The vivo iQOO Neo series is known for delivering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price. But with two Neo6 models – the standard Neo6 and the Neo6 SE – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo6 boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, offering superior raw performance. However, the Neo6 SE provides excellent value with its efficient Snapdragon 870, faster charging, and potentially better thermal management. It depends on your priorities: ultimate power or balanced performance and charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 13 | 2022, May 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 20 | Available. Released 2022, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm | 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.42 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 / 197.2 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 20-80% in 19 min | 80W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min |
| Type | 4700 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Orange | Blue, Orange, Gradient |
| Models | V2196A | V2199A |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 290 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo6 (China)
- More powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly better display color accuracy (potentially)
- Prone to thermal throttling
- Slower charging speed
- Higher price (typically)
vivo iQOO Neo6 SE
- Efficient Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Faster charging (80W)
- Better thermal management
- Excellent value for money
- Slightly less raw performance than Neo6
- Potentially slightly less refined image processing
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Neo6 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher-end chipset, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary 64MP sensor. The Neo6's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing and computational photography features, but real-world differences are likely to be subtle. Expect good image quality in both devices.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Neo6 is significantly more powerful on paper, offering higher peak performance. However, it's known to run hotter, potentially leading to thermal throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon 870 in the Neo6 SE is still a very capable chip, offering excellent performance for most tasks and games, with better efficiency and thermal management.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery. The Neo6 SE demonstrates faster charging speeds (50% in 12 min, 100% in 32 min) compared to the Neo6 (20-80% in 19 min). This gives the Neo6 SE a clear advantage in charging convenience.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Neo6 (China) is ideal for gamers and power users who demand the absolute best performance and don't mind potential thermal throttling. The iQOO Neo6 SE is a great choice for everyday users, mobile gamers who prioritize efficiency and fast charging, and those seeking a more balanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 worth the extra cost over the Snapdragon 870?
If you're a hardcore gamer or need the absolute best performance, the 8 Gen 1 can be worth it. However, for most users, the 870 offers a better balance of performance, efficiency, and value.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The iQOO Neo6 has the edge in raw power, but the Neo6 SE's better thermal management might result in more consistent performance during long gaming sessions. It depends on the specific game and your tolerance for throttling.
