iQOO Neo 10 Enters the Race at ₹31,999

The mid-range smartphone market is crowded. Yet, iQOO has pushed ahead by focusing on performance. Its latest phone, the iQOO Neo 10, enters the scene at ₹31,999, bringing a big battery, flagship-grade chip, and faster charging. But how much of it is new, and does it offer real improvements over its predecessor or rivals?

Let’s explore how this phone performs across key areas like design, display, performance, battery life, and camera.

A Familiar Look, But with Added Weight

At first glance, the iQOO Neo 10 looks a lot like the Neo 10R. The back panel, especially in the Inferno Red variant, offers a bold visual punch. The dual-lens camera island adds symmetry, and the matte finish makes it feel premium.

However, you’ll notice it feels a bit heavier. That’s because of the massive 7000mAh battery — one of the largest in its segment. The added weight might not please everyone, but it helps the phone stand out for endurance.

The build is sturdy, and it gets IP65 water and dust resistance, which is a helpful upgrade. It doesn’t change iQOO’s design language much, but it certainly polishes it.

Bright, Smooth Display with Gaming in Mind

The iQOO Neo 10 sports a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It offers 2000 nits of high brightness and up to 5500 nits peak — making it great for outdoor use.

For gamers, the 3000Hz instant touch sampling rate delivers snappy feedback. This is helpful in fast-paced games like BGMI or COD Mobile. It also supports SGS Eye Comfort Certification, reducing strain during extended use.

The display competes well with phones like the Realme GT 7, although the latter has a slightly higher brightness cap. Still, for most users, the Neo 10 offers smooth visuals and vibrant colors.

Android 15 with Smarter AI Features

The iQOO Neo 10 runs on Android 15 with Funtouch OS, which now feels cleaner and more refined. There’s less bloatware, and the interface is smooth and responsive.

What’s truly new is the AI integration. Features like Circle to Search, AI Note Assist, and Live Call Translation make the phone feel smarter. These tools aren’t just gimmicks — they enhance daily tasks and boost productivity.

Compared to older iQOO devices, this is a meaningful leap in usability. However, some AI features still need polishing, especially in third-party app support.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Delivers Flagship Power

At its core, the Neo 10 runs the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, clocked at 3.21GHz. The unit we tested had 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and it breezed through everything — from gaming to video editing.

In benchmarks, it scored 2,084,242 on AnTuTu and held its ground against the Realme GT 7, with only slight differences. Real-world use felt fast, stable, and cool — thanks to the 7K Ultra VC cooling system.

Games like BGMI ran at 144fps with no lag or heating. Touch response was excellent, helped by the Supercomputing Q1 chip and Super Gyroscope.

Good Cameras, But Not a Standout

The 50MP Sony main sensor and 8MP ultra-wide setup do a decent job. In daylight, colors are accurate, and HDR performance is solid. Portrait mode is impressive, delivering clean edge detection and realistic blur.

Low-light shots improve with Night Mode, though results vary. It’s best to enable Night Mode manually. The 32MP front camera also produces sharp selfies with balanced tones.

However, if you want more versatility, the Realme GT 7’s camera setup feels stronger, especially with its telephoto lens. The Neo 10 still captures quality images but doesn’t lead the pack in this area.

Monster Battery with Fast Charging

The 7000mAh battery is a key strength. It easily lasts up to two days with regular use. For heavy gamers or streamers, this offers peace of mind.

With 120W fast charging, you get 50% in 15 minutes and a full charge in 45 minutes. These numbers match what Realme offers, so you’re not missing out.

Compared to the Neo 10R, this is a major step up, both in endurance and charging speed. The trade-off is added weight, which some may find inconvenient.

Final Verdict: A Strong Performer with a Few Gaps

At ₹31,999, the iQOO Neo 10 punches well above its price. You get top-class performance, a bright display, fast charging, and advanced AI tools.

However, the phone isn’t flawless. The camera setup lacks versatility, and the added weight may be a dealbreaker for some users. Still, for those who want power, smoothness, and long battery life — this is one of the best options under ₹35,000.

If you’re choosing between this and the Realme GT 7, the decision may come down to camera needs and brand preference. But make no mistake — the iQOO Neo 10 is a serious contender.