The iQOO Neo 10R emerges as a compelling contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a harmonious blend of performance, design, and battery longevity. Priced starting at ₹26,999, it positions itself as a value-driven choice for diverse users.
Design and Build
The Neo 10R showcases a distinctive rear design that, while bold, may not appeal universally. Its lightweight build ensures comfortable handling, though it lacks the premium feel found in some competitors. Available in MoonKnight Titanium, featuring a unique 3D moon texture with a titanium finish, and Raging Blue, with a dual-tone racing track-inspired pixel texture, the device offers aesthetic variety. The inclusion of IP65 certification provides resistance against dust and minor water splashes, enhancing its durability.
Display
Equipped with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, the Neo 10R delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, and a local peak brightness of 4,500 nits enhances outdoor visibility. Support for HDR10+ and a 10-bit color display enriches the viewing experience, making it suitable for content consumption and gaming alike.
Performance
At its core, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 storage, powers the Neo 10R. This configuration ensures swift app launches and seamless multitasking. Gaming performance is noteworthy, with titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile running smoothly at high frame rates. The 6,043mm² vapor chamber cooling system effectively manages thermals, preventing performance throttling during extended sessions.
Software
Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the Neo 10R offers a feature-rich interface. However, the software experience is marred by the presence of bloatware and inconsistent UI elements. Pre-installed apps, some of which cannot be disabled, and occasional abrupt animations detract from the overall user experience. Despite these shortcomings, customization options like dynamic effects and various ambient light settings are available. iQOO commits to three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring long-term support.
Camera
The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide lens. Daylight photography yields excellent dynamic range and accurate colors, while the ultrawide lens, despite minor edge distortions, captures a decent field of view. Portrait mode offers natural edge detection with balanced background blur. In low-light conditions, the dedicated Night Mode reduces noise and maintains clarity, with OIS contributing to sharper images. The 32MP front camera produces crisp selfies with good color reproduction, making it suitable for social media enthusiasts.
Battery Life
A standout feature is the substantial 6,400mAh battery, which easily supports a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and multitasking. The device supports 80W FlashCharge, achieving a full charge in approximately 55-60 minutes. Additionally, 7.5W reverse charging offers the convenience of powering other devices in emergencies. iQOO asserts that the battery retains over 80% health even after five years of daily charging, underscoring its long-term reliability.
Conclusion
The iQOO Neo 10R excels in delivering robust performance, a vibrant display, and exceptional battery life at a competitive price point. While the software experience could benefit from refinement, particularly concerning bloatware and UI consistency, the overall package presents significant value. For users seeking a performance-oriented smartphone with flagship-grade features in the mid-range segment, the Neo 10R is a commendable choice.