Vivo has just introduced a new sub-brand called iQoo that offers killer flagship performance at a lower price range. Unlike the Pocophone that comes with a plastic build, iQoo comes with a 3D glass back and they have thrown in a couple of gaming features to stand out from other value for money flagship devices.
The iQoo features a 6.41″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED display that comes with an in-display fingerprint sensor and under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm’s top of the line Snapdragon 855 processor. For the standard model, it comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and has 128GB of internal storage. The iQoo is also available with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and there’s even higher spec Monster version that offers 12GB RAM + 256GB of storage.
Out of the box, the iQoo is optimised to provide the best possible performance for gaming. The built-in AI Turbo feature can accelerate the loading of your favourite apps and it is also smart enough to switch to 4G if your current WiFi signal is weak. To keep things cool during extended usage, the device uses thermal heat pipe and multi-layer composite graphite film for better thermal efficiency. According to iQoo, the device is capable of pushing a blistering 406,958 points on AnTutu benchmarks. Since this is a gaming device, the iQoo also gets touch-sensitive shoulder buttons for a console-like gaming experience.
For taking pictures, the iQoo comes with a triple-camera setup that’s aligned vertically like Xiaomi’s Mi 9. It has a 12MP f/1.79 main camera, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wider-angle shooter (120-degree field of view) and a dedicated 2MP f/2.4 camera for depth effects. In front, the device comes with a 12MP f/2.0 selfie camera.
Powering the device is a large 4,000mAh battery that supports Vivo’s Super FlashCharge that has a high 44W output. This ultra-fast charger is only included on the higher spec model, while the iQoo 6GB RAM version comes with a lower 22.5W fast charger.
According to iQoo, the 44W charger can push 50% charge in just 15 minutes. 30 minutes on the cable is capable of pushing 85% charge and you can fully charge the device in just 45 minutes. The device also supports NFC and the device runs on Android 9.0 Pie with Vivo’s FunTouch OS 9 skin on top.
In China, the iQoo is priced quite closely to Xiaomi’s Mi 9 flagship smartphone. The base 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model is going for 2,998CNY (about RM1,825) which is just 1CNY cheaper than the Mi 9 that comes with the same RAM and storage. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at 3,298 CNY (about RM2,007) while the version with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage is going for 3,598 CNY (about RM2,190).
Meanwhile, the iQoo Monster with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at 4,298 CNY (about RM2,616). The first flash sale is happening in China on 6 March 2019. So far there’s no details yet for its international release.
