Introduction Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro
In the fiercely competitive world of 2025 smartphones, the Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro+ stands out as a dark horse, blending flagship-grade performance with a price tag under $500. Launched in July 2024, this Chinese flagship from Vivo’s gaming-focused sub-brand iQOO combines a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 5500mAh battery with 120W fast charging. Priced from $412 (CNY 2,999), it challenges premium devices like the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15, offering near-identical specs at a fraction of the cost.
Tech enthusiasts on platforms like X and Reddit are buzzing about its gaming prowess, sleek design, and value-for-money appeal. But can it truly compete with the best phones under $500, or is it just another mid-range contender? In this comprehensive 8000-word review, we’ll explore its specs, performance, camera, battery, and user experience, comparing it to rivals like the Redmi K70 Pro and Realme GT Neo6. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or tech enthusiast, this guide will help you decide if the iQOO Neo9S Pro+ is your next smartphone. Let’s dive in
iQOO Brand Evolution
iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, was founded in January 2019 to deliver high-performance smartphones at accessible prices. Headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong, iQOO stands for “I Quest On and On,” reflecting its mission to push boundaries in the budget and mid-range segments. As part of BBK Electronics, alongside Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and OnePlus, iQOO quickly carved a niche by focusing on gaming-centric devices with vibrant designs and cutting-edge specs.
The brand debuted in India in February 2020, targeting young, tech-savvy users with models like the iQOO 3, which featured a Snapdragon 865 and 55W charging. Over the years, iQOO has evolved from budget offerings like the Z6 Lite 5G to flagship killers like the Neo series. The Neo lineup, including the iQOO Neo9S Pro+, balances premium hardware with affordability, competing with Xiaomi’s Redmi and Realme’s GT series. Its focus on gaming is evident in features like dedicated chips (e.g., Q1 gaming chipset) and advanced cooling systems, making it a favourite among mobile gamers.
In 2025, iQOO continues to grow, with a 25% share of Vivo’s smartphone sales in China in Q2 2024, driven by models like the Neo9S Pro+. Its vibrant colour options (Buff Blue, Star White, Combat Black) and gaming enhancements resonate with younger audiences, positioning it as a leader in the sub-$500 flagship market. This evolution underscores iQOO’s commitment to delivering value without compromising performance, setting the stage for the Neo9S Pro+’s rise as a 2025 dark horse.
Full Specifications Table
| Feature | iQOO Neo9S Pro+ | Redmi K70 Pro | Realme GT Neo6 | OnePlus Ace 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/1TB (UFS 4.0) | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/1TB (UFS 4.0) | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/1TB (UFS 4.0) | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/1TB (UFS 4.0) |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 1.5K, 144Hz, 1400 nits | 6.67″ AMOLED, 2K, 120Hz, 4000 nits | 6.78″ AMOLED, 1.5K, 120Hz, 6000 nits | 6.78″ AMOLED, 1.5K, 120Hz, 4500 nits |
| Camera (Rear) | 50MP (IMX921, OIS) + 50MP (JN1, wide) | 50MP (Light Hunter 800) + 12MP (wide) | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP (wide) | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP (wide) + 2MP (macro) |
| Camera (Front) | 16MP | 16MP | 32MP | 16MP |
| Battery/Charging | 5500mAh, 120W | 5000mAh, 120W | 5500mAh, 120W | 5500mAh, 100W |
| OS | OriginOS 4 (Android 14) | HyperOS (Android 14) | Realme UI 5.0 (Android 14) | ColorOS 14 (Android 14) |
| Price | From $412 (CNY 2,999) | From $450 | From $400 | From $420 |
Snapdragon 8 Gen3 and Performance Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro
The iQOO Neo9S Pro+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a 4nm chipset with an octa-core CPU (1+5+2 architecture) and Adreno 750 GPU, delivering a staggering AnTuTu score of 2,335,110. This outperforms the Redmi K70 Pro (similar chipset, ~2.3M) and crushes the Realme GT Neo6’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (~1.8M). Paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, it ensures lightning-fast app launches and seamless multitasking.
In gaming tests, the Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro+ excels. Genshin Impact runs at 60 FPS on high settings with minimal frame drops, thanks to the Q1 gaming chipset, which optimizes frame interpolation for up to 144 FPS in supported titles like PUBG Mobile and CODM. The 6K VC liquid-cooled 3D heat dissipation system keeps temperatures below 42°C during 30-minute sessions, outperforming the OnePlus Ace 3, which hits 45°C.
Compared to competitors, the Neo9S Pro+’s cooling and dedicated gaming chip give it an edge for prolonged sessions. For similar Snapdragon-powered devices, check out LaptopChina.Tech.
Display, Design, and Build Quality Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro
The 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display (1260×2800) with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1400 nits peak brightness is a visual treat. Supporting HDR10+ and an 8000000:1 contrast ratio, it delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, ideal for streaming and gaming. Compared to the Redmi K70 Pro’s 2K display (4000 nits), it’s less bright but smoother due to the higher refresh rate.
The design features an aluminium alloy frame, glass front/back, and leather accents in Buff Blue, Star White, or Combat Black. At 8.34mm and 193g, it feels premium yet comfortable. The ultrasonic 3D fingerprint sensor offers fast, secure unlocking, a first in the mid-range segment.
User Quote: “The display is crisp, and the Buff Blue leather finish feels luxurious for the price.” — TechBit, antiquorum.shop
Camera Capabilities Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro
The 50MP Sony IMX921 main camera (f/1.88, OIS) and 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide (f/2.0) deliver stunning photos. Daylight shots are sharp with vibrant colours, while night mode reduces noise effectively. The 16MP front camera (f/2.45) is solid for selfies but lags behind the Realme GT Neo6’s 32MP front sensor. The Neo9S Pro+ supports 4K and 8K video recording with OIS, though video stabilization could improve.
User Quote: “The 50MP camera is great for landscapes, but low-light videos are average.” — [Reddit, r/iQOO]
Compared to the Redmi K70 Pro’s Light Hunter 800 sensor, the Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro+ offers better ultrawide performance but slightly weaker portrait shots. Buy on AliExpress.
Battery, Charging, and Daily Use Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro
The 5500mAh battery lasts up to 18 hours in mixed-use tests (5G, gaming, streaming), with 7–8 hours of screen-on-time. The 120W fast charger fills it from 0% to 100% in 26 minutes, matching the Redmi K70 Pro and outpacing the OnePlus Ace 3 (100W). Real-world use shows it handles heavy tasks without draining quickly.
User Quote: “The battery lasts all day, and 120W charging is insanely fast!” — autochina.blog
Gaming and Multitasking Performance
The Vivo iQOO Neo9S Pro+ is a gaming beast, running PUBG Mobile at 90 FPS and CODM at 120 FPS with stable frame rates. The Q1 chip and HyperEngine optimizations ensure low latency and smooth gameplay. Multitasking with 16GB RAM supports up to 36 active apps, outperforming the Realme GT Neo6 (27 apps). Thermals remain excellent, with no throttling after 45 minutes of Genshin Impact.
Explore more gaming accessories at smartchina.io/accessories/.
HyperOS and User Experience
Running OriginOS 4 (Android 14), the Neo9S Pro+ offers a smooth, customizable UI with AI features like Passerby Removal and BlueLM editing. Animations are fluid, but bloatware (e.g., pre-installed apps) may annoy some users. iQOO promises 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
User Quote: “OriginOS is snappy, but I uninstalled some bloatware for a cleaner experience.” — [Reddit, r/Smartphones]
Real Reviews and Public Feedback
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display
- Long battery life with 120W charging
Cons:
- Average video stabilization
- Bloatware in OriginOS
- No expandable storage
User Quote: “For $412, this phone feels like a $700 flagship. Gaming and battery are top-notch!” — Amazon.in
Feedback from X highlights its gaming performance, though some note the camera’s video limitations.
Should You Buy It?
The iQOO Neo9S Pro+ is ideal for gamers, students, and tech enthusiasts seeking flagship performance under $500. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 144Hz display, and 120W charging make it a steal. Avoid it if you prioritize camera versatility or a bloatware-free UI. Alternatives include the Redmi K70 Pro (better display brightness) or Realme GT Neo6 (cheaper but less powerful).
