The iQOO Neo 10R has stormed into the mid-range smartphone market in India, offering a compelling blend of high-end performance, a massive battery, and a vibrant display at an unbeatable price. Launched on March 11, 2025, this device is designed to appeal to gamers, tech enthusiasts, and budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features without breaking the bank. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, boasting a 6,400mAh battery, and featuring a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, the iQOO Neo 10R positions itself as a true flagship killer under ₹27,000.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more, while comparing it to competitors like the Poco F6 and Nothing Phone 3a to help you decide if it’s worth buying.
iQOO Neo 10R Price in India and Availability
The iQOO Neo 10R is priced competitively in India, starting at ₹26,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, ₹28,998 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB variant, and ₹30,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB variant. It’s available in two striking color options: Raging Blue and Moonknight Titanium. You can purchase it through Amazon, Flipkart, and the official iQOO website, with sales commencing on March 19, 2025. Special launch offers, such as discounts and bank deals, may lower the effective price to around ₹24,999 for the base model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
iQOO Neo 10R Launch Date in India
The iQOO Neo 10R was officially launched in India on March 11, 2025, marking it as the first model in the Neo 10 series to hit the Indian market. The launch generated significant buzz, with teasers highlighting its gaming prowess and massive battery. Its availability on major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon ensures easy access for consumers across the country.
Design: Sleek Yet Practical
The iQOO Neo 10R sports a slim profile with dimensions of 163.7 x 75.8 x 7.98mm and a weight of 196g, making it one of the slimmest smartphones with a 6,400mAh battery. Its polycarbonate frame and rear panel keep the weight manageable, though the Raging Blue finish is prone to smudges and dust, requiring frequent cleaning. The Moonknight Titanium variant offers a more muted, elegant look. Despite the plastic build, the phone feels sturdy and boasts an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, which is commendable at this price point, though competitors like the OnePlus Nord 4 offer a superior IP68 rating.
The design shines with its near-borderless 6.78-inch display, featuring thin bezels on all sides. The slightly thicker bottom bezel doesn’t detract from the premium look, and the Schott Xensation Up glass provides robust protection against scratches and fingerprints. While the design may not scream luxury, it’s practical and functional, catering to users who prioritize performance over aesthetics.
Display: Vibrant and Immersive
The iQOO Neo 10R features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a resolution of 2800×1260 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, which can scale up to 144Hz for supported games like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. With a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and HDR10+ support, the display delivers vibrant colors and excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. Compared to the Nothing Phone 3a, the iQOO Neo 10R sustains high brightness levels longer, making it ideal for outdoor use.
The display supports Widevine L1 for Full HD streaming and offers 3840Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain. The in-display fingerprint sensor is responsive and reliable, enhancing user convenience. For gamers and content consumers, this display is a standout feature, offering smooth animations and sharp visuals.
iQOO Neo 10R Processor and Performance
At the heart of the iQOO Neo 10R lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process with a Cortex-X4 prime core clocked at 3GHz. Paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage (UFS 3.1 for the 8GB+128GB variant), this phone delivers exceptional performance. It scores over 1.7 million points on the AnTuTu benchmark, making it one of the fastest smartphones under ₹30,000.
Performance Highlights
The iQOO Neo 10R is tailored for gaming, featuring a 6043mm² vapor cooling chamber to manage heat during extended sessions. Games like Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at Very High graphics settings with a steady 59-61 fps, while Genshin Impact maintains 60 fps at High settings. However, at Very High settings, the frame rate becomes unstable, indicating that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 isn’t quite on par with premium chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the iQOO Neo 9 Pro.
The phone’s Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, ensures fluid multitasking and app switching. Features like a built-in FPS meter, e-sports mode, and bypass charging optimize the gaming experience. While the phone can heat up during intensive tasks like 4K video recording, it doesn’t throttle performance or limit camera features, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Performance Comparison Table
| Feature | iQOO Neo 10R | iQOO Neo 9 Pro | Poco F6 | Nothing Phone 3a |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) |
| AnTuTu v10 Score | 1,491,562 | 1,585,868 | 1,457,491 | 804,179 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,927 | 2,050 | 1,835 | 1,158 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 5,047 | 5,741 | 4,693 | 3,255 |
| GFXB Car Chase | 71 | 85 | 71 | 28 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 12,072 | 13,319 | 15,743 | 13,554 |
Software: Smooth and Customizable
Running on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, the iQOO Neo 10R offers a polished software experience with three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. The OS is highly customizable, with new live wallpapers, icon styles, and always-on display effects. Features like pop-up windows for gaming and AI tools such as AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance add value, though the AI Erase tool struggles with complex objects. The absence of spammy notifications and the ability to uninstall preinstalled apps make the software experience user-friendly.
Camera: Decent but Not Exceptional
The iQOO Neo 10R features a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor (f/1.79, OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens (f/2.2). The 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. While the primary camera performs adequately in daylight, it struggles with color consistency and detail, especially near the edges. The ultra-wide camera produces soft images with noticeable purple fringing, making it less reliable.
Camera Performance
In low-light conditions, the primary camera’s images lack detail and appear soft, lagging behind competitors like the Nothing Phone 3a. Portrait selfies have decent edge detection but are oversharpened, and low-light selfies suffer from reduced detail. Video recording is a strong point, with 1080p and 4K videos offering good stabilization and color accuracy in daylight, though low-light videos are noisy.
Camera Comparison Table
| Feature | iQOO Neo 10R | Nothing Phone 3a | Poco F6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 50MP Sony IMX882, OIS | 50MP, OIS | 50MP, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP | 16MP | 20MP |
| Daylight Performance | Decent, color inconsistency | Better color accuracy | Good, balanced colors |
| Low-Light Performance | Soft, low detail | Better detail retention | Moderate, better than 10R |
| Video Quality | Good 4K 60fps, noisy in low light | Good, stable | Good, stable |
For a detailed comparison of the iQOO Neo 10R’s camera capabilities, check out GSMArena’s review.
Battery: A Powerhouse
The iQOO Neo 10R’s 6,400mAh battery is a standout feature, offering exceptional longevity. With heavy usage, it lasts over a day, and casual users can expect up to 1.5 days. In testing, it achieved 34 hours and 56 minutes in a video loop test and 24 hours and 38 minutes in the PCMark Work Battery test, outpacing rivals like the Poco F6 and Nothing Phone 3a. The 80W fast charging support ensures quick top-ups, reaching 26% in 15 minutes, 55% in 30 minutes, and a full charge in just over an hour.
iQOO Neo 10R vs. Competitors: Is It Worth Buying?
The iQOO Neo 10R competes in a crowded mid-range segment with devices like the Poco F6, Nothing Phone 3a, and iQOO Neo 9 Pro. While it excels in battery life and gaming performance, its camera capabilities are a weak point. The Poco F6 offers better camera performance at a lower price, while the Nothing Phone 3a stands out for its software experience and camera quality. The iQOO Neo 9 Pro, priced at ₹34,911, offers a more premium experience with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and better cameras, making it a compelling alternative if your budget allows.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, massive 6,400mAh battery, vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, fast 80W charging, smooth Funtouch OS 15.
- Cons: Average camera performance, polycarbonate build attracts smudges, lacks NFC support.
iQOO Neo 10R 12GB + 256GB Variant: Value for Money?
The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, priced at ₹30,999, offers excellent value for power users. The additional RAM ensures seamless multitasking, and the UFS 4.1 storage provides faster app loading times. For gamers and heavy users, this variant maximizes the phone’s potential without crossing the ₹30,000 mark.
iQOO Neo 10R 5G: Connectivity and Features
As a 5G-enabled device, the iQOO Neo 10R supports multiple 5G bands (FDD N1/N3/N5/N8/N28, TDD N38/N40/N41/N77/N78) and offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB Type-C connectivity. The lack of NFC is a drawback for contactless payments, but the phone compensates with features like an IR blaster and stereo speakers for an enhanced multimedia experience.
Verdict: A Gaming Beast with Minor Flaws
The iQOO Neo 10R is a stellar choice for gamers and performance enthusiasts seeking a flagship killer under ₹27,000. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, massive battery, and vibrant display make it a powerhouse for gaming and daily use. However, its camera performance and polycarbonate build may disappoint users prioritizing photography or premium aesthetics. If you can stretch your budget, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers a more well-rounded experience. For those focused on gaming and battery life, the iQOO Neo 10R is hard to beat in its price segment.
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