When I first got my hands on the iQOO Neo 10 Pro, I was genuinely excited. Its spec sheet looked impressive, especially for someone like me who loves gaming and multimedia. But as I started using it, I realized there are some areas where it shines—and others where it falters. Let me walk you through my honest experience.
Design: Sleek Yet Familiar
The iQOO Neo 10 Pro comes with a modern design that looks good at first glance. The narrow bezels and sleek finish are appealing, but I couldn’t ignore how generic it feels compared to its competitors. The Rally Orange and Shadow Black variants add some flair, but the overall aesthetic lacks uniqueness.
While I appreciated the vegan leather back on certain models, it felt prone to wear and tear. After a few weeks, I noticed slight discoloration, which made the phone look less premium. Also, the absence of an IP rating for water resistance is disappointing in this price range.
Display: Stunning but Not Perfect
The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate is one of the highlights of this phone. Colors are vibrant, and the HDR10+ support makes watching movies a delight. However, I noticed that the brightness, claimed to peak at 4500 nits, struggles under harsh sunlight.
The dynamic refresh rate does help conserve battery, but the screen sometimes feels oversaturated, especially when compared to competitors like the OnePlus 12R. The lack of fine-tuning for color accuracy makes it less appealing for those who prefer natural tones.
Performance: Gaming Powerhouse with Throttling Issues
The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset is a beast on paper, and for the most part, it delivers. I played games like Genshin Impact and Fortnite on high settings, and the experience was smooth—initially. However, during extended gaming sessions, I noticed significant heating, even with the advanced cooling system.
This heat affects performance, causing occasional frame drops. For a phone marketed heavily to gamers, this is a letdown. While multitasking with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is seamless, the thermal management leaves much to be desired.
Camera: Impressive but Inconsistent
The 50MP Sony IMX921 sensor is capable of capturing sharp and vibrant images in well-lit conditions. I was impressed by the level of detail in outdoor shots. However, the ultra-wide camera struggles with edge distortion and lacks the sharpness you’d expect from a phone at this price point.
Low-light performance is another weak spot. While the main camera does a decent job with optical image stabilization (OIS), there’s visible noise in darker scenes. If you’re someone who loves capturing moments at night, this camera might not meet your expectations.
Battery Life: Durable but Lacking Convenience
The 6100mAh silicon-carbon battery is undoubtedly a strong point of the iQOO Neo 10 Pro. I easily got a full day of moderate use, and the 120W fast charging is a lifesaver, taking the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 30 minutes. However, the lack of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity for a phone in this segment.
Additionally, during heavy gaming, the battery drained faster than I anticipated, which negates some of its benefits. While the fast charging makes up for this, frequent top-ups during intense use could be annoying.
Software: Smooth but Bloated
The phone runs on Android 15 with OriginOS 5.0, and I must admit, the interface is smooth and highly customizable. But it comes with its fair share of bloatware. Apps like V-Store and Vivo Browser push unwanted notifications, which I found distracting.
While some pre-installed apps can be removed, the overall experience feels cluttered. For users like me who value a clean interface, this could be a dealbreaker. Also, the promised three years of updates is reassuring, but the initial software experience dampens the excitement.
Gaming Experience: Good but Not Exceptional
Gaming is where the iQOO Neo 10 Pro excels—until it doesn’t. The flat screen and responsive 144Hz refresh rate enhance touch response, and games run beautifully on high settings. However, as I mentioned earlier, thermal issues can throttle performance.
The advanced cooling system promises reduced temperatures during gaming, but in my experience, it wasn’t as effective as advertised. Competing devices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ handle thermal performance better, making this a significant drawback for hardcore gamers.
Pricing and Value
The iQOO Neo 10 Pro is competitively priced, starting at around ₹37,360 for the base model. While it offers excellent features for this price, the lack of refinement in design, camera inconsistencies, and thermal issues make it feel less premium than its competitors.
If you’re looking for raw power and fast charging, it’s a solid pick. But for a well-rounded experience, alternatives like the OnePlus 12R or Vivo X100 might be better choices.
Pros and Cons of the iQOO Neo 10 Pro
Pros:
- Stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset for gaming.
- Excellent battery life with 120W fast charging.
- Customizable software experience.
Cons:
- Thermal issues during extended gaming sessions.
- Inconsistent ultra-wide and low-light camera performance.
- No wireless charging or IP rating.
- Cluttered software with bloatware.
- Generic design lacking a premium feel.
FAQs About the iQOO Neo 10 Pro
Is the iQOO Neo 10 Pro good for gaming?
Yes, it handles high-end games like Genshin Impact and Fortnite well, but prolonged gaming sessions can lead to heating and performance throttling.
Does the iQOO Neo 10 Pro support wireless charging?
No, the phone does not support wireless charging, which might be a disappointment for some users.
How is the camera performance on the iQOO Neo 10 Pro?
The main camera is great in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide lens also lacks sharpness and consistency.
Is the iQOO Neo 10 Pro worth buying?
It’s a good option for gamers and performance enthusiasts. However, if you prioritize a clean interface, consistent cameras, or thermal performance, there are better alternatives.
How does the iQOO Neo 10 Pro compare to the OnePlus 12R?
While the iQOO Neo 10 Pro excels in battery life and charging speeds, the OnePlus 12R offers better design, software experience, and thermal performance.
Final Thoughts
The iQOO Neo 10 Pro is a phone packed with potential but held back by certain shortcomings. Its powerful processor and fast charging make it a strong contender in the sub-₹40,000 segment, but the design, camera issues, and thermal management stop it from being a standout choice. If iQOO addresses these flaws in future iterations, they’ll have a true winner on their hands. Until then, weigh your priorities carefully before making a purchase.
