The iQOO Neo 10R has created quite a buzz in the Indian smartphone market, and for good reason. Priced around ₹25,000, this mid-range device promises flagship-level performance, a massive battery, and a vibrant display. As someone who’s always excited about iQOO’s launches, I dove into the details of the Neo 10R to see if it lives up to the hype. In this detailed review, I’ll break down its design, display, performance, battery life, software, camera, and more to help you decide if this phone is worth your money. Let’s explore why the iQOO Neo 10R is a contender for one of the best smartphones under ₹30,000.
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo 10R sports a sleek and modern design that feels premium for its price. At just 7.98mm thick and weighing around 196g, it’s surprisingly slim and lightweight for a phone packing a massive 6,400mAh battery. The phone is available in two color variants: Raging Blue and Moonknight Titanium. The Raging Blue option features a dual-tone finish with a sporty vibe, which might appeal to younger users. However, it can feel a bit flashy for some. The Moonknight Titanium, on the other hand, offers a more understated, classy look that’s likely to age better.
The back panel and frame are made of plastic, which is expected at this price point but feels slightly less premium compared to glass-backed competitors. The matte finish helps reduce fingerprints, but the plastic build can attract smudges and dust over time. Despite this, the phone feels ergonomic and comfortable to hold, with well-placed buttons. The power button and volume rocker are on the right, while the bottom houses a USB Type-C port (USB 2.0), a speaker grille, and a dual nano-SIM tray. An IR blaster and secondary microphone sit on the top, and the left side is clean.
The iQOO Neo 10R comes with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, offering basic protection against splashes and dust. While not as robust as an IP68 rating found in some rivals, it’s sufficient for everyday use. The display is protected by SCHOTT Xensation Up glass, which does a decent job of resisting scratches and fingerprints. Overall, the design is functional and stylish, but the plastic build and lack of a more durable IP rating are minor drawbacks.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The iQOO Neo 10R features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels. This 10-bit panel supports HDR10+ and delivers punchy colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits (1,800 nits in high brightness mode), the screen is easily visible outdoors, even in harsh sunlight. The 144Hz refresh rate (120Hz for regular use and 144Hz in supported games) ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, while the 2,000Hz touch sampling rate enhances responsiveness during gaming.
The bezels are impressively thin, with side and top bezels measuring just 1.54mm and a slightly thicker 2.39mm chin. This results in a high screen-to-body ratio, offering an immersive viewing experience. The display also supports Widevine L1, allowing you to stream Full HD content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Whether you’re watching HDR content, gaming, or browsing social media, the Neo 10R’s display is a standout feature in its segment.
However, the brightness could be slightly better for sustained outdoor use, as some competitors like the Nothing Phone 3a maintain higher brightness levels for longer. Still, for most users, the display is more than satisfactory and one of the best in its price range.
Performance: Flagship-Level Power
The heart of the iQOO Neo 10R is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, a slightly underclocked version of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Built on a 4nm process, it features a Cortex-X4 prime core at 3GHz, four Cortex-A720 performance cores at 2.8GHz, and three Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 2GHz. Paired with the Adreno 735 GPU, this chipset delivers exceptional performance for a mid-range phone.
The phone comes in three variants: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage (UFS 3.1), 8GB RAM + 256GB storage (UFS 4.1), and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage (UFS 4.1). The LPDDR5X RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the UFS 4.1 storage (in higher variants) offers faster app launches and file transfers. In benchmark tests, the Neo 10R scores around 1.5–1.6 million on AnTuTu, which is on par with other Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 devices like the POCO F6.
Gaming performance is where the Neo 10R truly shines. Titles like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile run flawlessly at high settings, delivering a consistent 90FPS. Even graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact maintain a stable 60FPS on high settings, though performance dips slightly at very high graphics. The phone’s 6,043mm² vapor cooling chamber keeps thermals in check, with temperatures rarely exceeding 43°C during extended gaming sessions. Features like eSports mode, which blocks notifications, and a voice changer add to the gaming experience.
For daily use, the Neo 10R handles multitasking, browsing, and productivity tasks without any lag. However, the lack of NFC support is a notable omission, especially in 2025, as it limits seamless digital payments and data sharing. Overall, the Neo 10R offers flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price, making it a top choice for gamers and power users.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 2800 x 1260, 144Hz refresh rate, 4,500 nits peak |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 4nm, Adreno 735 GPU |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB/128GB (UFS 3.1), 8GB/256GB (UFS 4.1), 12GB/256GB (UFS 4.1), LPDDR5X |
| Battery & Charging | 6,400mAh, 80W fast charging, bypass charging |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-600 (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide, 4K 60FPS video |
| Front Camera | 32MP, 4K 30FPS video |
| Software | Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15), 3 years OS updates, 4 years security updates |
| Connectivity | 5G (10 bands), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, VoNR, IR blaster, no NFC |
| Build | Plastic frame and back, IP65, SCHOTT Xensation Up glass |
| Weight & Thickness | 196g, 7.98mm |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
| Additional Features | In-display fingerprint, face unlock, AI Photo Enhance, Circle to Search |
Battery Life and Charging
The iQOO Neo 10R boasts a massive 6,400mAh battery, one of the largest in its segment. This capacity ensures exceptional battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use, including gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing. With moderate usage, the phone can stretch to 1.5–2 days on a single charge. In PCMark battery tests, it lasted over 16 hours, and real-world tests showed nearly 8 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage.
The phone supports 80W fast charging, which juices up the battery from 0 to 50% in about 25 minutes and a full charge in under an hour. The included 80W charger and USB-A to USB-C cable are a nice touch, especially when many brands are omitting chargers. A bypass charging feature allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger during gaming, reducing battery wear and heat.
While the charging speed is impressive, some competitors like the Realme GT 6T offer faster 120W charging. Additionally, the USB 2.0 port feels outdated, as a USB 3.0 port would have enabled faster data transfer. Nevertheless, the Neo 10R’s battery life and charging capabilities are among the best in its class.
Software: Smooth and Feature-Packed
The iQOO Neo 10R runs Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, offering a clean and customizable user interface. The software is optimized for performance, with features like vivo’s Priority Scheduling model for 15% faster app startups and a zRAM compression algorithm for improved efficiency. The phone comes with some pre-installed apps (e.g., Snapchat, Netflix, PhonePe), but most can be uninstalled except for the iQOO browser.
iQOO promises three years of major OS updates and four years of security patches, ensuring the phone remains relevant until 2028. AI features add value, including Circle to Search for quick object identification, AI Photo Enhance for fixing blurry images, AI Erase for removing unwanted objects from photos, and Note Assist for translating and summarizing notes. These features, borrowed from the flagship iQOO 13, enhance the user experience.
The software is smooth and responsive, with intuitive animations and gaming-focused tools like Game Space. However, some users may find the bloatware mildly annoying, though it’s manageable. Overall, Funtouch OS 15 strikes a good balance between functionality and performance.
Camera: Decent but Not the Highlight
The iQOO Neo 10R isn’t marketed as a camera-centric phone, but its camera setup is surprisingly capable for casual photography. The rear camera includes a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. The 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.
The primary camera captures detailed photos with good dynamic range and accurate colors in well-lit conditions. OIS ensures steady shots, even in low light, reducing noise and blur. However, the ultra-wide lens is softer and shows noticeable edge distortion, with a slight color shift compared to the primary sensor. The 32MP selfie camera produces sharp, natural-looking photos, ideal for social media.
Video recording is a strong point, with the primary camera supporting 4K at 60FPS and the front camera at 4K 30FPS—a rare feature in this segment. Stabilization is effective, and a Pro video mode allows manual tweaks to ISO and shutter speed. Additional camera features include Snapshot, Slo-Mo, 50MP native mode, Ultra HD document scanning, long exposure, and time-lapse.
While the camera performs better than expected, it’s not on par with dedicated camera phones like the Vivo V50 or Nothing Phone 3a, which offer better color consistency. For most users, though, the Neo 10R’s camera is more than adequate for everyday photography and videography.
Additional Features
The iQOO Neo 10R comes with a full suite of sensors, including an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which work reliably. Connectivity options are robust, with support for 10 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and VoNR. The phone also features an IR blaster for controlling appliances, but it lacks FM radio and a notification light.
The stereo speakers deliver loud and clear audio, though they’re not as rich as those on the iQOO Neo 7 Pro. The phone’s SAR values (0.96W/kg for body and 0.97W/kg for head) are well within India’s safety limits. However, the absence of NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack might disappoint some users.
Should You Buy the iQOO Neo 10R?
The iQOO Neo 10R is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a performance-driven smartphone under ₹30,000. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, 6,400mAh battery, and vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display make it a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking. The 80W fast charging, long battery life, and smooth Funtouch OS 15 further enhance its appeal. While the camera isn’t the highlight, it’s more than adequate for casual use, and the inclusion of AI features adds value.
However, the plastic build, lack of NFC, and USB 2.0 port are minor drawbacks. Competitors like the POCO F6, OnePlus Nord 4, and Realme GT 6T offer similar performance, with some providing better build quality or faster charging. If gaming and battery life are your priorities, the Neo 10R is hard to beat at this price. For those who value camera performance or a premium build, alternatives might be worth considering.
Is It Worth It?
At a starting price of ₹26,999 (with offers bringing it closer to ₹25,000), the iQOO Neo 10R delivers exceptional value for money. It covers the three pillars of a great smartphone—display, performance, and battery—while offering decent cameras and future-proof software. For gamers, students, or anyone looking for a reliable all-rounder, the Neo 10R is definitely worth it. If you’re planning for long-term use, opt for the 256GB variant for faster UFS 4.1 storage.
Conclusion
The iQOO Neo 10R is a testament to iQOO’s commitment to delivering high-performance smartphones at aggressive prices. With its flagship-grade processor, massive battery, and stunning display, it’s a strong contender in the sub-₹30,000 segment. While it has some limitations, such as the plastic build and average ultra-wide camera, the overall package is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a phone that excels in gaming, battery life, and multimedia without breaking the bank, the iQOO Neo 10R is a fantastic choice.
