iQOO Neo 10 : The smartphone industry just witnessed another seismic shift as iQOO unveiled its latest gaming powerhouse, the Neo 10, marking a significant milestone for performance-focused devices in India. This isn’t just another phone launch—it’s a statement of intent from a brand that’s rapidly becoming synonymous with offering flagship-level performance without the premium price tag.
Revolutionary Chipset Debuts in India
Making headlines as India’s first smartphone to feature the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, the iQOO Neo 10 has essentially brought tomorrow’s technology to today’s consumers. The device also debuts the new supercomputing Q1 chip, which elevates gaming performance, setting new benchmarks for what mid-range devices can achieve.
The gaming credentials become even more impressive when you consider the 7000mm² vapour chamber for cooling that ensures sustained performance during marathon gaming sessions. Early benchmarks suggest AnTuTu scores exceeding 2.4 million, placing this device firmly in flagship territory despite its competitive pricing.
Display Excellence Meets Gaming Perfection
The visual experience takes center stage with a stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display that delivers specifications typically reserved for much more expensive devices. The segment’s brightest AMOLED display smartphone features a 1.5K AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and up to 5500 nits peak brightness, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even under harsh sunlight.
Gaming enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the segment’s highest 144 FPS gaming smartphone capabilities, delivering ultra-smooth gameplay that professional gamers demand. The high refresh rate doesn’t just benefit gaming—it transforms everyday interactions, making scrolling through social media feeds and navigating through apps feel incredibly fluid and responsive.
Battery Innovation Redefines Endurance
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of the iQOO Neo 10 lies in its power management solution. The segment’s slimmest 7000mAh battery delivers powerhouse endurance with Silicon BlueVolt Battery technology and 120W FlashCharge, all in an 8.09mm ultra-slim, lightweight design.
This represents a significant engineering achievement—cramming a massive 7000mAh battery into a device that remains surprisingly portable. The 120W fast charging capability means users can go from completely drained to fully charged in approximately 20 minutes, effectively eliminating battery anxiety for even the most demanding users.
Photography Capabilities Exceed Expectations
While gaming performance takes the spotlight, iQOO hasn’t neglected the photography experience. The 50MP Sony OIS Portrait Camera delivers stunning portraits and videos with 4K 60fps recording capabilities, both rear and front, with built-in OIS for professional-level stability.
The camera system proves that performance-focused smartphones can still deliver impressive photography results. The device offers capable cameras alongside solid battery life and a noticeably improved user interface, suggesting iQOO’s evolution beyond purely gaming-centric devices.
Advanced AI Features Enter the Mainstream
The integration of artificial intelligence features demonstrates how premium capabilities are trickling down to more accessible price points. Smarter AI features include AI Erase, Circle to Search, AI Image Expander, and AI Photo Enhance, bringing Google Pixel-like functionality to a gaming-focused device.
These AI enhancements aren’t just marketing gimmicks—they represent practical tools that enhance daily smartphone usage, from automatically removing unwanted objects from photos to expanding image boundaries intelligently.
Competitive Pricing Strategy Disrupts Market
The pricing strategy reveals iQOO’s aggressive approach to market penetration. Prices start at Rs 31,999 for the 8GB + 128GB model, with the 8GB + 256GB variant priced at Rs 33,999, the 12GB + 256GB version at Rs 35,999, and the top-end 16GB + 512GB model at Rs 40,999.
These price points position the Neo 10 as a serious challenger to established competitors while offering specifications that would typically cost significantly more. Customers using SBI credit or debit cards receive an instant Rs 2,000 discount, while buyers can trade in old Vivo or iQOO devices for a Rs 4,000 exchange bonus.
Market Reception and Consumer Response
Early consumer feedback suggests the device has struck the right balance between performance and value. Customers find this phone to be a great gaming device with superb processor performance, and appreciate its big, bright display that produces vibrant and clear photos.
However, the reception isn’t uniformly positive. Some customers report heating issues, with the device reaching temperatures around 45°C during WhatsApp video calls under normal conditions, suggesting that thermal management remains an ongoing challenge for high-performance devices.
Software Experience and Future-Proofing
Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the device promises a modern software experience with long-term support commitments. The iQOO Neo 10 promises three years of Android updates and four years of security patches, providing users with confidence in their investment’s longevity.
The software optimization extends to gaming performance, with dedicated gaming modes and performance enhancements that leverage both the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and the Q1 chip for maximum gaming efficiency.
iQOO Neo 10 Industry Implications and Future Outlook
The iQOO Neo 10’s launch represents more than just another product release—it signals a broader trend toward democratizing flagship-level performance. iQOO is moving beyond just being a gaming-focused brand, while its core strength still lies in raw performance.
This evolution suggests that the traditional boundaries between gaming phones and mainstream flagships continue to blur, with devices like the Neo 10 offering comprehensive experiences that appeal to diverse user bases.
The success of the Neo 10 could influence competitor strategies, potentially accelerating the adoption of high-refresh displays, massive batteries, and flagship-level processors in the mid-range segment. For consumers, this competition translates to better specifications at more accessible prices.
As the Indian smartphone market continues evolving, devices like the iQOO Neo 10 demonstrate how brands can successfully challenge established players by focusing on core user priorities: performance, battery life, and value for money. The Neo 10’s reception will likely influence iQOO’s future product strategy and potentially reshape consumer expectations in the competitive mid-range gaming phone segment.