The iQOO Neo 10R has landed in India, and it’s making waves in the mid-range smartphone scene. Launched on March 11, 2025, this latest offering from Vivo’s performance-focused sub-brand is all about delivering bang for your buck. With a beefy battery, a smooth display, and a chipset that punches above its weight, the Neo 10R is here to tempt gamers, binge-watchers, and everyday users alike. So, what’s the deal with this phone? Let’s dive in.
Performance That Packs a Punch
At the heart of the Neo 10R is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor—a chip that’s fast, efficient, and ready to handle pretty much anything you throw at it. Whether you’re grinding through PUBG at high settings or juggling a dozen apps, this phone keeps up without breaking a sweat. It’s paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, so lag and slow load times are off the table. Sure, it’s not flagship-level, but for a phone priced just under ₹30,000 (and dipping lower with launch offers), it’s a steal.
A Display Made for Scrolling and Gaming
The 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display is one of the Neo 10R’s standout features. With a 144Hz refresh rate, everything from Instagram feeds to fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty Mobile feels buttery smooth. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and the brightness holds up decently outdoors. It’s not the fanciest panel out there—don’t expect LTPO tech or crazy peak brightness—but for the price, it’s tough to complain. If you’re a screen-time junkie, this one’s got you covered.
Battery Life That Keeps Going
Here’s where the Neo 10R really flexes: its 6,400mAh battery. Yes, you read that right—this thing is a tank. You can easily squeeze out two days of moderate use, or a full day of heavy gaming and streaming without reaching for the charger. When you do need a top-up, the 80W fast charging gets you from flat to full in under an hour. It’s the kind of stamina that makes you forget where you last left your power bank.
Cameras: Good Enough, Not Great
The camera setup is solid, if not spectacular. You’ve got a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main sensor with OIS, which takes sharp, vibrant shots in daylight and decent low-light pics with some effort. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is handy for group shots or landscapes, but don’t expect miracles—it’s a bit soft around the edges. The 16MP front camera does the job for selfies and video calls. If photography’s your top priority, this might not be your dream phone, but for casual snaps, it’s more than fine.
Design and Build: Sleek with a Twist
The Neo 10R looks sharp, especially in the India-exclusive Raging Blue finish—a dual-tone stunner that catches the light just right. There’s also a Lunar Titanium option if you’re into something more understated. The squoval camera module and pixelated design give it a modern vibe, though the plastic build keeps it light rather than luxurious. It’s comfy to hold, but a case might be a smart move if you’re prone to drops.
Software and Small Hiccups
Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS, the Neo 10R offers a clean-ish experience, though iQOO’s skin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s some bloatware to sift through, and early users have flagged minor bugs—like occasional app crashes—that might need a patch or two. On the flip side, the 6043mm² vapor cooling system keeps things mostly chill during long sessions, though heavy gamers might notice a bit of warmth after an hour.
The Verdict
Priced around ₹25,000-₹28,000 with offers (base model at ₹29,999 without), the iQOO Neo 10R is a no-nonsense mid-ranger that nails the essentials. It’s up against stiff competition like the Poco F6 and Redmi Note 14 Pro+, but its massive battery and smooth display give it an edge for power users. Is it perfect? Nah—cameras could be better, and thermals might bug hardcore gamers. But if you want a reliable daily driver that won’t die on you mid-day, this could be your next phone.