The iQOO Z9 and OnePlus Ace 3 Pro represent distinct approaches to delivering high performance. The iQOO Z9, available in China, focuses on aggressive value with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, while the Ace 3 Pro aims for near-flagship performance with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw power and future-proofing, the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers significantly higher performance, and its 100W charging is faster. However, the iQOO Z9 offers compelling value if budget is a primary concern and demanding tasks aren't a daily occurrence.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2024, June 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 29 | Available. Released 2024, July 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.9 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.7 / 8.9 / 9.0 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 207 g, 212 g, 225 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density) | 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR, 4500 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 750 |
| OS | Android 14, OriginOS 4 | Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired
7.5W reverse wired | 100W wired, PD2.0, QC2, 52% in 15 min, 100% in 36 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Gray, White, Green |
| Models | V2361A | PJX110 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 410 EUR |
vivo iQOO Z9 (China)
- More affordable price point
- Respectable performance for everyday tasks
- 80W fast charging is still quick
- Significantly less powerful than the Ace 3 Pro
- Likely a less advanced camera system
- Limited availability (China only)
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Ultra-fast 100W charging
- Likely a superior camera experience
- Higher price tag
- Potential for increased thermal throttling under sustained load (though the 8 Gen 3 is efficient)
- May be overkill for basic users
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The chipset impacts the smoothness of animations and responsiveness. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to compare brightness or color accuracy, but both brands typically deliver vibrant panels. The iQOO Z9's value proposition suggests a potentially less advanced panel compared to the Ace 3 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Ace 3 Pro’s positioning as a higher-end device, it likely incorporates a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and improved image processing. The iQOO Z9 will likely focus on providing a functional camera experience, prioritizing value over cutting-edge features. Expect the Ace 3 Pro to excel in low-light photography and offer more versatile shooting modes.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) boasts a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3.3 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A720 cores at 3.2 GHz and two at 3.0 GHz, paired with Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. This contrasts sharply with the iQOO Z9’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) featuring a single Cortex-A715 core at 2.63 GHz, four more A715 cores at 2.4 GHz, and three A510 cores at 1.8 GHz. The 8 Gen 3’s architectural advantages and higher clock speeds translate to substantially faster CPU and GPU performance, crucial for demanding games and applications. The Ace 3 Pro will exhibit less frame dropping and faster loading times. The 7 Gen 3 is still a capable chip, but it's a generation behind.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro’s 100W wired charging is a significant advantage, achieving a 52% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in 36 minutes. The iQOO Z9’s 80W charging is respectable, but noticeably slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Ace 3 Pro mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Ace 3 Pro also supports PD2.0 and QC2, offering broader compatibility with charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9 (China) if you need a capable daily driver with respectable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and you're on a strict budget. Buy the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro if you prioritize top-tier performance for demanding games, content creation, and want the fastest possible charging speeds, even at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the iQOO Z9 struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is capable, demanding titles like Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The iQOO Z9 will provide a playable experience, but won't match the smoothness and visual fidelity achievable on the Ace 3 Pro.
❓ How effective is the thermal management on the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more thermally efficient than previous generations, but sustained high performance can still generate heat. OnePlus typically employs advanced cooling solutions (vapor chamber, graphite sheets) in their Pro models to mitigate throttling. Expect some performance dip after extended gaming, but it should be less pronounced than on older flagship devices.
❓ Does the 100W charging on the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro affect battery health over the long term?
Modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging algorithms to minimize battery degradation. While faster charging generates more heat, the Ace 3 Pro’s charging system is designed to protect battery health. However, consistently using the fastest charging speeds *may* slightly accelerate degradation over several years compared to slower charging.
