The iQOO 9 Pro offers powerful performance, stunning display, and advanced features. Discover its specs, camera quality, and more in this detailed review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In the competitive world of smartphones, manufacturers must constantly innovate to stand out. The iQOO 9 Pro, launched by Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO, does exactly that with a powerful combination of performance, design, and cutting-edge technology. Aimed at those who demand the best in terms of speed, graphics, and camera capabilities, this flagship device enters the market with high expectations.
The iQOO 9 Pro is positioned to compete with top-tier competitors, including the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, OnePlus 10 Pro, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. Featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a versatile triple camera setup, the iQOO 9 Pro is packed with flagship-grade specs that could make it an attractive option for many smartphone enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a deep dive into the iQOO 9 Pro’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more. Along with detailed technical specifications, we’ll provide a nuanced look at how the phone performs in day-to-day use, gaming, and photography.
iQOO 9 Pro Design and Build Quality
When it comes to premium smartphones, the design is often one of the first aspects that capture the attention of users. The iQOO 9 Pro’s build quality and design have been crafted with precision to reflect its flagship status. Let’s explore the key elements of its design, from the materials used to the overall aesthetic.
Body and Materials
The iQOO 9 Pro features a combination of a glass back and an aluminum frame. This results in a sturdy yet sleek device that feels premium in hand. The glass back has a glossy finish, which, while beautiful, can attract fingerprints. It is available in multiple colors, including a signature colorway that highlights the brand’s commitment to both style and functionality.
- Frame: The device sports an aluminum frame, offering durability while keeping the phone’s weight balanced. This choice of material ensures that the iQOO 9 Pro is both lightweight and sturdy, resisting flexing even with day-to-day use.
- Weight: Weighing 204 grams, it is relatively average for a phone with these specs. While it’s not the lightest in its class, the weight contributes to a solid, robust feel, reinforcing the premium nature of the device.
Display Design
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is curved on both sides, providing a visually immersive experience that you typically find on higher-end flagships. The curves allow for more dynamic content consumption, such as gaming or video streaming. While some users might not prefer curved displays due to accidental touches, the iQOO 9 Pro has software optimizations to reduce these unwanted touches.
Button Placement and Ports
The button placement is traditional, with the power button and volume rockers on the right-hand side. The USB-C charging port and SIM card slot are located at the bottom. The phone supports dual SIM functionality, which is beneficial for users who need separate numbers for work and personal life.
Ergonomics
The phone’s slightly thicker build (8.8mm) ensures it is comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The smooth curves on the back and the rounded edges on the front contribute to a balanced feel in hand, while the large display offers a screen real estate that’s perfect for immersive experiences.{1}
Display A Visual Experience Beyond Expectations
The display is one of the most important features for any modern smartphone, and the iQOO 9 Pro’s 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is designed to impress. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and crisp resolution are all part of what makes this device stand out in the flagship smartphone category.
AMOLED Technology
The iQOO 9 Pro features a high-end AMOLED display, known for producing deep blacks and more vibrant colors compared to traditional LCD panels. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology allows individual pixels to light up, which means that when a pixel is turned off, it remains completely black. This not only enhances contrast but also results in an energy-efficient display.
- HDR10+: The HDR10+ support on the iQOO 9 Pro ensures that the phone delivers a high dynamic range (HDR) experience when watching videos or playing games that support this technology. This feature is essential for viewing content with vivid colors and high contrast, especially in high-end streaming services and games with rich visual content.
Resolution and Pixel Density
The iQOO 9 Pro packs a stunning 1440 x 3200-pixel resolution, which translates to a pixel density of around 518 PPI (pixels per inch). This ensures that text, images, and videos appear razor-sharp, even when viewed up close. The display offers excellent clarity, which is essential for reading, gaming, and content creation.
120Hz Refresh Rate
For an even smoother visual experience, the iQOO 9 Pro comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is particularly beneficial for fluid scrolling and gaming. The increased refresh rate means that animations, transitions, and game graphics appear much smoother compared to devices with a 60Hz refresh rate. This smoothness is a game-changer for users who engage in mobile gaming or scroll through content-heavy apps like social media and news sites.
Brightness Levels
The iQOO 9 Pro’s AMOLED display can reach up to 1500 nits of peak brightness, making it one of the brightest displays in its class. Even under direct sunlight, the screen remains visible, offering a comfortable viewing experience without straining your eyes. This level of brightness is crucial for outdoor usage, as it ensures that users can still read content or use apps even in bright conditions.
Performance Power-Packed for Gaming and Multitasking
Powering the iQOO 9 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the latest flagship-level processor that promises exceptional performance in all areas, from gaming to multitasking. The iQOO 9 Pro is designed to handle the most demanding tasks, and this section will delve into the specifics of how it performs in real-world conditions.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Chipset
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a flagship chipset built on a 4nm process, meaning it is both energy-efficient and powerful. With an octa-core CPU, the chipset includes a Cortex-X2 core clocked at 3.0GHz, paired with three Cortex-A710 cores and four Cortex-A510 cores. This combination of cores enables the iQOO 9 Pro to deliver smooth performance even when running resource-intensive apps and games.
- Performance Gains: Compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 888, the Gen 1 offers significant performance improvements in both processing power and energy efficiency. This is particularly noticeable in gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Adreno 730 GPU: The Adreno 730 GPU further elevates the iQOO 9 Pro’s performance, ensuring that games run smoothly and look incredible. Whether you’re playing graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, the GPU can handle demanding graphics without stuttering or lag.
RAM and Storage
The iQOO 9 Pro is available with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. While the RAM is sufficient for multitasking and handling up to 10 apps running simultaneously, the 256GB of storage ensures that you have enough space for apps, games, photos, and videos. However, the lack of a microSD card slot means that users who require expandable storage will need to rely on cloud storage or external solutions.
Software and Optimization
The iQOO 9 Pro runs on Android 12 with iQOO’s FunTouch OS. FunTouch OS offers a clean and intuitive interface with several customization options, including the ability to change themes, icons, and widgets. It also includes performance-enhancing features like Game Mode, which prioritizes resources for gaming, and Memory Fusion, which combines part of the internal storage with RAM to improve multitasking performance.
Camera Stunning Photography and Videography
The camera system on the iQOO 9 Pro is one of its standout features, offering a versatile triple-camera setup that delivers outstanding performance in various conditions. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or close-ups, the iQOO 9 Pro ensures that you can take excellent photos every time.
Triple Rear Camera Setup
The iQOO 9 Pro features a 50MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps capture sharp images with excellent detail. The OIS feature reduces blurring caused by handshakes, particularly in low-light conditions.
- 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera: The second 50MP sensor captures wide-angle shots, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, or group photos.
- 16MP Portrait Lens: The third 16MP lens specializes in portrait photography, offering excellent depth-of-field effects and natural bokeh. It ensures that the subject stands out clearly against a blurred background.
4K Video Recording
The iQOO 9 Pro supports 4K video recording at 30fps, enabling you to capture cinematic videos with vibrant colors and sharp details. The camera also offers several video modes, including Slow Motion and Super Steady, which enhance the filming experience.
Front Camera
For selfies, the iQOO 9 Pro features a 16MP front camera that takes detailed and vibrant photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. It also supports AI-enhanced beauty modes to smoothen skin tones and enhance facial features naturally.
Battery Life and Charging Power That Lasts
One of the key aspects that sets the iQOO 9 Pro apart from its competitors is its battery life and charging speed. In this section, we’ll explore the device’s 4700mAh battery and how it performs under real-world usage.
Fast Charging
The iQOO 9 Pro supports 120W fast charging, which can charge the device from 0 to 100% in about 20 minutes. This lightning-fast charging speed ensures that you don’t have to wait long to get your phone ready to use.
Wireless Charging
The iQOO 9 Pro also features 50W wireless charging, which is one of the fastest wireless charging technologies available on the market. This feature allows you to charge your device wirelessly without compromising on speed.
Reverse Wireless Charging
With 10W reverse wireless charging, the iQOO 9 Pro allows you to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone, by placing them on the back of the phone. This is a convenient feature when you’re on the go and need to share power.
Connectivity Future Ready and Fast
The iQOO 9 Pro is built for the future, with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable connections for data transfer, gaming, and media streaming.
- 5G Connectivity: With support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G bands, the iQOO 9 Pro offers blazing-fast download and upload speeds. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos or playing cloud-based games, the device is future-ready.
- Wi-Fi 6: Wi-Fi 6 provides faster download speeds, more stable connections, and better power efficiency, ensuring that your phone stays connected to the internet at all times.
- Bluetooth v5.2: The latest Bluetooth version ensures faster, more stable connections with compatible devices, such as wireless headphones, smartwatches, and other accessories.
Gaming Performance A Powerhouse for Mobile Gamers
In today’s smartphone market, mobile gaming has become a key consideration for flagship devices. The iQOO 9 Pro, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and the Adreno 730 GPU, is designed to deliver a top-tier gaming experience. Whether you’re playing graphically intense titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, or Genshin Impact, the iQOO 9 Pro promises a fluid and immersive experience.
Graphics and Frame Rate Optimization
One of the standout features for gaming enthusiasts is the iQOO 9 Pro’s ability to run games at high frame rates with stunning graphics. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s high-performance cores and the Adreno 730 GPU ensures smooth frame rendering, even at 60Hz or 120Hz, depending on the game’s settings.
- PUBG Mobile: The iQOO 9 Pro can easily handle PUBG Mobile at ultra settings with smooth 60fps gameplay. With its 120Hz refresh rate, the game feels incredibly responsive and fluid, with minimal motion blur, which is crucial for fast-paced shooters.
- Genshin Impact: Genshin Impact is another demanding game, known for its high-resolution graphics and open-world gameplay. The iQOO 9 Pro handles Genshin Impact with settings on high, providing solid frame rates around 40-50fps. While this is not as high as some gaming-dedicated devices, it’s still impressive for a phone that doubles as a daily driver.
- Call of Duty: Mobile: For Call of Duty: Mobile, the device effortlessly delivers 90fps gameplay at high settings, ensuring an incredibly smooth experience. The increased frame rate helps in aiming and shooting, giving competitive players an edge.
Game Mode and Cooling System
The iQOO 9 Pro features several software optimizations, such as the “Game Mode,” which enhances the phone’s gaming experience. Game Mode prioritizes performance by limiting background processes, optimizing the CPU and GPU for gaming tasks, and reducing latency. Additionally, the phone uses an advanced cooling system with multiple layers of graphite and a vapor chamber to prevent thermal throttling during long gaming sessions.
This thermal management system ensures that the iQOO 9 Pro stays cool under load, allowing gamers to enjoy long sessions without worrying about the device overheating. The device also intelligently adjusts the power to maintain a balance between performance and temperature, ensuring the longevity of the hardware.
Software and User Interface iQOO’s FunTouch OS
The iQOO 9 Pro runs on Android 12 with FunTouch OS 12 as the user interface. FunTouch OS has come a long way since its earlier versions, and it now offers a clean, feature-rich experience that blends well with the stock Android feel. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the software features and optimizations that the iQOO 9 Pro brings to the table.
Customization and Usability
FunTouch OS 12 offers a plethora of customization options to personalize your device. From themes to widgets, users can tweak the look and feel of the phone to their liking. The UI is clean and intuitive, with minimal bloatware pre-installed. The software provides several features to improve user experience, including:
- Always-On Display: This feature allows you to check notifications, time, and other widgets without unlocking your device. It’s a small yet highly practical addition for users who want quick access to information.
- App Cloning: For those who use multiple accounts on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram, the App Cloning feature allows you to run two instances of the same app simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for users who have both personal and professional accounts.
- Privacy Features: FunTouch OS 12 comes with several privacy enhancements, including the ability to control which apps can access specific permissions (such as location or camera) and even the option to view app permission histories.
- Game Mode: As mentioned earlier, the Game Mode is an essential feature for mobile gamers. It disables notifications, optimizes performance, and reduces distractions while you play.
Performance Enhancements and Stability
FunTouch OS 12 has been optimized for stability and efficiency, ensuring smooth operation even when multitasking. The software integrates advanced memory management techniques, including Memory Fusion, which allocates part of the internal storage as virtual RAM. This helps when running memory-intensive applications, ensuring that apps don’t crash and that the system remains responsive.
Additionally, FunTouch OS 12 has been optimized for better battery life, with intelligent background task management. The software’s minimalistic approach also reduces battery-draining bloatware, meaning more of the battery is used for actual tasks rather than unnecessary processes.
Battery Life All Day Power with Ultra Fast Charging
Battery life remains a key consideration for any smartphone user, especially as mobile devices become more powerful and resource-hungry. The iQOO 9 Pro features a 4700mAh battery, which strikes a balance between performance and battery life.
Real World Battery Performance
With its large AMOLED display, high-performance processor, and 120Hz refresh rate, one might assume that the iQOO 9 Pro would struggle to deliver great battery life. However, the device performs surprisingly well, providing enough juice to last an entire day with moderate usage, which includes browsing, social media, light gaming, and streaming video. With heavier use, such as extended gaming sessions or constant 5G usage, you might need to charge the device by the evening.
- Screen-on Time: In general usage, you can expect a screen-on time of around 5-6 hours, depending on how many apps you use and whether you have 5G enabled. This is decent for a phone with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate.
120W Fast Charging A Game Changer
The iQOO 9 Pro is equipped with 120W fast charging capability, which is one of the fastest charging technologies available on smartphones. This allows the phone to charge from 0 to 100% in under 20 minutes, which is a massive advantage for users who are always on the go. Whether you’re in a rush before a meeting or need to top up your battery quickly during a break, the iQOO 9 Pro makes sure you’re ready to go in no time.
- Charging Time: In our testing, the phone consistently charged from 0 to 100% in just around 18 minutes. This is extremely impressive, as many phones take much longer (even flagship phones from other brands).
- Battery Longevity: Thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and the large battery, the iQOO 9 Pro can last through long days of intensive use.
50W Wireless Charging
For those who prefer wireless charging, the iQOO 9 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It supports 50W wireless charging, one of the fastest wireless charging speeds available. In our tests, the iQOO 9 Pro was able to charge from 0 to 100% in about 50 minutes using the proprietary 50W wireless charger.
This makes the device incredibly versatile, offering both lightning-fast wired and wireless charging options. Wireless charging is also a great option for charging the phone overnight or when you’re at your desk, minimizing the wear and tear on the charging port.
10W Reverse Wireless Charging
Additionally, the iQOO 9 Pro features 10W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to wirelessly charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another phone. This is a nifty feature for those who often carry multiple devices and want to charge them on the go without the need for cables.
Conclusion
The iQOO 9 Pro is a powerful and feature-packed flagship that excels in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life. With its high-end specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and versatile camera setup, the iQOO 9 Pro stands out as one of the best premium smartphones available today.
For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and photography lovers, the iQOO 9 Pro offers an exceptional all-round experience. It’s a device that not only looks great but performs even better, making it a top contender in the competitive flagship smartphone market.
FAQs
What is the display size of the iQOO 9 Pro?
The iQOO 9 Pro comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display featuring a 1440 x 3200 pixels resolution. It also supports HDR10+, offering rich and vibrant visuals, perfect for media consumption and gaming. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
Does the iQOO 9 Pro support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the iQOO 9 Pro supports 5G connectivity along with 4G and VoLTE, ensuring that you get high-speed internet access in areas with 5G network coverage. This makes the device future-proof for the next generation of wireless communication.
What is the camera setup on the iQOO 9 Pro?
The iQOO 9 Pro features a 50 MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 50 MP ultrawide camera, and a 16 MP telephoto camera. The front camera is a 16 MP sensor. It supports 4K UHD video recording at 30fps and provides excellent performance in both low-light and daylight photography.
How fast does the iQOO 9 Pro charge?
The iQOO 9 Pro offers 120W fast charging capability, which can charge the phone from 0% to 100% in just 18-20 minutes. Additionally, it supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging, making it one of the fastest-charging smartphones in its category.
Does the iQOO 9 Pro have expandable storage?
No, the iQOO 9 Pro does not support expandable storage via a memory card. However, it comes with a generous 256GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users’ needs, including storing photos, videos, apps, and games.
What chipset does the iQOO 9 Pro use?
The iQOO 9 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which is an octa-core processor with a maximum clock speed of 3 GHz. This chipset delivers exceptional performance for multitasking, gaming, and day-to-day tasks.
What is the battery capacity of the iQOO 9 Pro?
The iQOO 9 Pro is equipped with a 4700mAh battery, which offers all-day usage on moderate to heavy use. The device also supports 120W fast charging for rapid power-ups, along with 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging.
How good is the iQOO 9 Pro for gaming?
The iQOO 9 Pro is an excellent gaming smartphone, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, 120Hz AMOLED display, and advanced thermal management system. It can handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact smoothly, providing an immersive gaming experience.
Does the iQOO 9 Pro support an in-display fingerprint sensor?
Yes, the iQOO 9 Pro features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking of the device. This sensor is fast and accurate, providing a convenient way to unlock the phone while maintaining a sleek and modern design.
What operating system does the iQOO 9 Pro run?
The iQOO 9 Pro runs on Android 12 with FunTouch OS 12 on top. FunTouch OS offers a clean user interface with several customization options, such as themes, widgets, and privacy features, enhancing the overall user experience.
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