vivo iQOO 9T vs vivo S15: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO 9T is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly faster performance and improved thermal management, justifying the price premium. However, the S15 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing efficiency and a potentially lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S15 | vivo iQOO 9T |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 19 | 2022, August 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 27 | Available. Released 2022, August 02 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.34 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| - | Dust and dripping water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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/6, 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 | 66W wired, 50% in 18 min | 120W wired, 50% in 8 min, 100% in 19 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Yellow | Alpha, Legend (BMW M branding) |
| Models | V2203A | - |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 600 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 117h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -28.8 LUFS (Average) |
vivo S15
- Potentially lower price point
- Good balance of performance and efficiency
- Reliable Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Less powerful than the iQOO 9T
- Slower charging speeds
- Camera likely less advanced
vivo iQOO 9T
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Ultra-fast 120W charging
- Brighter display for better visibility
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May run warmer during intensive tasks
Display Comparison
The iQOO 9T boasts a measured peak brightness of 1033 nits, suggesting a more vibrant and visible display in direct sunlight compared to the S15 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for rich colors, the iQOO 9T’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. The iQOO 9T’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) indicates a true black level, enhancing visual depth. Without specific panel technology details for the S15, it's difficult to assess potential differences in refresh rate or color accuracy, but the iQOO 9T’s brightness gives it a clear edge.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the iQOO 9T, being positioned as a higher-tier device, likely incorporates a more advanced camera system with a larger primary sensor and potentially better image stabilization (OIS). The absence of details on the S15’s camera suggests it may prioritize cost-effectiveness over cutting-edge imaging technology. We can assume the iQOO 9T will deliver superior low-light performance and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO 9T’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) is a generational leap over the S15’s Snapdragon 870 (7nm). The 8+ Gen 1 features a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.19 GHz, alongside Cortex-A710 performance cores, offering a substantial performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks. The 870’s Kryo 585 cores, while capable, are less efficient and offer lower peak performance. The 4nm process of the 8+ Gen 1 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The iQOO 9T will demonstrably outperform the S15 in graphically demanding games and applications.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the iQOO 9T’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 50% charge in just 8 minutes and a full charge in 19 minutes. The S15’s 66W charging, while respectable, takes 18 minutes to reach 50% charge. This faster charging on the iQOO 9T mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage stemming from the more power-hungry Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S15 if you need a reliable daily driver with good performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, and value battery efficiency. Buy the vivo iQOO 9T if you prioritize raw power for demanding games, intensive multitasking, and faster charging speeds, and are willing to trade some battery life for that performance.