iQOO Neo 10 review: Flagship-grade performance, entry-level charm

iQOO has quickly transitioned from launching its previous Neo model to debuting the Neo 10, marking the second entry in the lineup for 2025. This latest smartphone is the first in India to sport the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, paired with iQOO’s proprietary Q1 graphics chip and a hefty 7,000 mAh battery. Clearly engineered for gamers, the question remains: does the Neo 10 enhance the Neo series legacy or simply blend into a saturated market? Having spent 10 days with the iQOO Neo 10, I can share some insights on its real-world performance. The device arrives in a standard black box, containing the phone wrapped in paper, a transparent case, a SIM ejector tool, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and some paperwork that is likely to go unread. When it comes to design, the Neo 10 closely resembles its predecessor, the Neo 10R, released earlier in the year. It features a similar circular camera layout, albeit with some stylistic adjustments around the edges, iQOO branding at the bottom, a plastic back, and a plastic frame. Despite its over ₹30,000 price tag, the Neo 10’s all-plastic construction and 6.78-inch display lead to a somewhat uninspiring in-hand experience. On the plus side, the Neo 10 holds an IP65 rating, which provides some resistance against dust and splashes, though full water submersion is not advised. Connectivity options are robust, featuring WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an IR blaster. The device showcases a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate (typically 120Hz), HDR10+ certification, and an impressive peak brightness of 5,000 nits (2,000 nits in High Brightness Mode). This flat panel, like that of the Neo 10R, is designed with gamers in mind and delivers vivid colors, deep contrasts, and high brightness levels, making it ideal for binge-watching. However, while the display performs admirably in bright conditions, outdoor glare can compromise visibility. The camera system mirrors that of the Neo 10R, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP selfie camera. The primary camera excels in daylight, capturing detailed images with decent dynamic range. Yet, it struggles with lens flare during low-light conditions. Comparatively, the Neo 10 falls short against competitors that offer telephoto options, and the ultra-wide lens shows significant color shifting and loss of detail. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor alongside LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the Neo 10 is well-optimized for performance, especially when many competitors still use older storage technologies. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset delivers smooth day-to-day usage, with quick app launches and effective multitasking. Prolonged gaming sessions can cause the device to warm up, but it remains manageable and cools down swiftly. In terms of benchmarking, the iQOO Neo 10 achieved a single-core score of 2,102 and a multi-core score of 6,572 on GeekBench 6, with a GPU score of 14,338. It operates on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15 and promises three years of OS updates alongside four years of security patches. While Funtouch OS allows users to disable most bloatware during setup, a few third-party apps still come pre-installed, and navigating ads in the UI can be a chore. Battery performance is a highlight, with the Neo 10 featuring a 7,000mAh capacity and supporting 100W fast charging—though a 120W charger is included in the box. Even heavy users can expect over a day of usage, with an average screen-on time of 8 to 9 hours. Full battery recharge takes around 40 to 45 minutes. Starting at ₹31,999, the iQOO Neo 10 presents a strong case for gamers with its powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, ample RAM, massive battery, and fast charging capabilities. However, its all-plastic build may feel outdated at this price point, and the absence of a telephoto lens alongside the persistent bloatware and ads on Funtouch OS 15 could deter potential buyers.