The iQOO Neo 10 has arrived with a bang, promising flagship-level performance at a mid-range price of around ₹30,000. With specs like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a 7,000 mAh battery, and a 1.5K 144 Hz AMOLED display, it sounds like a dream come true for budget-conscious gamers and performance enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? Is it the fastest mid-range phone in its segment, and how does its camera stack up? In this detailed review, we’ll break down the iQOO Neo 10’s performance, design, display, camera, software, and battery life to help you decide if it’s worth your money.
Performance: A Powerhouse in the Mid-Range Segment
The iQOO Neo 10 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, a chip that’s making its debut in India with this phone. This processor is an upgrade over the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, offering a 31% faster CPU and a 49% faster GPU. In benchmark tests like AnTuTu, it scored an impressive 2.2 million, outpacing competitors like the Dimensity 8350 and even last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in some aspects. The GPU, based on the same Adreno architecture as the Snapdragon 8 Elite, ensures top-tier gaming performance.
The phone comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage (base variants get UFS 3.1 with 128GB). But what’s LPDDR5X Ultra RAM? It’s a premium version of LPDDR5X, designed to offer faster data transfer rates. In real-world tests, this makes a noticeable difference when loading heavy games like Wuthering Waves or Genshin Impact. For lighter games like Candy Crush, the difference is minimal, but for gamers who play demanding titles, the faster RAM and UFS 4.1 storage ensure quicker load times and smoother multitasking.
For gaming, the iQOO Neo 10 is a standout. It’s the only phone in its price range to support BGMI at 144 FPS, thanks to iQOO’s custom Q1 supercomputing chip and a frame rate boost option. During extended gaming sessions, the phone maintained a stable 144 FPS without significant throttling. Even with graphically intensive games like Wuthering Waves at ultra-high settings and 60 FPS, the performance was flawless. Features like the Ultra Game Mode, which includes an FPS meter, gaming super resolution, and 4D vibration, enhance the experience further. The bypass charging feature, which powers the phone directly during gaming to reduce heat, is a thoughtful addition.
To test thermal performance, we recorded 4K 60 FPS videos for over an hour in a non-AC room. The phone reached a maximum temperature of 43°C with a 20% battery drain, which is impressive for such demanding tasks. Overall, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 makes the iQOO Neo 10 the fastest mid-range phone under ₹30,000, especially for gamers and power users.
Design: Premium Look, Practical Build
The iQOO Neo 10’s design is a blend of premium aesthetics and practicality. Drawing inspiration from the flagship iQOO 13’s camera module, it looks sleek and modern. Available in Inferno Red and Titanium Chrome, the phone offers a dual-tone design with a matte polycarbonate back. A unique Easter egg reading “Neo Power to Win” appears when you tilt the phone under light, adding a playful touch.
At 206 grams and 8.09 mm thick, the phone feels surprisingly light and slim for its massive 7,000 mAh battery, making it the slimmest phone in its category. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling. With an IP65 rating, it’s resistant to dust and water, so it can survive sudden rain or splashes—perfect for unpredictable Indian weather.
Additional features like dual stereo speakers and NFC for contactless payments make it practical for daily use. The design doesn’t just look good; it’s built to withstand the rigors of everyday life while maintaining a premium feel that belies its ₹30,000 price tag.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The iQOO Neo 10 sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K flat AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate. For gaming, the display dynamically adjusts to 144 Hz, ensuring buttery-smooth visuals. For regular tasks like browsing or watching videos, it switches between 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or 120 Hz to save battery. The display supports HDR10+ on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. While watching shows on Netflix, the HDR tag was clearly visible, and colors looked more realistic compared to non-HDR displays in the same price range.
With a peak brightness of 5,500 nits and 2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), the screen is easily legible under direct sunlight. The display is protected by Schott Xensation Alpha Glass, offering decent durability. While most smartphones in 2025 have good displays, the iQOO Neo 10’s combination of high refresh rate, HDR support, and brightness makes it one of the best in its segment.
Camera: Surprisingly Good for a Performance Phone
Cameras are often a weak point in performance-focused mid-range phones, but the iQOO Neo 10 defies expectations. It features a 50 MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter for selfies and video calls.
In daylight, the main camera produces excellent photos with accurate colors and good light control. The Sony sensor and OIS ensure sharp, detailed images, especially for 2x zoom shots. Skin tones are slightly warm but natural, making it great for portraits. The ISP (Image Signal Processor) on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 enhances image processing, resulting in better dynamic range and clarity compared to the iQOO Neo 10R, which uses the same camera setup but a different processor.
Indoor photos are impressive, with minimal noise and good detail retention. Portrait mode offers 1x, 1.5x, and 2x options, and even the 2x shots retain sufficient detail thanks to the high-resolution main sensor. The 8 MP ultra-wide camera performs adequately, with a slight color shift compared to the main sensor, which is expected at this price point.
For videos, the iQOO Neo 10 supports 4K 60 FPS recording on both the front and rear cameras—a rare feature in this segment. Video quality is solid, with good stabilization and color accuracy. While the camera isn’t flagship-level, it’s more than capable for a performance-oriented phone, making it a well-rounded option for casual photographers and videographers.
Software: Smooth and Feature-Packed
The iQOO Neo 10 runs FunTouch OS 15 based on Android 15. Over the years, iQOO has refined FunTouch OS, and the animations are now smoother and more polished. The software is clean, with only six pre-installed apps, most of which (except Snapchat) are useful and can be uninstalled if needed. This is a refreshing change from bloatware-heavy phones in this segment.
The phone comes with a host of AI features, including AI Erase for removing objects from photos, AI Image Expander for intelligently extending photo edges, Circle to Search, and Live Text. These features are practical and add value to the user experience. For example, AI Erase works well for removing unwanted people or objects from group photos.
iQOO promises three years of Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring the phone stays relevant until at least 2028. The software is optimized for performance, with no noticeable lag during multitasking or gaming. However, the phone uses a software-based proximity sensor instead of a physical one, which may occasionally cause minor issues during calls.
Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging
The iQOO Neo 10’s 7,000 mAh battery is a standout feature, offering exceptional endurance. In real-world usage, it easily lasts a full day, even with heavy gaming, video streaming, and 5G connectivity. For moderate users, it can stretch to two days on a single charge. The included 120W charger fully charges the phone in under 40 minutes, which is incredibly convenient.
What sets the iQOO Neo 10 apart is its support for both 100W PD and PPS charging. If you lose the original charger, you can use any compatible 100W PD or PPS charger, making it one of the most versatile fast-charging phones in its class. This flexibility is a big win for users who value convenience.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iQOO Neo 10 is well-equipped for connectivity, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 16 5G bands for robust network performance. These features ensure fast and reliable connections, whether you’re gaming online or streaming content. The inclusion of NFC for tap-to-pay is a practical addition for urban users.
Specification Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM |
| Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1), 256GB/512GB (UFS 4.1) |
| Display | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144 Hz, HDR10+, 5,500 nits peak brightness |
| Main Camera | 50 MP Sony IMX882 (OIS) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 8 MP |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Video Recording | 4K 60 FPS (front and rear) |
| Battery | 7,000 mAh, 120W fast charging (supports 100W PD/PPS) |
| Operating System | FunTouch OS 15 (Android 15) |
| Software Updates | 3 years Android updates, 4 years security updates |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 16 5G bands, NFC |
| Design | Polycarbonate back, 206g, 8.09 mm thick, IP65 rating |
| Colors | Inferno Red, Titanium Chrome |
| Additional Features | Dual stereo speakers, Ultra Game Mode, Q1 supercomputing chip |
Should You Buy the iQOO Neo 10?
The iQOO Neo 10 is a game-changer in the mid-range segment, priced at ₹31,999 (effectively ₹29,999 with a ₹2,000 bank discount). Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, 144 Hz AMOLED display, and 7,000 mAh battery make it the fastest and most well-rounded phone under ₹30,000. Gamers will love its ability to handle BGMI at 144 FPS and heavy titles like Wuthering Waves with ease. The camera, while not flagship-level, is surprisingly good for a performance-focused phone, and the battery life is unmatched in this price range.
However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The software-based proximity sensor may cause occasional issues, and the 8 MP ultra-wide camera is average. If you prioritize camera quality over performance, you might want to consider alternatives like the Google Pixel 7a or Vivo T3 Pro. But for most users—especially gamers, students, or anyone looking for a powerful yet affordable phone—the iQOO Neo 10 is a no-brainer.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, the iQOO Neo 10 is worth every penny. It delivers flagship-level performance, a premium design, and a stellar display at a price that undercuts most competitors. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone who needs a reliable phone for daily use, the iQOO Neo 10 ticks all the boxes. Its combination of cutting-edge hardware, long battery life, and fast charging makes it a standout choice in 2025.
In conclusion, the iQOO Neo 10 sets a new benchmark for mid-range phones. If you’re in the market for a performance beast under ₹30,000, this phone should be at the top of your list. With its unmatched speed, thoughtful features, and competitive pricing, it’s hard to find a better deal.
