color accuracy will likely be comparable, falling within the typical range for this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the iQOO Neo5 SE, being a performance-focused device, may feature a more capable main sensor and image signal processor (ISP). The Snapdragon 870’s ISP offers more advanced features and processing capabilities. The Honor X9 5G will likely focus on providing a balanced camera experience for everyday photography. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the iQOO Neo5 SE is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Neo5 SE’s Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant step up from the Honor X9 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm). The 870 features a Kryo 585 CPU with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, compared to the 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores peaking at 2.2 GHz. This translates to roughly a 30-40% performance advantage for the iQOO Neo5 SE in CPU-intensive tasks. The 870’s Adreno 660 GPU also provides a substantial boost in graphics performance, crucial for gaming. While the 6nm process of the 695 offers potential efficiency gains, it cannot compensate for the architectural and clock speed differences. The iQOO Neo5 SE is likely paired with faster LPDDR5 RAM, further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Honor X9 5G boasts 66W wired charging, capable of reaching 81% charge in 30 minutes, a clear advantage over the iQOO Neo5 SE’s 55W charging. However, battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. The Snapdragon 870 in the iQOO Neo5 SE is known to be more power-hungry than the Snapdragon 695. Therefore, the Honor X9 5G may offer longer battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. The faster charging of the Honor X9 5G is a significant benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 SE if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games, video editing, or multitasking without slowdowns. Its superior chipset provides a future-proofed experience for power users. Buy the Honor X9 5G if you prioritize battery life, fast charging, and a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. It’s a more efficient and cost-effective option for the average smartphone user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Honor X9 5G struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 is not designed for high-end gaming. While it can run Genshin Impact, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. The iQOO Neo5 SE with its Snapdragon 870 will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Snapdragon 870 and 695 for everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference will be minimal. Both phones will feel responsive. However, when multitasking, editing photos/videos, or opening large files, the iQOO Neo5 SE’s Snapdragon 870 will demonstrate a noticeable speed advantage.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the Honor X9 5G significantly faster than the 55W charging on the iQOO Neo5 SE?
Yes, the Honor X9 5G’s 66W charging is demonstrably faster, reaching 81% in 30 minutes. While 55W is still fast, the 66W will get you back up and running more quickly, especially for quick top-ups.
