iQOO Neo 9 Pro vs iQOO Neo 7 Pro: What are the biggest upgrades

Successor to the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro has officially launched in India at a starting price of Rs 35,999. As we all know, the Neo 7 Pro is a pretty powerful gaming-focused phone in the sub-Rs 40,000. But, with the launch of the latest model — Neo 9 Pro, are there really any significant updates to warrant an upgrade? Let's dive into the key features the iQOO Neo 9 Pro brings to the table over the Neo 7 Pro to help you decide — whether it's worth the switch. Also, even if you don't have a Neo 7 Pro, and you are generally looking to get a new phone for a budget of under Rs 40,000 — should you get the iQOO Neo 9 Pro? Let us help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The biggest leap lies under the hood. The iQOO Neo 9 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a significant upgrade over the Neo 7 Pro's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. The Neo 9 Pro also has the same 6K VC cooling system that's there on the iQOO 12. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and noticeably better performance in demanding games, along with better thermal management.

Camera

Both phones offer capable cameras, but the iQOO Neo 9 Pro takes things up a notch. It sports a 50MP primary camera, i.e. the Sony IMX 920 sensor. For those who don't know, this is the same primary rear camera sensor used in the iQOO 12 and Vivo X100 series. The result is sharp and vibrant shots, especially in low-light conditions, something that we have also noted in our full review of the device.

Display

Both phones boast vibrant AMOLED displays. However, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro features a 144Hz refresh rate along with a 3,000 nits peak brightness. There's also a 2,160Hz PWM dimming for eye safety. The dual speakers on the Neo 9 Pro are also pretty decent and get plenty loud. Basically, watching movies and shows on this phone is a great experience as this display does not disappoint.

Battery and charging

Again, almost similar battery sizes on the new and previous-gen models. However, with the more efficient 8 Gen 2 chip and optimised software, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro shines when it comes to excellent power consumption under heavy loads. While in terms of general usage, both the Neo 7 Pro and Neo 9 Pro may perform kind of the same. When it comes to the taxing stuff, like using the camera, playing games for long, and watching stuff in HDR, that's where the better endurance of the Neo 9 Pro starts showing up. Of course, 120W charging is supported on both devices, and the charger is supplied in the box.

Design

Both phones sport a sleek and stylish design, but the iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers a few subtle differences. The overall design is clean and flat, the camera cutouts look neat and the back panel features a faux-leather finish for that perfect grip. Of course, it's a matter of personal preference, but if you ask me, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro just edges out its predecessor in terms of looks.

Summing up

So, is the iQOO Neo 9 Pro a worthy upgrade over the iQOO Neo 7 Pro? It depends. If you're a power user who demands the absolute best in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed, then the Neo 9 Pro is definitely worth considering. However, if you're happy with the performance and features of the Neo 7 Pro and prioritise saving some money — sticking with your current phone might be the wiser choice.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and budget. Consider what features are most important to you and weigh the upgrades against the price difference before making your call. Remember, both phones are excellent options in the gaming smartphone segment, so you can't really go wrong!