The vivo iQOO series is known for delivering impressive performance at competitive prices. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the iQOO Neo5 SE and the iQOO Neo3 5G. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo5 SE edges out the Neo3 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and faster 55W charging. However, the Neo3 5G remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize a slightly more mature software experience and faster charging times.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 25, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.3 Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 20 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 198.1 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.57 inches, 104.0 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10, 650 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 144Hz, HDR10 |
| 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-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 10, iQOO UI 1.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 44W wired, 50% in 20 min, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Aurora | Blue, Black/Dark Blue |
| Models | V2157A | V1981A |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 350 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo5 SE
- More powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Faster 55W charging
- Potentially better camera sensor
- Slightly larger battery
- Potentially less mature software
- Design might be less refined
vivo iQOO Neo3 5G
- Proven track record
- Faster charging times (in practice)
- Mature software experience
- Good value for money
- Slightly older Snapdragon 865 chipset
- Slower charging compared to Neo5 SE
- Camera might not be as impressive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.58-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and vibrant colors. The Neo5 SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to newer panel technology, but the difference is minimal. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO Neo3 5G typically features a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO Neo5 SE generally has a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. While megapixels aren't everything, the Neo5 SE's larger sensor should provide slightly better image quality, particularly in low light. Both phones offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The iQOO Neo5 SE boasts the Snapdragon 870, a significant upgrade over the Neo3 5G's Snapdragon 865. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. The Neo3 5G is still capable, but the Neo5 SE holds a clear advantage.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo3 5G has a 4400mAh battery with 44W charging, achieving 50% in 20 minutes and 100% in 58 minutes. The iQOO Neo5 SE has a 4500mAh battery with 55W charging, promising faster top-ups. While the battery capacity is slightly higher on the Neo5 SE, the charging speed difference is noticeable.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Neo5 SE is ideal for gamers and power users seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank. The iQOO Neo3 5G is a great choice for those who want a reliable all-rounder with a proven track record and a slightly more refined feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 significantly faster than the Snapdragon 865?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 865, particularly in gaming and demanding applications.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have decent battery life, the iQOO Neo5 SE's slightly larger battery and faster charging give it a slight edge.
