If your priorities in a phone are long battery life, fast charging, excellent screen quality, and reliable gaming performance, the iQOO Neo 10 deserves your attention. Positioned in the aggressive $400 segment, this phone aims to bring near-flagship features to a wider audience without cutting too many corners. Built by Vivo’s performance-focused sub-brand, iQOO, the Neo 10 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and pairs it with a smooth 144Hz AMOLED display that’s surprisingly visible even in bright daylight.
It also carries a few headline-grabbing specs—a huge 7,000mAh battery, 120W charging, and up to 16GB of RAM. These are typically seen in phones costing hundreds more. Yet, iQOO somehow fits them into a chassis that doesn’t feel bulky or cheap.
With a focus on raw performance, endurance, and affordability, the Neo 10 looks like a dream pick for gamers and power users alike. But with compromises likely lurking behind the scenes—especially in the cameras and materials—how well-rounded is this device really? I tested it for a week in real-world conditions to find out what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s a phone you should consider in 2025.
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Unboxing & In-Box Contents:
The iQOO Neo 10 comes packaged in a slick, minimalistic black box bearing bold branding that hints at its performance DNA. Inside, you’re greeted by the phone itself, wrapped in protective film, lying on top of a cardboard tray. Beneath it is a well-organized set of accessories that includes a 120W FlashCharge charger, a high-quality USB Type-C cable, and a clear TPU case that fits snugly around the device.
You’ll also find the SIM ejector tool, a quick start guide, and warranty paperwork. There’s no included screen protector beyond the thin pre-applied film, and no earbuds in the box either—which is typical at this price point. The charger alone is a highlight, delivering flagship-tier charging speeds out of the box. No dongles or extras are offered, but the basics are solid.
The packaging feels modern and straightforward, and while it doesn’t scream luxury, it nails the essentials without skipping on the practical stuff. It’s a good start to what ends up being a very utility-focused device.
Build & Design:
At a glance, the iQOO Neo 10 doesn’t look or feel like a budget device. The back panel, though made from plastic, has a dense and smooth finish that mimics the feel of aluminum, especially in the Racing Yellow variant. This approach gives the phone a striking visual appeal while helping to keep the weight down, despite its massive 7,000mAh battery.
The frame is also plastic, but it’s convincingly disguised as metal thanks to a matte coating that adds both grip and durability. Button placement is ergonomic—volume rockers and the power key fall naturally under the thumb—and they feel tactile, almost as if they’re made from metal themselves. The power button also doubles as a fast and reliable fingerprint scanner, though it sits slightly lower than ideal for some users.
Camera bump aside, the Neo 10 is reasonably slim at 8.1mm, and it balances well in hand. The device weighs 206g, which is fairly light considering the battery size, thanks to the plastic materials used. Bezels around the display are slim, contributing to a modern look.
There’s no official IP rating, so this isn’t a phone you’ll want to use in the rain or near a pool. Still, in terms of build quality, it punches above its weight. The combination of a flat screen, symmetrical layout, and clean lines makes it look more expensive than it actually is. While it lacks the glass-and-metal heft of premium flagships, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy either.
Overall, iQOO has done a commendable job of designing a phone that feels durable, gamer-friendly, and stylish enough to appeal to younger users who want something bold without paying flagship prices.
Display:
The Neo 10’s 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display is a standout in its price range. It delivers sharp visuals thanks to a 1260×2800 resolution, resulting in a crisp 453ppi density. Everything from text to videos looks pin-sharp and fluid, especially with the 144Hz refresh rate enabled, making scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth.
Color reproduction is vibrant but not overly saturated. Out of the box, it’s set to a standard profile that most users will find pleasing, though there are tuning options for color temperature and display modes. HDR support is present and effective, especially in apps like YouTube and compatible video players.
Brightness is perhaps the most impressive feature. With a peak brightness of 4,400 nits, the screen remains easily viewable even in direct sunlight. Its high brightness mode pushes to around 2,000 nits under auto-brightness, which still trumps most phones in this category.
The display also includes PWM dimming controls, and during extended use, we didn’t notice any eye strain or flickering. Touch response is excellent and accurate, which is critical for gaming and fast typing. There’s a pre-installed screen protector, but it may introduce some mild glare or rainbowing depending on lighting conditions.
Altogether, this display rivals even some flagship panels, making it one of the biggest selling points of the Neo 10.
Performance & Software:
Powering the iQOO Neo 10 is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset—an SoC that sits comfortably between upper midrange and flagship levels. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the performance is snappy, responsive, and consistent. Daily tasks like app launching, multitasking, and scrolling feel fluid, with no noticeable lag.
Benchmark scores clock in at over 2 million on AnTuTu, reinforcing its strength for both casual and power users. RAM management is efficient, and even with heavy multitasking, the phone rarely feels taxed. Thermal management during routine use is excellent, with minimal heat buildup.
The software experience is led by Android 15, layered with Funtouch OS. While this global skin isn’t as refined as Origin OS, it’s relatively clean compared to past versions. Some bloatware is present, but it’s easily removable. System animations are smooth, and no significant bugs or glitches appeared during our test period.
Gaming Performance:
Gaming is one of the Neo 10’s core strengths. With a 144Hz AMOLED display and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, performance is consistently smooth across all major titles. Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, Diablo Immortal, and PUBG Mobile run on high settings with minimal frame drops.
The phone features a dedicated Game Mode, boosting performance by restricting background activity and optimizing touch response. Frame pacing is tight, and touch latency is low—both essential for competitive gameplay. The display’s 1200Hz instant touch sampling rate helps provide a seamless experience for fast-paced action.
The thermal profile is well-balanced. Even under extended gaming sessions, temperatures never exceeded 42°C, avoiding the discomfort and frame dips that plague some Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 8 Gen 3 devices. The phone warms up, but never to an alarming level.
Audio also enhances gameplay with its loud stereo setup. Paired with the excellent battery life, the Neo 10 easily delivers 7–8 hours of continuous gaming, depending on brightness and game settings. For gamers on a budget, this phone is an absolute beast and arguably the best in its segment.
Battery Life & Charging:
Battery life on the iQOO Neo 10 is a standout feature. With a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, it easily delivers two full days of moderate use. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working on social media, the phone simply lasts longer than any competitor in this price bracket.
In testing, we achieved over 14 hours of screen-on time at 144Hz and full resolution—an extraordinary result. Standby drain is low, and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s power efficiency contributes significantly to endurance.
Charging is handled by the included 120W FlashCharge adapter, which took the phone from 18% to 100% in just 32 minutes. There’s no wireless charging here, but at this speed, it’s not missed. Thermal regulation during charging is well-controlled, and the phone doesn’t overheat.
Speakers & Audio:
The iQOO Neo 10 comes equipped with dual stereo speakers—a bottom-firing main driver and a secondary speaker integrated into the earpiece. Volume levels are impressively high, making media consumption a joy even in noisy environments. There’s a decent sense of stereo separation when watching videos in landscape mode, and the sound doesn’t distort at full blast.
Bass presence is mild but better than expected for this class, while mids and highs come through clearly. It scores around 8/10 for sound quality and 9/10 for sheer loudness. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, but high-res wireless audio is supported via aptX HD and LDAC over Bluetooth.
Haptics & Call Quality:
The haptics on the Neo 10 are decent but not flagship-grade. Typing produces soft vibrations that are subtle yet consistent. They aren’t crisp or layered, but they do add a bit of tactile feedback for navigation and gaming.
Call quality is strong, with clear audio on both ends and excellent background noise suppression. The earpiece is loud enough, even in public areas, and VoLTE and VoWiFi are supported. Overall, while the haptics could use refinement, telephony and voice communication work flawlessly.
Connectivity:
Connectivity is robust on the iQOO Neo 10. It supports dual 5G SIMs, with excellent signal retention and data speeds in urban and suburban environments. The phone comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6 for fast, stable home networking and Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable accessory pairing.
NFC is onboard, making it suitable for mobile payments and quick pairing with compatible gadgets. The USB-C port supports charging and data transfer but does not offer video output, which may disappoint productivity-focused users.
There’s no microSD card slot, so internal storage (up to 512GB) is your limit. GPS performance is fast and precise, ideal for navigation apps or outdoor fitness tracking. The device includes support for Widevine L1, so HD streaming works as expected on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
While the lack of an IP rating is a drawback, the Neo 10 handles all modern connectivity needs without compromise.
Camera System:
Main Camera Performance (Daylight and Dynamic Range)
The iQOO Neo 10 features a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase detection autofocus. In good lighting, the main camera captures sharp, detailed shots with excellent dynamic range. Colors are slightly saturated by default, but toggling to the “Natural” color profile in the settings produces more balanced tones. HDR processing is effective, pulling back highlights without making shadows look overly artificial.
Images of landscapes and architecture come out crisp, and edge definition holds up even when zoomed slightly. Focus acquisition is quick, and shutter lag is minimal. In short: for still photography in daylight, this sensor performs admirably for the price.
Ultrawide Camera Limitations
Unfortunately, the 8MP ultrawide sensor is the weakest link in this setup. It lacks 4K video support and doesn’t benefit from OIS. In daylight, ultrawide shots look acceptable when viewed on a small screen, but cropping in reveals heavy edge softness and noise, especially in low contrast areas. Dynamic range is limited, and there’s a noticeable shift in white balance compared to the main sensor.
This sensor does use electronic image stabilization (EIS) for video, but even then, quality takes a hit. Night shots from the ultrawide camera are barely usable, with excessive grain and crushed blacks.
Front-Facing Camera (Selfies and Video)
The front camera is a 32MP shooter, capable of capturing detailed selfies with decent dynamic range. Skin tones can occasionally appear too bright or processed, especially in outdoor light. However, the overall result is pleasing, and the portrait mode does a fine job of edge detection in good light.
One major letdown: 4K video recording on the front camera lacks proper stabilization. When walking or moving, footage appears jittery and unstable. EIS either isn’t active or is poorly implemented. This limits its usefulness for vlog-style content unless you use a tripod or gimbal.
Video Capabilities and Quality
The rear camera records 4K at 30 and 60 fps, but ultrawide video is limited to 1080p only. Video from the main sensor is sharp and well-stabilized, both optically and electronically. Autofocus during video is smooth, with accurate transitions and minimal hunting. The colors match well with the still image output.
Low-light video is average; noise is present but not overwhelming. The lack of stabilization on the ultrawide makes handheld ultrawide footage look jittery and less usable.
Low-Light Photography
In night mode, the main sensor can still deliver decent shots. Bright areas don’t blow out, and shadows retain just enough detail. While there is visible noise, it remains under control. However, results do vary depending on lighting complexity—bright streetlights or neon can throw off exposure. The ultrawide struggles significantly in this regard, producing muddy, noisy results with almost no retained detail.
Portraits and Detail
Portrait mode using the rear and front cameras performs well, especially in daylight. Edge detection is accurate, and the background blur feels natural, not overdone. Even with one subject partially turned or moving, the phone generally manages good separation. The only area where it occasionally falters is with hair or complex outlines, but it’s better than average in its class.
Software & Bloatware:
The iQOO Neo 10 ships with Android 15 layered with Funtouch OS, Vivo’s custom skin for global markets. While not as sleek as Origin OS, it has improved over time, offering smoother animations, better organization, and solid customization options. The interface is snappy, transitions are clean, and app management is efficient.
That said, bloatware is still present, though not overwhelming. Expect a handful of pre-installed apps like hot games, theme stores, and Vivo’s utility tools. Most of these can be uninstalled, which is a relief. Compared to Xiaomi or OPPO, the bloat level here is noticeably lighter.
Funtouch OS supports essential features like dark mode, app cloning, and a built-in screen recorder. System updates have been stable so far, though Vivo’s track record on long-term Android version support is mixed. No major bugs, crashes, or slowdowns were observed during daily use.
Overall, the software is functional, fast, and mostly free from unnecessary clutter. Power users may still want a cleaner UI, but for most, it’s a usable and responsive system.
Price & Value:
The iQOO Neo 10 delivers outstanding value for money, especially at its current retail price of around $400 USD or €450–€499 depending on your region. For that price, you’re getting features that are typically reserved for premium devices: a blazing fast 144Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 7,000mAh battery, and 120W fast charging.
In terms of raw performance, it easily outpaces most other phones in the midrange space and even holds its own against more expensive flagships in day-to-day tasks and gaming. The display alone makes it feel more premium than its price tag suggests.
However, there are a few trade-offs—like the weaker ultrawide camera, lack of video output, and a plastic build—but these compromises are reasonable given the performance, endurance, and charging power offered.
Whether you’re a gamer, power user, or someone who simply wants a long-lasting phone without spending a fortune, the Neo 10 delivers phenomenal bang for your buck. It’s a serious contender in the 2025 midrange segment.
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Conclusion:
The iQOO Neo 10 is a compelling package that punches well above its weight. With its massive 7,000mAh battery, blazing-fast 120W charging, and vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, it’s built for users who want performance and endurance in equal measure. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or juggling multiple apps, this phone keeps up without breaking a sweat.
Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip is efficient and powerful, offering near-flagship performance while keeping thermals in check. Add to that stereo speakers, solid build quality, and a relatively clean software experience, and you’ve got a phone that’s hard to beat at this price.
Yes, the ultrawide camera is underwhelming, and the lack of wireless charging or an IP rating may turn off some users. But those are minor compromises in a phone that excels in the areas that matter most to heavy users.
If battery life, charging speed, display quality, and gaming performance are your top priorities, the iQOO Neo 10 is one of the best options under $500 in 2025.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge 7,000mAh battery delivers true two-day battery life
- 120W fast charging gets you from 0 to 100% in just over 30 minutes
- 144Hz AMOLED display with 4,400 nits peak brightness – stunning for the price
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers excellent performance and efficiency
- Dual stereo speakers are loud and surprisingly clear
- Clean, responsive software with minimal bloat
- Well-balanced thermals, even during extended gaming
- Flagship-like design and build despite plastic construction
Cons:
- Ultrawide camera is weak and limited to 1080p video
- Front-facing 4K video lacks proper stabilization
- No wireless charging or IP rating
- No video out via USB-C
- Plastic frame (though it feels premium)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Is the iQOO Neo 10 good for gaming?
- Yes, the iQOO Neo 10 is excellent for gaming. It features a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a 144Hz AMOLED screen, and optimized Game Mode for high performance with minimal heat and throttling.
How long does the iQOO Neo 10 battery last?
- Thanks to its 7,000mAh battery, the iQOO Neo 10 easily lasts two full days of normal use or over 14 hours of screen-on time in real-world conditions.
How fast does the iQOO Neo 10 charge?
- With 120W FlashCharge, the Neo 10 can go from 18% to 100% in just 32 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in its segment.
Does the iQOO Neo 10 have a good display?
- Absolutely. It features a 6.78″ AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate and up to 4,400 nits peak brightness, perfect for outdoor visibility and immersive media consumption.
What is the camera quality like on the iQOO Neo 10?
- The 50MP main camera takes solid shots in daylight and decent low-light photos, but the ultrawide and selfie video stabilization are its weak points.
Is there a headphone jack on the iQOO Neo 10?
- No, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. However, it supports high-res wireless audio with aptX HD and LDAC via Bluetooth.
What software does the iQOO Neo 10 run?
- The phone runs on Android 15 with Vivo’s Funtouch OS. It’s smooth, customizable, and comes with minimal uninstallable bloatware.
Is the iQOO Neo 10 worth buying?
- Yes, especially if you prioritize battery life, fast charging, and gaming performance. It offers flagship-level features at a midrange price.
