iQOO Z9s Pro vs Nothing Phone (2): A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The iQOO Z9s Pro and Nothing Phone (2) represent distinct approaches to the mid-to-high range smartphone market. The iQOO prioritizes raw charging speed and a competitive chipset, while the Nothing Phone (2) focuses on a unique design, software experience, and balanced feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-around experience and a distinctive design, the Nothing Phone (2) emerges as the stronger contender. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro’s blazing-fast 80W charging and competitive Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize speed and value.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO Z9s Pro Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, August 212023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, August 23Available. Released 2023, July 17
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.7 x 75 x 7.5 or 8.0 mm162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g or 190 g (6.53 oz)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott XensationCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 720Adreno 730
OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-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, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 50% in 21 min 7.5W reverse wired45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5500 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsFlamboyant Orange, Luxe MarbleWhite, Dark Gray
ModelsI2305A065
PriceAbout 270 EUR$ 379.99 / £ 370.00

vivo iQOO Z9s Pro

  • Incredibly fast 80W wired charging
  • Competitive Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Limited camera information
  • Unknown battery capacity
  • Less refined software experience (likely)

Nothing Phone (2)

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
  • Brighter display with 998 nits peak brightness
  • Unique and stylish design with Glyph Interface

  • Slower 45W wired charging
  • Higher price point
  • Wireless charging adds bulk and slower speeds

Display Comparison

The Nothing Phone (2) boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 998 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the iQOO Z9s Pro (brightness data unavailable). While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the Nothing Phone (2)'s display technology likely contributes to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The iQOO Z9s Pro’s display specs are currently limited, making a detailed comparison of color accuracy and panel type difficult, but the Nothing Phone (2) holds an advantage in peak brightness.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the iQOO Z9s Pro are currently limited. The Nothing Phone (2) offers a more comprehensive camera system, likely featuring a larger main sensor and advanced image processing algorithms. While megapixel count isn't everything, the Nothing Phone (2)'s focus on photo and video quality suggests a more refined camera experience. Without specific sensor details for the iQOO Z9s Pro, it's difficult to assess its low-light performance or dynamic range capabilities. The Nothing Phone (2)'s image processing is known for its natural color reproduction, while the iQOO Z9s Pro’s style remains unknown.

Performance

The Nothing Phone (2) is equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, a significant step up from the iQOO Z9s Pro’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. The 8+ Gen 1 features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, providing a noticeable performance boost in demanding tasks and gaming. While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (with its Cortex-A715 cores) is efficient, the 8+ Gen 1’s architecture delivers superior sustained performance. The iQOO Z9s Pro’s 4nm process node helps mitigate thermal throttling, but the Nothing Phone (2) will likely maintain higher frame rates for longer periods. Both phones utilize a Cortex-A510 cluster for efficiency, but the core count and clock speeds differ, favoring the Nothing Phone (2).

Battery Life

The Nothing Phone (2) demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 14:21h and an endurance rating of 103h. While the iQOO Z9s Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its 80W wired charging is a standout feature, achieving 50% charge in just 21 minutes. The Nothing Phone (2) offers 45W wired charging (100% in 55 minutes) and 15W wireless charging (100% in 130 minutes). The iQOO Z9s Pro also includes 7.5W reverse wired charging. The Nothing Phone (2)'s longer battery life is offset by slower charging speeds, while the iQOO Z9s Pro prioritizes rapid replenishment, even if it means potentially shorter overall battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO Z9s Pro if you need incredibly fast charging, prioritize gaming on a budget, and aren't overly concerned with software customization or a unique aesthetic. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prefer a refined software experience, a distinctive transparent design, and a more balanced feature set with wireless charging capabilities, even if it means slightly slower wired charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the iQOO Z9s Pro handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Nothing Phone (2)'s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 will provide a smoother experience at higher settings, with less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Nothing Phone (2)'s Glyph Interface offer practical functionality beyond aesthetics?
The Glyph Interface on the Nothing Phone (2) can be customized to display notifications, charging progress, and even act as a visual timer. While primarily aesthetic, it offers a unique and potentially useful way to interact with your phone without looking at the screen.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the iQOO Z9s Pro likely to degrade the battery health faster than the 45W charging on the Nothing Phone (2)?
While faster charging can theoretically contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term, modern smartphones employ battery management systems to mitigate this effect. The difference in degradation between 45W and 80W charging is likely to be minimal for most users.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect from each phone?
The Nothing Phone (2) runs Nothing OS, a near-stock Android experience with a unique visual style and focus on simplicity. The iQOO Z9s Pro likely runs vivo's Funtouch OS, which is more heavily customized and includes a wider range of features, but may also include more bloatware.