vivo iQOO 9 SE review

The vivo vivo iQOO 9 SE ranks as the #370 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 60. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #184-ranked display among 800 phones. Consider the vivo V29 5G or vivo V30e, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The vivo iQOO 9 SE's 4500 mAh battery with 66W fast charging ensures all-day use and rapid recharging.
The vivo iQOO 9 SE's 120Hz AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, 1300 cd/m² brightness, and HDR10+ for immersive visuals.
The vivo iQOO 9 SE's 48MP main camera with OIS and 4K video delivers sharp, vibrant photos, though the 2MP monochrome sensor may limit low-light performance.
The vivo iQOO 9 SE's Snapdragon 888, 66W fast charging, and gaming-optimized features ensure seamless performance and efficient thermal management.
Parameters
Width
76,4 mm
Height
163,2 mm
Depth
8,7 mm
Weight
196 g
Usable surface
84 %
Plastic
Colors
Black, Blue

Build Quality and Design

The vivo iQOO 9 SE blends a lightweight, sturdy build with a sleek, modern design. Its plastic frame offers a durable yet comfortable grip, while a slim profile and 84% screen-to-body ratio ensure a compact, ergonomic feel. A curved-edge design enhances visual immersion, complemented by a vibrant display that feels robust and refined. Available in two striking color options, the device balances practicality and style. The back and front feature scratch-resistant glass, adding to its premium touch. Thoughtful details like a well-placed fingerprint sensor and smooth transitions between surfaces highlight its user-centric design. This combination of materials and craftsmanship ensures the iQOO 9 SE feels both durable and fashionable in hand. For an improved design, vivo X80 is worth considering.

Battery Life

The vivo iQOO 9 SE is powered by a 4500 mAh dual-cell battery, ensuring all-day endurance for demanding tasks. With 66W fast charging, it rapidly replenishes power, reaching full capacity in under 40 minutes. The non-removable design integrates efficiently with the phone’s slim profile, while optimized software and hardware coordination extend battery longevity. Whether gaming, streaming, or multitasking, the battery sustains performance without frequent recharging. Its dual-cell architecture enhances thermal management, preventing overheating during prolonged use. This balance of capacity, speed, and efficiency makes the iQOO 9 SE a reliable companion for users prioritizing uninterrupted productivity and entertainment. You might want to check out vivo X Fold, featuring an upgraded battery for a superior experience.

Display

The vivo iQOO 9 SE features a stunning AMOLED display that delivers vibrant, true-to-life colors with deep blacks and sharp contrast. Its 6.6" screen boasts a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a high pixel density of 398 ppi, ensuring crisp text and immersive visuals. A 120 Hz refresh rate and 300 Hz touch sampling rate provide buttery-smooth scrolling, gaming, and responsiveness. The display reaches a peak brightness of 1300 cd/m², making it easy to view in bright sunlight, while HDR10+ and DCI-P3 color gamut support enhance dynamic range and color accuracy for media-rich content. With a 20:9 aspect ratio and a hole-punch notch, the screen maximizes screen-to-body coverage (84%) for an uninterrupted experience. The 2.5D curved glass adds a premium, ergonomic feel, and scratch-resistant coating ensures durability. Whether streaming videos, gaming, or browsing, the display balances performance, clarity, and practicality for an engaging user experience. Take a look at vivo X80 - its improved display sets a new standard.

Camera

The vivo iQOO 9 SE delivers versatile photography with a triple rear camera setup. A 48MP main lens captures detailed, vibrant photos with optical stabilization and 4K video capabilities. A 13MP ultra-wide lens expands framing for landscapes, while a 2MP monochrome sensor enhances depth and texture. The front-facing 16MP camera ensures sharp selfies with a wide f/2.0 aperture. Dual LED flash and ultra-stable video recording at 240 fps add professional-grade flair. Optical image stabilization minimizes blur in low-light or action shots, while digital zoom and phase detection autofocus ensure precision. Whether capturing dynamic scenes or everyday moments, the iQOO 9 SE balances performance and creativity, making it a reliable choice for both casual and advanced photography. If you're after top-notch camera, consider vivo T1x 4G.

Price and Value

Despite unspecified pricing, the vivo iQOO 9 SE offers robust performance, a vibrant display, and fast charging, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a feature-packed smartphone with flagship-like capabilities at a competitive price.

Performance

The vivo iQOO 9 SE delivers flagship-level performance with a powerful octa-core processor and advanced GPU, ensuring smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming. Paired with fast RAM and UFS storage, it handles demanding apps and high-resolution media effortlessly. Efficient thermal management prevents overheating during extended use, while optimized software enhances responsiveness. Gaming features like ultra-smooth frame rates, 4D vibration feedback, and frame interpolation elevate immersive experiences. With an impressive benchmark score, this phone balances raw power and practicality, making it ideal for power users and gamers seeking seamless performance in a compact, well-engineered package. Give vivo V30 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.

Pros

1. Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz AMOLED display for smooth gaming and multitasking.

2. 66W fast charging and 4500mAh battery ensure rapid power-ups and all-day endurance.

3. Gaming-optimized features like 4D vibration motor and ultra-smooth frame rates enhance immersive experiences.

4. Premium build with curved glass, durable materials, and a sleek, ergonomic design.

Cons

1. 84% screen-to-body ratio and 2.5D curved glass may feel less immersive compared to modern edge-to-edge displays.

2. Rear camera includes a 2MP monochrome sensor, which limits low-light performance and detail capture.

3. Plastic frame and non-removable battery may feel less premium than glass or metal alternatives.

4. No 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio, limiting compatibility with traditional earphones.

5. Price not specified in provided data, making value assessment unclear for budget-conscious buyers.

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