iQOO Neo 10: First Impressions & What You Need to Know (Launch Recap!)

The iQOO Neo 10 has officially arrived, making a significant splash in the mid-range smartphone segment. Launched on May 26, 2025, in India, this device is poised to redefine expectations with its blend of powerful performance, impressive display, and long-lasting battery life, all at a competitive price point. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to know about iQOO’s latest offering, along with our initial impressions.

Launch Highlights & Availability

The iQOO Neo 10 made its debut with considerable fanfare, emphasizing its “flagship killer” credentials. It was officially launched in India on May 26, 2025. Pre-bookings opened on the same day, with sales commencing for all users on June 3rd via Amazon India and the official iQOO India e-store.

The phone is available in two striking colorways: Inferno Red and Titanium Chrome. Pricing starts at Rs. 31,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, with other configurations including 8GB + 256GB at Rs. 33,999, 12GB + 256GB at Rs. 35,999, and a top-tier 16GB + 512GB model priced at Rs. 40,999.

First Impressions: A Value Performer

Upon first glance, the iQOO Neo 10 exudes a modern and sleek design. The large 6.78-inch display with slim bezels contributes to an immersive viewing experience.⁷ While some might find the plastic back and frame less premium than glass, the overall build feels durable, and the Inferno Red variant, with its dual-tone pixel texture, stands out.⁸ The weight distribution is also commendable, especially considering the substantial battery packed inside.

Initial hands-on suggest a very smooth user experience, thanks to the powerful internal hardware. Gaming performance appears to be a strong suit, with titles like Call of Duty: Mobile running flawlessly even on high graphics settings. The 144Hz refresh rate certainly makes a difference in visual fluidity, and the fast touch sampling rate contributes to responsive gameplay.

The camera, while not aiming for flagship-tier supremacy, seems to deliver decent results in most conditions, with good detail and dynamic range in daylight shots. The presence of OIS for the primary sensor is a welcome addition, aiding in both photography and videography.

Key Specifications & Features at a Glance

The iQOO Neo 10 comes packed with specifications that aim to deliver a top-notch experience for its price segment:

• Processor: The highlight here is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC. This is a significant leap, offering flagship-level performance and making the Neo 10 one of the first, if not the first, in India to feature this chipset. It’s coupled with a dedicated SuperComputing Q1 gaming chip for enhanced graphics and stability during intense gaming sessions.
• Display: A stunning 6.78-inch 1.5K (1260×2800) AMOLED display takes center stage. It boasts an impressive 144Hz refresh rate (with 120Hz for general use) and a remarkable peak brightness of up to 5,500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The 4,320Hz PWM dimming rate is also a great feature for reducing eye strain.
• RAM & Storage: The phone offers ample memory and storage configurations, with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 onboard storage.
• Battery & Charging: A massive 7,000mAh battery powers the iQOO Neo 10, promising extended usage times. What’s even more impressive is the 120W wired fast charging support, allowing for rapid top-ups. iQOO claims 50% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in under 40 minutes. It also supports bypass charging, a boon for gamers.
• Cameras: The dual rear camera setup features a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and an f/1.79 aperture, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide shooter with an f/2.2 aperture. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 32MP front camera. Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 60fps.
• Software: The iQOO Neo 10 ships with Android 15-based FuntouchOS 15 out of the box, with iQOO promising 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security updates.
• Cooling: To manage thermals during heavy usage and gaming, the device incorporates a 7,000mm² vapor cooling chamber.
• Durability & Connectivity: The phone features an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. It also includes an IR blaster, a useful feature often omitted in modern smartphones.

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What Makes it Stand Out?

The iQOO Neo 10 clearly aims to dominate the performance-focused mid-range segment. Its key differentiators include:

• Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Being one of the first to feature this powerful new chipset gives it a significant edge in raw performance.
• Massive Battery with Ultra-Fast Charging: The combination of a 7,000mAh battery and 120W charging is hard to beat in this category, offering incredible endurance and minimal downtime.
• Gaming Prowess: The dedicated Q1 gaming chip, 144Hz display, fast touch sampling rate, and efficient cooling system make it a compelling choice for mobile gamers.
• Value for Money: With its aggressive pricing, the iQOO Neo 10 offers a compelling package of high-end features typically found in more expensive devices.

Conclusion

The iQOO Neo 10 has made a strong first impression. It appears to be a well-rounded smartphone that prioritizes performance, display quality, and battery life, all while maintaining an attractive price. For users seeking a powerful device capable of handling demanding tasks and offering an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank, the iQOO Neo 10 is definitely one to consider. Its comprehensive feature set and competitive pricing position it as a formidable contender in the market.