Vivo iQOO 9 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing & More

Design and Build Quality

The vivo iQOO 9 is an elegantly designed smartphone with a sleek and modern aesthetic. Crafted with a glass front featuring Panda Glass protection, an aluminum frame, and a glass back, the phone has a premium feel. With dimensions of 159.1 x 75.1 x 8.6 or 8.7 mm and a weight of either 200 or 202 g, it sits comfortably in the hand, offering a satisfying grip.

Display

The iQOO 9 features an impressive 6.56-inch AMOLED display that boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2376 pixels. The screen supports 1 billion colors, creating vibrant and accurate color reproduction. With a peak brightness of 1200 nits and a refresh rate of 120Hz, the display offers smooth scrolling and impeccable viewing experiences. It also supports HDR10+, providing superior dynamic range for supported content.

Performance and Hardware

At the core of the iQOO 9 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset, built on a 5nm process. The octa-core CPU is configured with one Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.99 GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.42 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.80 GHz. This powerful setup, combined with the Adreno 660 GPU, ensures the device handles demanding tasks and gaming with ease.

The phone comes in two variants, offering either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. However, it lacks expandable storage, which is a consideration for those who require more space.

Camera Capabilities

The iQOO 9 is equipped with a versatile triple camera system on its rear. The primary sensor is a 48MP wide camera featuring PDAF and gimbal optical image stabilization, ensuring sharp and stable images. Accompanying it is a 13MP telephoto lens with PDAF and 2x optical zoom, and a 13MP ultrawide lens for capturing broad scenes. The camera system supports features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama. It’s capable of shooting 4K videos at various frame rates, adding to its photographic versatility.

For selfies, the phone integrates a 16MP front camera with HDR capabilities, supporting video recording at 1080p@30fps.

Battery and Charging

Powering the device is a 4350 mAh non-removable battery. The standout feature here is the impressive 120W fast charging capability. Vivo advertises that the iQOO 9 can charge up to 50% in just 6 minutes and achieve a full charge in 18 minutes, offering unparalleled convenience to users who are always on the go.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 12 with vivo's Funtouch 12 on top, the iQOO 9 provides a user-friendly interface that supports a plethora of customization options. The software is designed to take full advantage of the hardware, delivering a smooth and efficient user experience. The inclusion of the latest Android version ensures users have access to the newest features and security updates.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The iQOO 9 supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, making it future-proof for evolving communication standards. Additionally, the device offers dual SIM capabilities, enhancing connectivity options.

For wireless connectivity, the phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.2, and supports GPS and GLONASS positioning systems. It also includes NFC for contactless payments and quick data transfer. The absence of a traditional 3.5mm audio jack might be a downside for some users, but stereo speakers provide a rich auditory experience.

Sensors and Security

The vivo iQOO 9 is equipped with an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, providing convenient and secure unlocking. It includes a suite of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass, which are essential for various applications and enhanced user interaction.

Price and Availability

Announced in February 2022 and released in March of the same year, the iQOO 9 is available in multiple colors including Legend, Alpha, and Phoenix Orange, catering to different aesthetic preferences. With a price tag of approximately 510 EUR, the device delivers remarkable value by combining premium features at a competitive price range.

Conclusion

Overall, the vivo iQOO 9 is an outstanding smartphone offering a blend of high-performance, innovative features, and stylish design. It caters to users seeking a remarkable media consumption experience, robust performance for gaming and multitasking, and a capable camera system for photography enthusiasts. Despite lacking expandable storage and a headphone jack, the flagship specifications and fast charging capabilities justify its position as a formidable competitor in the smartphone market.