The iQOO Neo 10R, launched in India on March 11, 2025, brings flagship-level performance to the mid-range segment, targeting gamers and power users.
Priced starting at ₹26,999, this smartphone combines a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a vibrant AMOLED display, and a massive 6,400mAh battery, positioning it as a strong competitor against devices like the POCO F7 and OnePlus Nord 5. Here’s a detailed look at its specs, features, and why it’s a standout in 2025’s sub-₹30,000 market.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78″ 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz, 4,500 nits |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Camera | 50MP + 8MP rear, 32MP front (4K\@60fps) |
| Battery | 6,400mAh, 80W FlashCharge |
| Storage | Up to 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS 4.1 |
| Price | From ₹26,999 |
Display
The iQOO Neo 10R features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 2800×1260 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Supporting HDR10+ and 3840Hz PWM dimming, it delivers vivid colors and smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and media consumption. The 2,000Hz touch sampling rate ensures responsive gameplay, while Schott Xensation Up protection adds durability. Users praise its vibrant display, though some note the flat LTPS panel lacks the edge-to-edge immersion of curved displays like the Vivo T4 5G.
Also Read: OnePlus Nord 5 Launched in India: A Mid-Range Marvel with Flagship Power
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm TSMC process, the Neo 10R achieves an AnTuTu score of over 1.7 million, making it one of the fastest in its segment.
Paired with an Adreno 735 GPU, up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage (128GB variant uses UFS 3.1), it handles demanding games like BGMI at a stable 90fps for up to 5 hours, thanks to a 6,043mm² vapor cooling chamber. Features like E-sports Mode and Monster Mode optimize gaming performance, though heavy users report minor heating during extended sessions.
Camera
The Neo 10R sports a dual rear camera system with a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS, delivering sharp images in daylight, and an 8MP ultrawide lens for wider shots. A 32MP front camera supports 4K 60fps video recording, ideal for selfies and vlogging.
AI features like AI Photo Enhance, AI Erase, and Live Cutout add versatility, though low-light performance lags behind competitors like the OnePlus Nord 5. The lack of a telephoto lens is a drawback for zoom enthusiasts.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M35 5G – Power Meets Performance
Battery and Fast Charging
Equipped with a 6,400mAh battery, the Neo 10R offers up to 1.5 days of mixed usage, with 80W FlashCharge reaching 50% in about 20 minutes. Bypass charging and 7.5W reverse charging enhance gaming and utility, with iQOO claiming 80% battery health after 1,600 cycles. While the battery size is impressive, its charging speed is slower than the 120W on the iQOO Neo 10, and the lack of wireless charging is a minor miss.
Sleek Design with Durability
Weighing 196 grams and measuring 7.98mm thick, the Neo 10R features a polycarbonate frame and back, available in Raging Blue (with a racing-inspired pixel texture) and MoonKnight Titanium.
Its IP65 rating offers dust and splash resistance, though it’s less robust than the POCO F7’s IP66/68/69 ratings. Stereo speakers with Hi-Res Audio provide decent sound, but bass depth is limited. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast, enhancing the lightweight, ergonomic design.
Funtouch OS 15 and Connectivity
Running Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15, the Neo 10R offers a smooth experience with AI features like Circle to Search, AI Super Documents, and AI Transcript. It promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, aligning with segment standards.
However, pre-installed bloatware detracts from the experience compared to the cleaner OxygenOS on the OnePlus Nord 5. Connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C, but the absence of NFC is a notable omission.
Pricing and Availability
The iQOO Neo 10R is priced at ₹26,999 (8GB/128GB), ₹28,999 (8GB/256GB), and ₹30,999 (12GB/256GB), with a ₹2,000 discount on SBI, ICICI, or HDFC bank cards, bringing the effective starting price to ₹24,999. Pre-bookings began on March 11, 2025, with open sales from March 19 via Amazon, iQOO’s e-store, and retail partners. Its pricing undercuts the OnePlus Nord 5 (₹29,999) and aligns with the POCO F7 (₹29,999).
Why the iQOO Neo 10R Stands Out
The iQOO Neo 10R excels as a gaming-focused mid-ranger with its powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, vibrant 144Hz display, and massive battery, offering excellent value under ₹30,000. Its lightweight design and AI-enhanced features add appeal, though the camera’s low-light performance, polycarbonate build, and lack of NFC are drawbacks. Compared to the POCO F7’s larger battery and better IP rating or the OnePlus Nord 5’s superior selfie camera, the Neo 10R shines for gamers seeking stable performance and affordability. In 2025’s mid-range market, it’s a compelling choice for budget-conscious power users.
