Vivo T3 Pro vs iQOO Z9s Pro: In-Depth Comparison of Top Mid-Range Smartphones Under ₹25,000

Here’s a detailed comparison between the Vivo T3 Pro and the iQOO Z9s Pro, both of which are popular mid-range smartphones under ₹25,000. We’ll compare these two models across various aspects such as design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and software, to help you decide which one offers better value for money.

Design & Build Quality

Vivo T3 Pro offers a sleek, modern design with a glass back and plastic frame. It feels premium in hand and comes with a glossy finish, which, while attractive, may attract fingerprints. The phone is lightweight and easy to hold, making it ideal for one-handed use.

iQOO Z9s Pro, on the other hand, has a sturdier build with a matte finish on the back that resists fingerprints better. Its design is a bit more aggressive, featuring a textured rear panel that provides a better grip. Despite its slightly bulkier appearance, the phone feels solid and durable, making it perfect for users who want a rugged build.

Verdict:
If you prefer a lightweight and sleek design, the Vivo T3 Pro is the better option. For a more durable and grip-friendly build, the iQOO Z9s Pro wins.

Display

Vivo T3 Pro features a 6.58-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The colors are vibrant, and the blacks are deep, providing an immersive experience for media consumption. The display also supports HDR10, enhancing the overall viewing experience, especially for streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

iQOO Z9s Pro comes with a slightly larger 6.62-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display, but with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it lacks the deep blacks of AMOLED, the higher refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth. This display also supports HDR, although it’s slightly less vibrant compared to the AMOLED panel on the Vivo T3 Pro.

Verdict:
For users who prioritize color accuracy and deeper blacks, the Vivo T3 Pro‘s AMOLED display is the better choice. However, if smoother animations and gaming performance are more important, the iQOO Z9s Pro with its 120Hz display is the winner.

Performance & Hardware

Both phones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets but differ in specific models.

• Vivo T3 Pro: Powered by the Snapdragon 778G chipset, which is known for being power-efficient while delivering strong performance in day-to-day tasks and gaming.
• iQOO Z9s Pro: Comes with the more powerful Snapdragon 780G chipset, offering better graphics performance and slightly faster CPU speeds, making it more suitable for gaming and heavy multitasking.

Both devices come with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is more than sufficient for most users. However, the iQOO Z9s Pro does offer a slight edge in overall performance thanks to the higher-end processor.

Verdict:
For better gaming performance and faster multitasking, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a balance between performance and efficiency, the Vivo T3 Pro holds its own.

Related: Detailed Review of iQOO Smartphones

Read a comprehensive review of the iQOO 10 Pro smartphone to see how iQOO devices perform.

Camera

Vivo T3 Pro features a 64MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The camera system does a great job in well-lit conditions, producing sharp and detailed photos. However, in low light, the results are average, with some noise creeping into the shots.

iQOO Z9s Pro comes with a similar 64MP main camera, but the ultra-wide lens is 12MP, offering better detail in wide shots. It also features a 2MP macro lens. The iQOO camera setup performs slightly better in low light, thanks to the improved sensor and software optimizations.

On the front, both phones have a 16MP selfie camera, which performs well in good lighting but struggles a bit in low light.

Verdict:
For better ultra-wide and low-light performance, the iQOO Z9s Pro edges out the Vivo T3 Pro. However, for casual photography, both devices are quite capable.

Battery Life & Charging

Vivo T3 Pro packs a 5000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. This battery size ensures that the phone easily lasts a full day on moderate to heavy usage. The 44W charger can quickly juice up the phone from 0 to 70% in around 30 minutes, making it convenient for users on the go.

iQOO Z9s Pro features a slightly larger 5100mAh battery with 66W fast charging support. The faster charger can take the phone from 0 to 100% in less than 40 minutes, which is impressive for a phone in this price range. The larger battery also provides marginally better battery life, especially under heavy usage.

Verdict:
For faster charging and slightly better battery life, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the better option. However, the Vivo T3 Pro still offers excellent battery performance and is not far behind.

Software & User Experience

Vivo T3 Pro runs on Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 13. Funtouch OS has improved significantly over the years and offers a cleaner, more streamlined interface. However, it still comes with some pre-installed apps, which can be a minor inconvenience.

iQOO Z9s Pro runs on iQOO UI 3.0, also based on Android 13. iQOO’s custom UI is more optimized for gaming, offering features like Game Mode and better resource management. It also comes with some bloatware, but the overall experience is smoother, especially for gamers.

Verdict:
For a cleaner, more refined user interface, the Vivo T3 Pro has an edge. But for gaming-specific optimizations and a more responsive UI, the iQOO Z9s Pro is better suited.

Price Comparison

• Vivo T3 Pro: ₹23,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant
• iQOO Z9s Pro: ₹24,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant

Both phones fall under the ₹25,000 price bracket, making them direct competitors.

Conclusion: Which is the Better Buy?

If you’re someone who prefers a sleek design, AMOLED display, and a balanced performance, the Vivo T3 Pro will serve you well. However, if you prioritize gaming performance, faster refresh rates, and better battery life, the iQOO Z9s Pro is the clear winner for you.