The iQOO Neo5 and Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ represent a fascinating crossroads in the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches. The iQOO Neo5 leverages the efficient Snapdragon 870, while the Redmi K40 Pro+ opts for the more powerful, yet potentially more thermally challenged, Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and rapid charging, the iQOO Neo5 emerges as the stronger contender. While the Redmi K40 Pro+ boasts the more potent Snapdragon 888, its slower 33W charging and potential for thermal throttling diminish its advantages, making the iQOO Neo5 a more consistently enjoyable device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 16 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 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 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+ |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 100% in 30 min | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min (advertised) |
| Type | 4400 mAh | Li-Po 4520 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Orange | Black, White, Aurora |
| Models | V2055A | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 470 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo5
- Significantly faster 66W charging
- Excellent thermal management with Snapdragon 870
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Slightly less powerful CPU than the Redmi K40 Pro+
- Camera system may be less advanced
Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+
- More powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
- Potentially superior camera capabilities
- Support for PD3.0 and QC3 fast charging standards
- Slower 33W charging
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature AMOLED panels with high refresh rates. The Redmi K40 Pro+ may have a slight edge if it incorporates LTPO technology, allowing for variable refresh rates and improved power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will depend on calibration, a detail not specified in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. However, the Redmi K40 Pro+’s positioning suggests a potentially more sophisticated camera system. The Snapdragon 888 also includes a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of faster processing and improved image quality. The iQOO Neo5 will likely offer a competent camera experience, but the K40 Pro+ may excel in low-light photography and video recording due to its superior processing capabilities. We can assume both phones will have a standard suite of lenses, but the quality of those lenses and the image processing algorithms will be key differentiators.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) offers a theoretical performance advantage over the iQOO Neo5’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, is a significant step up from the 870’s Kryo 585 at 3.2 GHz. However, the 5nm process node of the 888 provides better power efficiency, but also generates more heat under sustained load. The iQOO Neo5’s 870, while slightly slower on paper, is known for its excellent thermal management, minimizing throttling during prolonged gaming. The Redmi K40 Pro+ may show higher benchmark scores, but the iQOO Neo5 is likely to maintain more consistent performance over time.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo5’s 66W wired charging is a clear advantage, achieving a full charge in just 30 minutes. The Redmi K40 Pro+’s 33W charging, while supporting PD3.0 and QC3, takes a significantly longer 52 minutes to reach 100%. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the iQOO Neo5 effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The Snapdragon 870’s efficiency also contributes to better battery life, potentially offsetting the Redmi K40 Pro+’s more power-hungry chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 if you need a phone that consistently delivers strong performance during extended gaming sessions and values incredibly fast 66W charging. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, reliable experience over absolute peak benchmarks. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro+ if you absolutely require the highest possible CPU performance for demanding tasks and are willing to accept slower charging and potentially manage thermal throttling during prolonged intensive use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi K40 Pro+ overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While Xiaomi likely implemented cooling solutions, the Redmi K40 Pro+ is more prone to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming compared to the iQOO Neo5, which benefits from the Snapdragon 870’s superior thermal efficiency.
❓ How much faster is the iQOO Neo5's charging compared to the Redmi K40 Pro+ in real-world use?
The iQOO Neo5’s 66W charging can add a substantial amount of battery life in just a few minutes. A 15-minute charge can easily provide several hours of usage, while the Redmi K40 Pro+'s 33W charging will add significantly less charge in the same timeframe. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 870 and 888 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For typical daily tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the performance difference between the two chipsets will be minimal. Both phones will feel incredibly responsive. The Snapdragon 888’s advantage becomes more apparent in demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphically intensive games.
