The vivo iQOO series consistently delivers impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO Neo5 SE and the iQOO 9 SE. Which one offers the best value and features for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO 9 SE edges out the Neo5 SE thanks to its slightly faster Snapdragon 888 chipset, brighter display, and quicker 66W charging. However, the Neo5 SE remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing a balanced experience and potentially a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 20 | 2022, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2022, March 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | 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 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 66W wired, 50% in 14 min, 100% in 39 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Space Fusion, Sunset Sierra |
| Models | V2157A | - |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 400 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 87h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 727771 (v8), 846231 (v9)
GeekBench: 3442 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 64fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo iQOO Neo5 SE
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 870
- Competitive price
- 55W fast charging
- Good battery life (87h)
- Slightly older chipset compared to iQOO 9 SE
- Less bright display
- Slower charging speed
vivo iQOO 9 SE
- Slightly faster Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 66W charging
- Good battery life (87h)
- Potentially higher price
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9 SE boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 863 nits, compared to the Neo5 SE. While the Neo5 SE's display is perfectly adequate, the 9 SE's higher brightness makes it more enjoyable to use outdoors and in bright environments. The iQOO 9 SE also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent image quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the iQOO 9 SE likely has a slightly more refined camera system due to its newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms. However, real-world camera performance will depend on specific sensor and software optimizations.
Performance
The iQOO 9 SE utilizes the Snapdragon 888, a slightly more advanced chipset built on a 5nm process, compared to the Neo5 SE's Snapdragon 870 (7nm). While both offer excellent performance, the 888 generally provides a small edge in demanding games and applications. Both phones feature ample RAM and storage for smooth multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours. The iQOO 9 SE's 66W charging is noticeably faster than the Neo5 SE's 55W, allowing for quicker top-ups. The iQOO 9 SE can charge 50% in 14 minutes and 100% in 39 minutes, a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Neo5 SE is ideal for gamers and users seeking a powerful processor for demanding tasks without breaking the bank. The iQOO 9 SE is a better choice for those who prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display, faster charging, and slightly superior performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 or 888 better?
The Snapdragon 888 is generally considered slightly better due to its newer architecture and 5nm process, offering a small performance advantage. However, the 870 is still a very capable chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have an impressive endurance rating of 87 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage.
