vivo further expands its S-series phones in China with the S9 and S9e. The former is the first phone to be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1100 processor, while the latter gets a capable Dimensity 820 processor.
vivo S9 Specs:
- Dimensity 1100 processor
- 8GB/12GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via MicroSD)
- 6.44-inch Full HD+ (1080×2408) AMOLED display, 90hz refresh rate, HDR10
- 64-megapixel f/1.8 main camera with PDAF and OIS, 2-megapixel f/2.4 macro camera, 2-megapixel f/2.4 depth sensor
- 44-megapixel main selfie camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle selfie camera
- LTE, 4G, 5G
- WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, in-display fingerprint scanner
- 4000mAh battery
- 33w fast charging
- Android 11, OriginOS
vivo S9e Specs:
- Dimensity 820 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB/256GB UFS 2.1 storage (expandable via MicroSD)
- 6.44-inch Full HD+ (1080×2408) AMOLED display, 90hz refresh rate, HDR10
- 64-megapixel f/1.8 main camera with PDAF, 2-megapixel f/2.4 macro camera, 2-megapixel f/2.4 depth sensor
- 44-megapixel main selfie camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle selfie camera
- LTE, 4G, 5G
- WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, in-display fingerprint scanner
- 4000mAh battery
- 33w fast charging
- Android 11, OriginOS
If both phones look very familiar, that’s because they are identical to the V20 and V20 Pro that launched in the Philippines late last year. Furthermore, the V20 Pro is also known as the S7 5G in China.
Despite looking identical—and even sharing a number of common specs like the front and rear camera setup, battery, and charging speeds—vivo did introduced a few upgrades on both the S9 and S9e. The most obvious is the processor: the S9 gets MediaTek’s 6nm-based Dimensity 820 processor, while the S9e gets a 5G-ready Dimensity 820 processor (vs the Snapdragon 720G used on the V20, which is its obvious doppelganger).
Comparing the S9 to the S7, the former gets a bunch of upgrades like UFS 3.1 storage, a thinner frame, 90hz refresh rate, OIS for the main rear camera, and dual soft light in front for more flattering selfies. In addition, the S9 gets a bigger heat dissipation chamber for better thermal management—while being thinner at the same time.
Comparing the S9e to the V20 sold in the Philippines, you get 5G connectivity and a smoother 90hz refresh rate.
vivo S9 Philippines Price
Given that the S7 became the V20 Pro in the Philippines, we expect that the S9 will be made available on our shores as the next V-series phone. With Lisa of Blackpink endorsing the S9, it will be a no-brainer for vivo to bring the China-only S9 to the Philippines given the KPop idol’s immense popularity in the Philippines.
As for pricing, the S9 is priced at CNY 2999(~Php 22.5k) for the 8GB/128GB model and CNY 3299(~Php 24.8k) for the 12GB/256GB model. The S9e is priced at CNY 2399(~Php 18k) for the 8GB/128GB model and CNY 2699(~Php 20.3k) for the 8GB/256GB model. The S9 will be available in China on March 12.
