iQOO has surprised fans by launching its second Neo model for 2025, the iQOO Neo 10, just months after the Neo 10R. The new device debuts the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor in India, features a massive 7,000mAh battery, 120W fast charging, and includes iQOO’s custom Q1 graphics chip—clearly signaling its intent to woo mobile gamers.

But while the internals scream performance, does the rest of the phone live up to expectations in everyday use? After testing the Neo 10 for 10 days, here’s a real-world breakdown of where it shines and where it falls short.

Unboxing and Design: Familiar Yet Underwhelming

Inside the box, iQOO gives you all the basics:

Design-wise, the Neo 10 is a near copy of the Neo 10R. You get the same squiricle camera module, plastic back and frame, and minimal branding.

But here’s the catch—the all-plastic build doesn’t feel premium, especially for a phone priced over ₹30,000. The device feels bulky in hand, and the button feedback lacks finesse. Despite this, the phone does have IP65 water and dust resistance, which is a nice touch at this price.

Display: Bright, Smooth, and Gamer-Ready

The Neo 10 comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED flat display, offering:

• 144Hz refresh rate (adaptive, mostly 120Hz)
• HDR10+ support
• Peak brightness of 5,000 nits (2,000 nits in HBM)

Colors are punchy, contrast is deep, and brightness is excellent even outdoors. Watching videos or gaming on this panel feels immersive, thanks to the flat design and stereo speakers. However, glare under direct sunlight is noticeable, slightly affecting visibility.

Camera: Capable, But Not Class-Leading

The iQOO Neo 10 sports the same triple camera setup as the 10R:

• 50MP Sony IMX882 (OIS) primary sensor
• 8MP ultra-wide lens
• 32MP front camera

In daylight, the primary camera delivers crisp images with good dynamic range. It also performs decently in low light, though some lens flare and ghosting appear under artificial lights.

The ultra-wide camera is serviceable, but there’s a clear dip in detail and color consistency. The selfie camera captures sharp shots in good light, but struggles with color accuracy and over-processing in dim environments.

Notably, the absence of a telephoto lens is a letdown, especially when competitors offer more versatile setups.

Performance: Flagship Power at a Lower Price

Thanks to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage, the Neo 10 performs like a champ.

In everyday use, the phone feels blazing fast—apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and animations feel fluid. Gaming is another strength; the phone handled long sessions well, with minimal heating even during peak summer.

Benchmark Scores:

These numbers show that the Neo 10 is ready for heavy-duty tasks and demanding games like BGMI, COD Mobile, and Genshin Impact.

Software: Fast, But Not Without Flaws

The Neo 10 runs Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15, with a promise of:

• 3 years of Android updates
• 4 years of security patches

While Funtouch OS is feature-rich and customizable, it’s still bogged down by bloatware and ads across the UI—from the lock screen to the app drawer. Though many apps can be disabled during setup, you’ll still find preinstalled third-party apps like Snapchat, Amazon, Netflix, etc.

In short, if you care about a clean and polished software experience, this might disappoint compared to One UI or OxygenOS.

Battery and Charging: Endurance Champion

One of the Neo 10’s best features is its 7,000mAh battery, which easily lasts more than a day even with gaming and video streaming. With average screen-on time of 8–9 hours, it’s a true endurance phone.

The included 120W charger powers up the phone in around 40–45 minutes, which is excellent for a battery this size. Gaming, binge-watching, or long commutes—this phone can handle it all without needing a midday charge.

Verdict: Should You Buy the iQOO Neo 10?

At ₹31,999, the iQOO Neo 10 offers incredible hardware for gamers and performance seekers. Key strengths include:

If you’re a gamer or power user who values performance and battery life over premium materials or clean software, the Neo 10 is a great pick. But if you’re after camera versatility, a polished UI, and a premium in-hand feel, you may want to explore alternatives like the OnePlus 13R or Samsung Galaxy A55.