iQOO Neo9 vs Redmi K70 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Snapdragon Powerhouses

The iQOO Neo9 and Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$500 flagship space. The Neo9 leverages the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the K70 Pro jumps to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This comparison dissects the differences, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro emerges as the superior choice. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides a noticeable performance uplift, justifying the slightly higher price. However, the iQOO Neo9 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers prioritizing a balanced experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Neo9 Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, December 272023, November 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, December 30Available. Released 2023, November 29
Body
Dimensions163.5 x 75.7 x 8 mm or 8.3 mm160.9 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.33 x 2.95 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g or 196 g (6.70 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~526 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (HBM)OLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 4000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, OriginOS 4Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, (ultrawide)
Video8K, 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)16 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (closed type)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, 40% in 9 min Reverse wired120W wired, PD3.0, QC3+, 100% in 18 min
Type5160 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, RedBlack, Silver, Blue/Green, Lamborgini Green, Lamborgini Yellow
ModelsV2338A23117RK66C
PriceAbout 290 EURAbout 430 EUR

vivo iQOO Neo9

  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast 120W charging with quick initial boost
  • Proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance

  • Older chipset compared to the K70 Pro
  • Potentially less efficient than the K70 Pro

Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for top-tier performance
  • Faster full charge time (18 minutes)
  • More advanced ISP for improved camera performance

  • Higher price point
  • Potential for increased thermal throttling under extreme load (though mitigated by Gen 3 improvements)

Display Comparison

While display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature AMOLED panels given their market positioning. The Redmi K70 Pro, being newer, may benefit from advancements in panel technology, potentially offering slightly higher peak brightness and improved color accuracy. However, without specific nit ratings or color gamut coverage, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. Both are expected to have high refresh rates, crucial for smooth gaming and scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Redmi K70 Pro, as a newer device, is likely to incorporate more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger sensor. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more capable than the 8 Gen 2’s, leading to improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both phones will offer capable main cameras, but the K70 Pro likely has an edge in overall image quality and video recording capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Redmi K70 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) boasts a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, a step up from the iQOO Neo9’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) with its 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3. The K70 Pro also features a revised CPU configuration with more Cortex-A720 cores (3x at 3.2 GHz and 2x at 3.0 GHz) compared to the Neo9’s A715/A710 mix. This translates to faster processing speeds and improved multi-core performance on the K70 Pro. The 4nm process node on both chips ensures good thermal efficiency, but the Gen 3’s architectural improvements should result in better sustained performance under heavy load. The K70 Pro will likely exhibit less throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 120W wired charging, a significant advantage for quick top-ups. The Redmi K70 Pro claims a full charge in 18 minutes, while the iQOO Neo9 achieves 40% in 9 minutes. While the Neo9's initial charge rate is impressive, the K70 Pro's complete charge time is faster. Battery capacity isn't specified, but the K70 Pro's more efficient chipset could offset a potentially smaller battery, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The inclusion of PD3.0 and QC3+ on the K70 Pro offers broader compatibility with various chargers.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Neo9 if you need a highly capable gaming phone with excellent value and don't necessarily require the absolute latest chipset. It's ideal for users who prioritize a smooth experience across a wide range of tasks without breaking the bank. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro if you demand the best possible performance for demanding applications like gaming and video editing, and are willing to pay a premium for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Redmi K70 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 get noticeably hotter than the iQOO Neo9 during prolonged gaming?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful, it also generates more heat. However, Qualcomm has implemented significant thermal management improvements in the Gen 3, including more efficient core designs and optimized power delivery. The K70 Pro is likely to experience some throttling, but it should be less pronounced than on older flagship chips, and the improved cooling system (likely a vapor chamber) should help mitigate heat buildup.
❓ Does the 120W charging on both phones support pass-through charging while gaming?
Neither specification sheet explicitly mentions pass-through charging. However, given the focus on fast charging and gaming on both devices, it's plausible that both phones support some level of pass-through charging, allowing you to continue gaming while the phone is plugged in. This would depend on the implementation and power delivery capabilities of the charging circuitry.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core configuration (A715/A710 vs A720) significant in real-world usage?
Yes, the shift to the Cortex-A720 cores in the Redmi K70 Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents a meaningful improvement. The A720 cores offer better performance and efficiency compared to the A715/A710, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved responsiveness in demanding applications. This difference will be most noticeable in CPU-intensive tasks like video editing and complex calculations.