iQOO Neo 10 Review: The Gaming Powerhouse Under ₹35,000?

iQOO has unveiled the Neo 10 in India, marking the debut of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset in the country. Priced starting at ₹31,999, this device is tailored for gamers and performance enthusiasts, boasting a 144Hz AMOLED display, a massive 7000mAh battery, and 120W fast charging. But does it truly deliver on its promises? Let’s delve into the details.

Design and Display

The iQOO Neo 10 sports a sleek design with an 8.9mm slim profile, making it one of the slimmest smartphones housing a 7000mAh battery. Available in Inferno Red and Chrome Titanium, it offers a premium look and feel.

The device features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 5,500 nits. This ensures smooth visuals and excellent readability even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the 4,320Hz PWM dimming reduces eye strain during prolonged usage.

Performance and Gaming

At its core, the Neo 10 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, delivering a 31% improvement in CPU performance and a 49% boost in GPU capabilities compared to its predecessor. Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, multitasking and app loading are swift and efficient.

For gamers, the inclusion of the Q1 supercomputing chip enhances gaming performance, supporting 144fps gaming. The 7000mm² vapor chamber cooling system ensures the device remains cool during intense gaming sessions. Moreover, the bypass charging feature allows users to play games while charging without overheating the device. 

Camera Capabilities

The iQOO Neo 10 is equipped with a dual rear camera setup: a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies and video calls, it houses a 32MP front camera. Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 60fps, ensuring high-quality video capture.

Battery and Charging

One of the standout features is its 7000mAh battery, which, despite its large capacity, is housed in a slim chassis. The device supports 120W fast charging, capable of charging the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 30 minutes. However, it lacks wireless charging support.

Software and Updates

Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the Neo 10 offers a user-friendly interface with various customization options. iQOO promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports 16 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with various network providers. Additional features include an IR blaster, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and IP65 protection against dust and water splashes.

Pricing and Availability

The iQOO Neo 10 is available in multiple configurations:

• 8GB RAM / 128GB storage: ₹31,999
• 8GB RAM / 256GB storage: ₹33,999
• 12GB RAM / 256GB storage: ₹35,999
• 16GB RAM / 512GB storage: ₹40,999

As part of the launch offers, a ₹2,000 discount is available on select cards, bringing the starting price down to ₹29,999. The device will be available for purchase from June 3 at 12 noon on Amazon and iQOO’s official website.

Conclusion

The iQOO Neo 10 stands out as a compelling option for gamers and power users seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank. With its robust specifications, including the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, 144Hz AMOLED display, and rapid charging capabilities, it offers excellent value under ₹35,000. However, potential buyers should be aware of the absence of wireless charging and the device’s focus on gaming, which might not appeal to all users.