The iQOO 9 SE 5G may have launched in early 2022, but even in 2026, it continues to attract attention in the refurbished and used smartphone market. With a powerful Snapdragon chipset, smooth AMOLED display, fast charging, and reliable cameras, this device still offers solid value for users who want strong performance without paying flagship prices.
Originally priced around the mid-range segment, the iQOO 9 SE is now available at much lower prices in the refurbished market. This makes it a popular option for students, gamers, and everyday users who want a fast and smooth smartphone experience on a budget.
Premium Design with Practical Build Quality
The iQOO 9 SE design still looks modern and clean. The phone measures 163.2mm in height, 76.4mm in width, and 8.4mm in thickness, with a weight of around 199 grams. It feels solid in hand and is comfortable for daily use.
You also get an in-display fingerprint scanner, which is fast and accurate. Dual SIM support is included, but there is no microSD card slot. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, which are enough for most users.
Smooth Super AMOLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate
One of the biggest strengths of the iQOO 9 SE is its 6.62-inch Super AMOLED display. The Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels ensures sharp text, clear images, and vibrant colors.
The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling, gaming, and general navigation feel extremely smooth. This is especially noticeable when using social media apps, browsing, and playing fast-paced games.
Flagship Snapdragon 888 Performance
The Snapdragon 888 processor was a flagship-level chipset at launch, and it still delivers strong performance in 2026. Everyday tasks like multitasking, browsing, video streaming, and social media run smoothly.
For gaming users, the Adreno GPU handles popular titles with stable frame rates on medium to high settings. Games like PUBG, BGMI, and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly with good graphics quality.
Reliable Camera Setup for Daily Photography
The iQOO 9 SE camera system is designed for everyday photography needs. The main 48MP camera includes optical image stabilization, which helps capture sharper photos, especially in low light.
The 13MP ultra-wide camera is useful for group photos, landscapes, and wide-angle shots. A depth sensor helps improve portrait photos with natural-looking background blur.
Battery Life and Fast Charging Support
The phone comes with a 4500mAh battery, which can easily last a full day with normal usage. For users who watch videos, browse social media, and make calls, battery life remains dependable.
One of the highlights is 66W fast charging. This allows the phone to charge quickly, reducing downtime. A short charging session can provide several hours of usage, which is useful for busy users.
Audio, Connectivity, and Extra Features
The iQOO 9 SE includes stereo speakers that deliver loud and clear sound. This improves the experience for watching videos, playing games, and listening to music without headphones.
There is no traditional headphone jack, so users will need Bluetooth earphones or USB-C audio accessories. The phone also features strong vibration feedback, which improves typing and gaming interactions.
Gaming Features and Performance Tools
For gaming enthusiasts, the phone offers special gaming optimization features. These include performance modes that boost system resources, stabilize frame rates, and reduce background interruptions.
Touch response customization and network optimization tools help improve online gaming performance, especially in areas with weaker network signals.
Software Experience and Updates
The device originally launched with Android 12 and iQOO’s custom interface. Over time, it has received software updates that improve security, performance, and system stability.
The user interface is clean and easy to use, with smooth animations and useful customization options. For most users, the software experience remains reliable for daily use.
How iQOO 9 SE Holds Up in 2026
Even after several years, the iQOO 9 SE in 2026 continues to perform well for most daily tasks. Many users report stable performance, acceptable battery health, and smooth app usage.
Compared to many new budget smartphones, the iQOO 9 SE still offers stronger processing power, a better display, and faster charging.
Is iQOO 9 SE Still Worth Buying?
If you can find a refurbished or well-maintained iQOO 9 SE at a reasonable price, it remains a strong value option. You get a high-quality AMOLED display, flagship-class performance, fast charging, and solid build quality.
The main limitations include the lack of expandable storage and no headphone jack. However, for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and smooth gaming, these trade-offs may be acceptable.
Overall, the iQOO 9 SE proves that an older flagship-class smartphone can still compete with many newer mid-range devices. For budget-conscious buyers in 2026, it remains a smart and practical choice.
Bijoy is the founder and primary author of Rpsgroup. With a strong interest in automobiles and technology, he enjoys breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. His writing style is simple, informative, and focused on helping readers get genuine value from every article.