IQOO SE

IQOO 9 SE Review: Powerful Mid-Range Performer with Fast Charging

The iQOO 9 SE, launched in February 2025, is a mid-range smartphone that blends powerful performance, smooth display, and fast charging into a sleek package. With its Snapdragon 888 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, and 66W Super Vooc charging, the device is designed for gamers, content creators, and everyday users seeking speed and reliability. This review explores its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more.

Design & Display: Compact Yet Vibrant

The iQOO 9 SE features a 6.62-inch Super AMOLED punch-hole display with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, ensuring smooth scrolling, crisp visuals, and vibrant colors. With a 1080×2400 pixel resolution, movies, games, and images appear detailed and immersive.

Its splash and dust-resistant design adds durability for daily use, while the slim 8.4mm profile and 199g weight make it comfortable to hold. The phone is available in Space Fusion and Sunset Sierra, giving users a modern and premium feel without the bulk of larger flagship devices.

Performance: Snapdragon 888 Powers Everything

At the heart of the iQOO 9 SE lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, an octa-core CPU configuration featuring 1x Cortex-X1 @2.84GHz, 3x Cortex-A78 @2.42GHz, and 4x Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz, paired with the Adreno 660 GPU.

This combination ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and responsive gaming. Running Android 12 with Funtouch OS 12, the phone offers a clean interface, smart software optimizations, and regular updates. Whether switching between social media apps, streaming videos, or playing graphics-intensive games, the iQOO 9 SE handles everything with ease.

Memory & Storage: Adequate for Everyday Needs

The phone comes in two main variants:

• 128GB + 8GB RAM

• 256GB + 12GB RAM

It uses UFS 3.0 storage and LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring fast read/write speeds, smooth app performance, and minimal lag. A microSD card slot allows users to expand storage if needed, making it a versatile option for media-heavy users.

Camera: Versatile Triple Setup

The iQOO 9 SE features a triple rear camera system:

• 48MP main camera (f/1.8, 25mm)

• 13MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 16mm)

• 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4)

Equipped with dual LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama mode, and features like digital zoom, auto flash, face detection, and touch-to-focus, the phone captures detailed images in daylight and well-lit conditions. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps, while special modes like dual video recording and slow motion enhance creativity.

The 16MP front camera (f/2.0) handles selfies and video calls with clarity, supporting 1080p recording. While daylight photography is excellent, low-light performance can be limited, which is typical for mid-range devices.

Battery & Charging: Quick and Reliable

With a 4500mAh Silicon Carbon battery, the iQOO 9 SE easily powers through a full day of usage. Its 66W Super Vooc fast charging replenishes the battery 100% in just 39 minutes, reducing downtime significantly. This makes it an excellent choice for users who need quick top-ups between work, gaming, and social media sessions.

Connectivity & Audio

The device supports Dual Nano SIM, 5G and 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth v5.2, and NFC for seamless internet and device connections.

While it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, the stereo speakers provide clear and powerful sound for calls, videos, and gaming. Users can rely on Type-C or wireless headphones for personal audio.

Sensors & Security

The iQOO 9 SE comes with an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure and fast unlocking. Additional sensors include proximity, accelerometer, and compass, ensuring accurate device orientation and convenient usability.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Snapdragon 888 Processor – Smooth and fast performance for apps and gaming

• 120Hz Super AMOLED Display – Vibrant, fluid visuals for media and gaming

• 66W Fast Charging – Quickly recharges the battery

• Sleek Design – Lightweight and premium finish

• Stereo Speakers – Clear and immersive audio

Cons:

• Can heat up during prolonged gaming

• Low-light camera performance is average

• No official IP rating – Not fully waterproof or dustproof

• No 3.5mm headphone jack – Requires Type-C or wireless audio

• Slightly high price compared to other mid-range options

FAQs

Q1: What processor does the iQOO 9 SE use?
A1: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 for smooth performance.

Q2: Does it support 5G?
A2: Yes, the iQOO 9 SE supports full 5G connectivity.

Q3: What is the display size?
A3: 6.62-inch Super AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate.

Q4: How many cameras are there?
A4: Triple rear cameras: 48MP main, 13MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth sensor.

Q5: Does it support fast charging?
A5: Yes, 66W Super Vooc charging refills the battery in 39 minutes.

Q6: What is the battery capacity?
A6: 4500mAh Silicon Carbon battery.

Q7: What RAM and storage options are available?
A7: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage.

Q8: Is it good for gaming?
A8: Yes, with Snapdragon 888 and a 120Hz AMOLED display.

Q9: Does it have an in-display fingerprint sensor?
A9: Yes, an optical under-display sensor.

Q10: What operating system does it run?
A10: Android 12 with Funtouch OS 12.

Conclusion:

The iQOO 9 SE is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that excels in performance, display quality, and fast charging. With its Snapdragon 888 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, and 66W fast charging, it offers a smooth gaming experience, reliable battery life, and modern design. While it has minor drawbacks like heating during heavy usage and average low-light camera performance, it remains a strong contender for users looking for a powerful and stylish mid-range device.