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 Neo7 (China) and the iQOO Neo5. Which one offers the best bang for your buck in 2024?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The iQOO Neo7 (China) takes the lead with its significantly faster Dimensity 9000+ chipset and blazing-fast 120W charging. However, the iQOO Neo5 remains a compelling option, especially if you prioritize a slightly more mature software experience and a more readily available global version.
| 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, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 20 | 2021, March 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 31 | Available. Released 2021, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm | 163.3 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 | 197 g / 202 g (6.95 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.20 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 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 | Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MC10 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, 50% in 9 min | 66W wired, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Orange |
| Models | V2231A | V2055A |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 320 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo7 (China)
- Significantly faster performance
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Modern chipset
- China-specific model (limited global availability)
- Camera versatility may be slightly less than Neo5
- Software updates may be less frequent outside China
vivo iQOO Neo5
- More readily available globally
- Versatile camera system
- Mature software experience
- Good value for money
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset
- Older technology compared to Neo7
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The Neo7 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to newer panel technology, but the difference is subtle. Expect vibrant colors and responsive touchscreens on both.
Camera Comparison
The Neo5 generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a dedicated ultrawide lens and macro lens. The Neo7's camera is good, but may focus more on primary sensor performance. Image quality is generally good on both, but the Neo5 might offer more creative options.
Performance
This is where the Neo7 truly shines. The Dimensity 9000+ is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 870, delivering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. Expect smoother gameplay, quicker app loading times, and better multitasking on the Neo7. The Neo5 is still capable, but the Neo7 is in a different league.
Battery Life
The Neo7's 120W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Neo5's 66W charging is still respectable, but takes considerably longer to reach full charge. Both phones offer decent battery life for a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The iQOO Neo7 (China) is ideal for gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance and ultra-fast charging. The iQOO Neo5 is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, well-rounded phone with a good balance of features and price, particularly if availability outside of China is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO Neo7 (China) worth importing?
If you prioritize performance and fast charging and are comfortable with potential software limitations and warranty issues, importing the Neo7 can be worthwhile. However, factor in import duties and shipping costs.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The iQOO Neo5 generally receives more consistent software updates, especially outside of China, due to its wider global availability.
