Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs vivo iQOO Neo 9
Compare Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs vivo iQOO Neo 9 side by side: Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 4000mAh vs 5160mAh…
Samsung
Galaxy S21 5G
$799
2categories won
vivo
iQOO Neo 9
$699
9categories won
2 categories tied · 13 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
vivo iQOO Neo 9 takes the overall win
The vivo iQOO Neo 9 proves superior overall against the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the Galaxy S21 5G leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iQOO Neo 9. Choose the iQOO Neo 9 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy S21 5G if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iQOO Neo 9 takes battery honors offering 5,160 mAh alongside 120W charging.
iQOO Neo 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Galaxy S21 5G wins photography with 12MP main imaging and 3x dedicated optical zoom.
iQOO Neo 9 wins on budget and value at $699 compared to $799.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Galaxy S21 5G vs iQOO Neo 9: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2" | 6.78" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1260 x 2800Winner |
| Pixel density | 424 ppi | 453 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 144 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 1300 nits | 1400 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Process node | 5 nm | — |
| AnTuTu score | 820,000 | 1,620,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 3720 | 5440Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | — |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | — |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | — |
| Rear cameras | 3 | — |
| Optical zoom | 3x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 10 MP | 16 MPWinner |
| Max video | 8K at 24fps / 4K at 60fps | 8K@30fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,000 mAh | 5,160 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 120 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 WWinner | No |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 169 gWinner | 190 g |
| Thickness | 7.9 mm | 8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP54 |
| Build | Aluminum frame, glastic back, Gorilla Glass Victus front | — |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 11 | 14 |
| OS updates | 4 years | — |
| Security updates | 5 years | — |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S21 5G | iQOO Neo 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $799 | $699Winner |
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Highlighting Samsung's two-tone Contour-Cut camera housing and iconic Phantom Violet finish, the Galaxy S21 delivers 8K video capture, flat 120Hz AMOLED smoothness, and a featherlight 169g frame.
- Display
- 6.2"
- Chipset
- Exynos 2100 / Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 4,000mAh
vivo iQOO Neo 9
iQOO Neo 9 brings flagship Sony IMX920 camera sensor from the X100, 144Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 silicon, and 120W charging into an aggressively priced powerhouse.
- Display
- 6.78"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Battery
- 5,160mAh
- Software
- 14