The formula for a great gaming smartphone is simple – pack it with cutting-edge hardware. However, crafting a mid-range or budget gaming phone is trickier, as it must strike a balance between performance and affordability. Enter the iQOO Neo 10R, which aims to hit that sweet spot.
After using the iQOO Neo 10R for over three weeks, here’s my take on whether it delivers on its gaming promise.
A youthful and appealing design
The design of the iQOO Neo 10R, especially the Racing Blue variant, will either work for you or it won’t – there’s no in-between. For someone like me, who personally prefers phones that stand out with colourful plastic, leather, or glass backs, the Neo 10R looks refreshing and is definitely more appealing to younger audiences. The dual-tone finish might feel a bit too much for some, in which case the brand also offers a more mature-looking Moonknight Titanium variant.
The flat screen makes it a gaming-friendly smartphone. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The oval-shaped camera island on the iQOO Neo 10R reminded me of the company’s flagship iQOO 13 (review), one of the best gaming phones in the market. The design similarities suggest that the Neo 10R aims to cater to those who want an iQOO 13-like device at a lower price. While it is IP65-rated for water and dust resistance, compared to devices like the Realme 14 Pro+ (review) and Poco X7 Pro with an IP69 rating, the Neo 10R feels slightly compromised.
A stunning display that aids gaming
The 1.5K resolution 6.7-inch screen on the iQOO Neo 10R is a treat for the eyes, especially for gamers. This is a flat panel screen with 2.5D curved glass protection, which feels premium while being a practical choice for gaming-centric uses. While 120Hz refresh rates have become standard in this class, the 144Hz screen (only in gaming mode) makes the whole system feel well-optimised, and I did not notice any lag or stutter while multitasking. In fact, using the iQOO Neo 10R feels similar to the iQOO 13, a phone that costs twice as much.
The higher refresh rate only available on select games. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
Even if you’re someone like me, who binge-watches movies and web series more than playing games, this 10-bit display just feels right. It also remains visible even under direct sunlight.
The cameras could have been better
The iQOO Neo 10R has a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. There is also a 32MP selfie camera with support for up to 4K 30fps video recording. Compared to devices like the Realme 14 Pro+ and the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro (review), the lack of a zoom or telephoto lens is noticeable.
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The main camera’s performance is pretty good, even in low-light conditions. The faster shutter speed also helps in capturing moving subjects. However, the lack of a telephoto lens is a major pain point, especially for shutterbugs.
Here are some photos straight from the iQOO Neo 10R:
iQOO Neo 10R camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
iQOO Neo 10R camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
iQOO Neo 10R camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
iQOO Neo 10R camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
iQOO Neo 10R camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The display is fast, bright, and colour-accurate. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
All-round performance and good software experience
The iQOO Neo 10R is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, paired with 12GB of RAM and 128/256GB of UFS 3.1/4.1-based internal storage – the same chip that powers devices like the Poco F6 (review). The performance of this chip falls between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It delivers an almost flagship-like gaming experience, and in games like BGMI, it offers a stable 90fps performance even during extended gaming sessions, with minimal heating.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 can even handle high-fidelity games. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
On the AnTuTu benchmarking app, the iQOO Neo 10R posted a score of around 1,50,000, which is good for a phone in this class. In comparison, the Poco F6, powered by the same chip, posted an AnTuTu score of 1,30,000, giving the iQOO Neo 10R an edge in raw performance.
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FunTouchOS 14, based on Android 15, offers some AI features but packs a lot of bloatware, although most of it can be easily uninstalled. While the UI itself is intuitive, it doesn’t feel as refined as OxygenOS 15 found on devices like the OnePlus Nord 4 (review).
Stellar 2-day battery life
The iQOO Neo 10R is equipped with a large 6,400mAh battery – one of the biggest ever featured on a mainstream phone – along with support for 80W fast charging, with the adapter bundled in the box. The battery life is even more impressive than its performance with a ‘screen on time’ of over 10 hours. This is one of the few phones that has truly impressed me, lasting over two days even with moderate to heavy usage. With this phone, you can forget battery anxiety, as it can easily last up to three days for regular users.
One of the best gaming phones under Rs 30,000. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
A good pick for gamers
If you are a gamer looking for a phone under Rs 30,000, the iQOO Neo 10R is a solid choice. While there are alternatives like the Poco F6, OnePlus Nord 4, and Realme 14 Pro+, the combination of excellent battery life, a great display, and strong performance gives the iQOO Neo 10R an edge over the competition, making it a worthwhile investment.
