The iQOO Neo 10R has arrived, promising robust performance at a competitive price point, with its core strength lying in its gaming capabilities.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, this device aims to deliver a flagship-level experience to mid-range users. Let's delve into the specifics of this phone and see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build
The design of the iQOO Neo 10R draws inspiration from the iQOO 13, featuring an off-centre camera island that has become a signature element.
However, the phone's construction is entirely plastic, which, while contributing to its lightweight nature, doesn't quite provide a premium feel in hand.
The review unit came in the "Raging Blue" colour, a dual-tone finish that leans more towards lavender than blue. While the dual-tone concept is present, the execution feels somewhat awkward, lacking the visual flair of previous iQOO models.
The available single-tone grey variant is likely a more appealing option for those seeking a more understated aesthetic.
In terms of durability, the iQOO Neo 10R holds its own with an IP65 rating, offering protection against minor splashes and dust. This ensures that the phone can withstand everyday wear and tear without significant concerns.
The display is protected by Schott Xensation Up glass, providing an added layer of defence against scratches and impacts.
Display and Audio
The iQOO Neo 10R has a 7.78-inch AMOLED display, a generous size that enhances the viewing experience. The screen supports a 144Hz refresh rate, though in typical usage, it operates at 120Hz.
The full 144Hz is primarily reserved for gaming sessions, ensuring smooth and fluid visuals when it matters most.
The display excels in everyday scenarios, delivering vibrant colours, sharp details, and ample brightness. Whether you're watching videos, browsing social media, or playing games, the screen provides a visually pleasing experience.
Audio is handled by stereo speakers, which deliver loud and clear sound with surprisingly decent bass and clarity. This makes the iQOO Neo 10R a capable device for multimedia consumption, whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or playing games.
Performance and Software
At the heart of the iQOO Neo 10R is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a powerful processor that ensures smooth and responsive performance across various tasks.
This chipset delivers strong performance in benchmarks, scoring impressively in tests like Antutu.
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the phone's ability to handle demanding titles like BGMI at 90fps with minimal frame drops. Extended gaming sessions demonstrate the phone's ability to maintain consistent performance, making it a reliable choice for mobile gaming.
The iQOO Neo 10R runs on Android 15, customised with FunTouch OS 15. While the software is feature-rich, it comes with a noticeable amount of bloatware. However, the phone remains fast and responsive in day-to-day use, providing a smooth user experience.
iQOO promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring that the phone remains up-to-date for a reasonable period. The device also includes AI enhancements in the gallery and notes apps, adding useful features for everyday tasks.
Cameras
The iQOO Neo 10R features a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens. In terms of image quality, the main camera captures slightly cooler-toned images, which are decent.
However, the ultrawide lens on the iQOO Neo 10R performs admirably, delivering consistent image quality across various lighting conditions. This makes it a reliable option for capturing wide-angle shots.
For selfies, the iQOO Neo 10R excels, offering better dynamic range and detail compared to some competitors.
However, the phone's portrait mode tends to artificially brighten skin tones, which may not appeal to everyone.
Video recording on this phone comes with noticeable electronic image stabilisation jitters in the main camera footage. It is usable, but I’d recommend not capturing fast-paced video clips with it.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the iQOO Neo 10R is its massive 6,400mAh battery. This substantial battery capacity translates to exceptional battery life, easily providing two days of moderate use and delivering around 11 hours of screen-on time.
The phone supports 80W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. The charger is included in the box, which is a welcome addition in a market where many manufacturers omit chargers.
iQOO Neo 10R Review
The iQOO Neo 10R is a nice option for users who prioritise gaming performance and battery life. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset delivers excellent performance, while the massive battery ensures that the phone can keep up with demanding tasks.
If gaming and long battery life are your primary concerns, the iQOO Neo 10R is a worthy contender in the mid-range segment.
