iQOO Neo 10 Review | Stands tall and stands out

Starting at ₹31,999, the iQOO Neo 10 boldly enters the under-35K segment with specs that flirt with phones priced much higher. It offers top-tier performance, a large battery, smooth AI integration, and dependable cameras — all packed in a visually striking design

In an already competitive mid-range smartphone space, iQOO continues to sharpen its identity with performance-first phones that blend power with finesse. Just a few months after launching the iQOO Neo 10R, the brand is back with the iQOO Neo 10 — and naturally, the big question is: what’s new? The answer lies in a powerful upgrade that includes the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, a massive 7,000 mAh battery, a 120 W fast charging, and a refined AI-powered experience, all while maintaining an aggressive under-35K price tag. Building on the momentum of the Neo series, the Neo 10 promises to push boundaries and deliver more muscle, endurance, and smarts than its predecessor, so let’s dive in and see how well it delivers.

The iQOO Neo 10 arrives in an eye-catching Inferno Red variant — a bold design choice that shares a striking resemblance to the Neo 10R. From the back, the resemblance is so close that most people will struggle to tell the difference between the two. However, the Neo 10 feels noticeably heavier in hand — a possible trade-off for the larger 7,000 mAh battery tucked inside. The rectangular camera island, housing dual lenses, syncs visually with the deep red hue of the body. The matte finish and symmetrical layout offer a clean and confident design language.

The build quality feels sturdy with a subtle premium touch. The thin bezels up front, a centered punch-hole camera, and the optical under-display fingerprint scanner add to the modern smartphone aesthetic. The right side of the device houses the power button and volume rockers, while the bottom panel sports the SIM tray, a USB-C port, and a speaker grille. On top, you’ll find the secondary mic, contributing to noise cancellation. In terms of durability, the phone carries an IP65 certification, protecting it from dust and water splashes — a small yet meaningful upgrade from many devices in this segment.

Overall, the Neo 10 doesn’t reinvent iQOO’s design language but refines it with premium materials and practical ergonomics. While it’s not the lightest phone around, the blend of aesthetics and utility is commendable.

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The Neo 10 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2800x1260) and a 144 Hz refresh rate, optimised for smooth gaming and daily usage. On paper, this is a highly competitive panel, and in actual use, it shines bright — literally. It boasts a 2,000-nit high brightness mode and a local peak brightness of 5,500 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching HDR content, the visuals remain crisp and vibrant.

What enhances the experience further is the 3000 Hz instant touch sampling rate, providing ultra-responsive feedback during intense gaming sessions. It supports SGS Five-Star Sunlight Display Certification, ensuring eye comfort and visibility in challenging lighting conditions. Compared to the Realme GT 7, which also offers a similar 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 6,000 nits peak brightness, the Neo 10 holds its own with equally impressive numbers. Against the Neo 10R, it edges ahead in responsiveness and viewing angles, making this display ideal for gamers and multimedia users alike.