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iQOO Neo 10R Review: A Budget Powerhouse with Flagship Performance

iQOO Neo 10R Review: A Budget Powerhouse with Flagship Performance

In a market crowded with mid-range smartphones, iQOO Neo 10R emerges as a refreshing surprise. Launched in early 2025, this device brings flagship-level performance, exceptional display quality, and massive battery backup, all packed within an affordable price bracket. Let's dive deep into the specifications and real-world value of this exciting new smartphone.


Design & Build: Clean, Minimal, Practical

The iQOO Neo 10R doesn’t go overboard with its looks, yet it feels modern and thoughtfully constructed. The rear panel features a subtle matte finish with a dual-camera module neatly tucked into a rectangular island. It feels balanced in hand, weighing just under 200 grams.

  • Dimensions: Slim profile for a phone with a large battery

  • Weight: ~196 grams

  • Material: Polycarbonate frame with a matte back panel

  • Fingerprint Sensor: In-display optical scanner, fast and reliable

This phone is not aiming to be a style icon but focuses more on functionality—and it succeeds.


Display: Visual Brilliance at 144Hz

The display is one of the highlights of the Neo 10R. It boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution (2800 × 1260 pixels) and 144Hz refresh rate. Gamers and binge-watchers will appreciate the buttery-smooth scrolling and vivid colors.

  • Type: AMOLED

  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz

  • Touch Sampling Rate: 300Hz (up to 2000Hz instant)

  • Peak Brightness: 4500 nits

  • HDR Support: Yes

  • Color Depth: 1.07 billion colors

The display is calibrated to deliver both immersive gaming and cinematic visuals. Even under harsh sunlight, content remains clearly visible.


Performance: Built for Power-Users

At its heart, the iQOO Neo 10R features the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a newly launched powerhouse that delivers flagship-level performance while remaining efficient.

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

  • CPU Architecture: 1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 + 4×2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 + 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A520

  • GPU: Adreno 735

  • RAM Options: 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1

Multitasking, gaming, and app switching happen without any lag. Titles like PUBG, BGMI, and Call of Duty run on ultra-settings with frame rates touching 90 FPS. The phone also remains cool under stress, thanks to a well-engineered cooling system.


Camera: Solid Performer with Balanced Optics

While this phone doesn't market itself as a camera-centric device, its dual-camera setup performs surprisingly well in most conditions.

  • Primary Camera: 50MP with PDAF

  • Ultra-Wide Camera: 8MP

  • Selfie Camera: 32MP

  • Video: 4K @ 60fps (rear), 1080p @ 30fps (front)

Daylight shots are crisp, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Low-light performance is decent for the price. The front camera excels in producing sharp selfies, making it a great choice for social media users.


Battery & Charging: Built to Last

This is where the Neo 10R truly shines. The 6400mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even for power users. Combined with 80W fast charging, you can go from 0% to 50% in just under 20 minutes.

  • Battery: 6400mAh Li-Po

  • Charging: 80W wired fast charging

  • Charger Included: Yes

  • USB Type-C: Supported

  • Battery Life: 16–18 hours on moderate to heavy use

Whether you’re gaming or watching content, you won’t be searching for the charger too often.


Software Experience: Smooth but Slightly Cluttered

The Neo 10R runs on the latest Android 15 with a custom iQOO UI skin on top. The UI is fast and responsive, although it does come with a few pre-installed apps (bloatware), some of which can be uninstalled.

  • OS: Android 15 (out of the box)

  • Customization: Extensive themes, always-on display, dynamic wallpapers

  • Software Updates: Promised 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches

While the UI is smooth, some users may find the skin a bit heavy compared to stock Android.


Connectivity & Features

Surprisingly, the Neo 10R misses out on a few expected features like NFC. However, it includes most essentials for a smooth user experience.

  • 5G: Dual-mode SA/NSA

  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3

  • No NFC

  • Stereo Speakers: Yes

  • 3.5mm Jack: No

  • Haptics: X-Axis Linear Motor


Variants & Pricing in India (As of Launch)

  • 8GB + 128GB – ₹26,999

  • 8GB + 256GB – ₹28,999

  • 12GB + 256GB – ₹30,999

Considering the features on offer, these prices place the Neo 10R in the sweet spot for performance buyers.


Competition

The iQOO Neo 10R competes with models like:

  • POCO F5

  • Realme GT Neo 3

  • OnePlus Nord 3

  • Moto Edge 50 Pro

However, none of these quite match the Neo 10R’s combination of Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 144Hz AMOLED, and 6400mAh battery at this price point.


Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

  • Stunning 144Hz AMOLED display

  • Long battery life with fast charging

  • Great selfie camera

  • Smooth Android 15 experience

Cons:

  • No NFC

  • No wireless charging

  • Plastic frame

  • Some bloatware present


Final Verdict

The iQOO Neo 10R delivers where it matters—performance, display, battery, and day-to-day usability. It may not have the most premium build or the best cameras, but its core strengths make it a value-for-money powerhouse for gamers and multitaskers.

If you're looking for a fast, reliable, and affordable smartphone in 2025, the Neo 10R should absolutely be on your shortlist.



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