iQOO Z9 vs Poco X6 Pro: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The iQOO Z9 and Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both leverage MediaTek's Dimensity series, but target slightly different priorities – the iQOO Z9 emphasizing value and the Poco X6 Pro pushing performance boundaries. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset, coupled with a brighter display and faster charging, justifies the potential price premium. However, the iQOO Z9 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z9 Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 122024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 13Available. Released 2024, January 12
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions163.2 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.43 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)160.5 x 74.3 x 8.3 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)186 g or 190 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionDragontrail Star 2 PlusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR, 1800 nits (peak)AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7200 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra (4 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC4Mali G615-MC6
OSAndroid 14, Funtouch 14Android 14, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR4K@24/30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging44W wired, 50% in 30 min67W wired, QC2.0, PD3.0, 100% in 45 min
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBrushed Green, Graphene BlueBlack, Yellow, Gray
ModelsI2302, I22182311DRK48G, 2311DRK48I
PriceAbout 220 EUR€ 195.30 / $ 209.79 / £ 274.99 / ₹ 21,999
SAR0.98 W/kg (head)     0.94 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU-0.99 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)

vivo iQOO Z9

  • Potentially more affordable price point
  • Efficient Dimensity 7200 chipset for everyday tasks
  • 44W fast charging provides a reasonable top-up speed

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Poco X6 Pro
  • Likely lower peak display brightness
  • Limited camera details suggest a less advanced system

Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro

  • Significantly more powerful Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • Faster 67W charging with QC2.0 and PD3.0 support

  • Potentially higher price tag
  • More powerful chipset may consume more battery
  • No information on display technology (LTPO)

Display Comparison

The Poco X6 Pro boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 1148 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the iQOO Z9. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display’s impact on overall power consumption should be considered. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests both will rely on adaptive refresh rates to manage battery drain, but the X6 Pro’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Context data for both devices is limited regarding camera specifics. However, given the Poco X6 Pro’s positioning, it’s likely to feature a more sophisticated camera system. While both will likely include standard wide and ultrawide lenses, the X6 Pro may benefit from a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms. The iQOO Z9 will likely focus on providing adequate image quality for social media sharing, while the X6 Pro aims for a more versatile and detailed photographic experience. The absence of details regarding OIS on either device suggests image stabilization may be limited.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the iQOO Z9 features the Mediatek Dimensity 7200, while the Poco X6 Pro utilizes the Dimensity 8300 Ultra. The 8300 Ultra’s CPU configuration – a 1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715, 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715, and 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510 – is a significant upgrade over the Z9’s 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x Cortex-A510. This translates to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. The X6 Pro’s more powerful GPU will also deliver higher frame rates in graphically intensive games. Both are built on a 4nm process, but the architectural improvements in the 8300 Ultra provide a substantial performance leap.

Battery Life

The Poco X6 Pro demonstrates a clear advantage in battery performance, achieving 11:46h of active use. While the iQOO Z9’s battery capacity is not specified, the X6 Pro’s endurance is impressive. Furthermore, the X6 Pro’s 67W wired charging with QC2.0 and PD3.0 support allows for a full charge in 45 minutes, significantly faster than the iQOO Z9’s 44W charging, which takes 30 minutes to reach 50%. This faster charging is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Z9 if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance and prioritize a lower price point. It's ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally game. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Its superior chipset and faster charging make it the better choice for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 8300 Ultra in the Poco X6 Pro generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 8300 Ultra is a powerful chip, its 4nm process and efficient architecture help mitigate thermal throttling. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat. The Poco X6 Pro likely incorporates thermal management solutions like vapor chamber cooling to maintain stable performance, but users should expect some temperature increase during extended gameplay.
❓ Is the 44W charging on the iQOO Z9 slow compared to the 67W on the Poco X6 Pro?
Yes, the 67W charging on the Poco X6 Pro is considerably faster. While 44W is still considered fast charging, it takes 30 minutes to reach 50% charge, whereas the X6 Pro achieves 100% in 45 minutes. For users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery, the X6 Pro’s charging speed is a significant advantage.
❓ How does the CPU core configuration of the Dimensity 8300 Ultra benefit real-world performance compared to the Dimensity 7200?
The Dimensity 8300 Ultra’s CPU configuration, with more high-performance Cortex-A715 cores (1x3.35 GHz + 3x3.20 GHz) compared to the iQOO Z9’s (2x2.8 GHz), directly translates to faster processing speeds. This is particularly noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience.