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 Neo 7. Which one offers the best value and features for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo 7 is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, more modern chipset, and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Neo5 SE remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking solid performance from the Snapdragon 870.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - India |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| 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 | 2023, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2023, February 16 |
| 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) | 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G610 MC6 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| 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) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 120W wired, 50% in 10 min, 100% in 25 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Interstellar Black, Frost Blue |
| Models | V2157A | I2214 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 440 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo5 SE
- Proven Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Good value for money
- Reliable performance
- Decent display
- Slower charging (55W)
- Older chipset compared to Neo 7
- Potentially less impressive camera
vivo iQOO Neo 7
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- More powerful Dimensity 8200 chipset
- Potentially better camera performance
- Modern design
- Higher price
- Dimensity 8200 can be less efficient than Snapdragon 870 in some scenarios
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. However, the Neo 7 might have slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to newer panel technology. Expect similar resolution (FHD+).
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 64MP, the Neo 7's newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms could result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect similar video recording capabilities.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 7's Dimensity 8200 offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 870 in the Neo5 SE. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Neo 7. The Neo5 SE still provides excellent performance for most tasks.
Battery Life
The Neo 7's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The Neo5 SE's 55W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 4500-5000mAh), so the Neo 7 will offer significantly longer usable battery life due to faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO Neo5 SE is ideal for users prioritizing a reliable, proven chipset (Snapdragon 870) and don't need the absolute fastest charging. The iQOO Neo 7 is perfect for those who demand blazing-fast charging, a more recent and powerful processor, and potentially better camera performance, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 still a good chipset?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chipset, offering excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It's a proven performer and remains a good value.
❓ How much faster is the 120W charging on the Neo 7?
The 120W charging on the Neo 7 is significantly faster than the Neo5 SE's 55W charging. It can charge the phone from 0% to 50% in just 10 minutes and 100% in around 25 minutes.
