iQoo Neo 10 Review: The Mustang
Table of Contents
I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing, and when Qualcomm announced their follow-up to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, I genuinely got excited. It felt like Qualcomm’s strategic move to elevate the mainstream smartphone segment, a clear bid to reclaim market share from MediaTek’s formidable Dimensity SoCs.
iQoo has always been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge technology to consumers, and true to form, they’re the first to market with this brand-new Snapdragon powerhouse in the iQoo Neo 10. Naturally, being the first to experience this technological leap, we simply had to get our hands on it for a thorough review.
iQoo Neo 10 Overview
Built
The iQoo Neo 10 immediately strikes a premium chord with its design, the sandy gold finishing on the rear is genuinely eye-catching, giving off an impression akin to a sleek gold bar – a bold statement that sets it apart.
This luxurious facade is thoughtfully encased in a robust aluminum frame, not just for aesthetics but also to provide enhanced protection against daily wear and tear. The feedback is close to metallic grid texture, offering excellent matte feedback upon touch.
This not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a more secure grip during intense gaming sessions.
Furthermore, the iQoo Neo 10 boasts an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind against splashes and dust ingress – a welcome addition for a gaming-centric device.
One of the most distinctive elements is the camera island. While it initially appears to be simply “stuck on,” a closer look reveals a surprisingly unique floating design.
This module is encircled by a diffused ring light, a design choice that, while visually striking, is unfortunately not functional as an actual light source. It’s a missed opportunity, as a lit ring would have undoubtedly created a truly unique visual signature for the iQoo Neo 10.
In terms of ergonomics, the iQoo Neo 10 measures a comfortable 8.09 mm in thickness and weighs in at 206g. This carefully considered thickness and weight strike an optimal balance, ensuring the phone remains comfortable for prolonged gaming sessions without causing undue fatigue.
The rounded design and solid structural support further contribute to an optimal balance of grip and control, making the iQoo Neo 10 feel remarkably secure and responsive in hand, a crucial factor for competitive mobile gaming.
Display
The display of the iQoo Neo 10 is undeniably one of its standout features, positioning it as a serious contender in the gaming phone arena. We’re looking at a expansive 6.8-inch AMOLED panel, boasting a crisp 1.5K resolution and capable of rendering over 1 billion colors, ensuring vibrant and lifelike visuals for all your content.
What truly sets this display apart, however, is its astonishing brightness. It can reach a remarkable 2000 nits under typical conditions, with localized peaks soaring to an incredible 5500 nits. This level of brightness is truly unprecedented for an AMOLED display, making content exceptionally legible even under direct sunlight.
However, it’s perplexing that despite such impressive brightness capabilities and an AMOLED panel, the iQoo Neo 10 surprisingly lacks HDR support. This feels like a significant missed opportunity, as HDR content would have truly shined on this display.
For gamers, the iQoo Neo 10 truly excels. The display is capable of a super-smooth 144 FPS, providing an incredibly fluid and responsive gaming experience. Adding to its gaming pedigree is a feature called “Super Resolution,” which intelligently upsamples games to a stunning 4K resolution.
Both the 144 FPS and Super Resolution capabilities are made possible by the dedicated Supercomputing Chip Q1 – the first in the iQoo Neo 10‘s unique dual-chip setup, working in tandem with the primary SoC. This dedicated chip offloads graphics processing, ensuring optimal performance.
Beyond raw frame rates and resolution, the screen also boasts an ultra-responsive 3000 Hz touch sampling rate, guaranteeing that every tap and swipe registers instantly, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
iQoo has also gone the extra mile with practical optimizations for gamers, with the screen specifically designed to perform optimally even with sweaty, wet, or greasy hands, and to maintain consistent performance when using various phone cases. These thoughtful touches under
For further reading on the iQoo SuperComputer chip, check out our dedicated article here.
Audio
The device features a symmetrical dual stereo speaker setup, with one speaker strategically placed on the top and the other on the bottom. This thoughtful placement is designed to create an expansive and balanced 3D stereo soundstage.
This allow user to have better experience on pinning sound source, better pinpointing enemy footsteps in a competitive game or getting lost in the cinematic soundtrack of your favorite movie, the iQoo Neo 10’s audio system aims to envelop you, contributing significantly to a more immersive gaming and audiovisual journey.
Others
The iQoo Neo 10 comes equipped with an IR blaster, conveniently located on the top edge of the phone. This inclusion might seem minor to some, but it transforms the iQoo Neo 10 into a versatile universal remote control.
This thoughtful addition elevates the iQoo Neo 10 from just a powerful gaming device to a highly functional and indispensable tool for managing your smart home ecosystem.
iQoo Neo 10 Camera
While the iQoo Neo 10 primarily champions its gaming prowess, it doesn’t entirely skimp on camera capabilities. The main shooter is a capable 50 MP camera, featuring the Sony IMX882 1/2″ sensor. Crucially, this main sensor is equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is vital for sharp photos and stable videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
A standout feature of this main camera is its unique All-Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF (Phase Detection AutoFocus) based on 2×2 OCL technology. In simpler terms, this means the camera utilizes every single pixel to focus in all directions, leading to exceptionally fast and accurate autofocus.
Accompanying the main camera is an 8 MP Ultra Wide-Angle Camera. While not boasting a high megapixel count, it’s perfectly adequate for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots when you need to fit more into the frame. It gets the job done without fuss.
Our test on the iQoo Neo 10’s camera system wasn’t as much as we typically do. Despite so, from the result we see so far it is still a more-than-competent camera experience for everyday moments. It also comes with some Ai function that help make the experience better.
iQoo Neo 10 Performance
The iQoo Neo 10 truly shines when it comes to performance, making it a dream come true for mobile gamers and power users alike. At the heart of this beast is the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC, a testament to iQoo’s commitment to delivering bleeding-edge technology. This powerhouse, coupled with the Supercomputing Chip Q1, forms a formidable dual-chip setup that redefines mobile performance.
Benchmark
To quantify the raw power of the iQoo Neo 10, we put it through a series of rigorous benchmarks using 3DMark, a staple for measuring gaming performance. The results were nothing short of impressive:
- 3DMark Steel Nomad Light: The iQoo Neo 10 scored a robust 1733, with the ultimate run pushing it to 1089. These scores highlight its capability to handle demanding graphics with finesse.
- 3DMark Solar Bay: In the ray tracing focused Solar Bay test, the iQoo Neo 10 achieved a score of 5074, with the ultimate run hitting an exceptional 8261. This demonstrates its strong performance in next-generation graphical rendering.
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: For intense, sustained performance, the iQoo Neo 10 managed a respectable 2971, with a consistent second run at 2930. This consistency indicates excellent thermal management and sustained high performance.
These benchmark figures clearly illustrate that the iQoo Neo 10 is built for extreme performance, capable of handling the most graphically intensive tasks with ease.
iQoo Neo 10 Gaming
This is where the iQoo Neo 10 truly cements its position as a top-tier gaming phone. It is, perhaps, among the smoothest gaming experiences we’ve encountered on a smartphone to date. For a device priced under RM2000, the iQoo Neo 10 offers an unparalleled performance-to-value proposition when compared to its competitors.
Our testing involved pushing the device with maxed-out graphics settings across three of the most graphically demanding mobile titles: Genshin Impact, Diablo Immortal, and War Thunder. In every single instance, the iQoo Neo 10 delivered consistently high frame rates and a virtually lag-free experience, a feat many flagships struggle to maintain.
The cherry on top for gamers is the ability to unlock a staggering 144Hz refresh rate on popular titles like Genshin Impact. When paired with the 3000 Hz touch sampling rate, the iQoo Neo 10 transforms into an incredibly powerful machine for competitive gaming. This combination provides a level of responsiveness and visual fluidity that is truly e-sport competition worthy, giving players a distinct advantage in fast-paced scenarios. The iQoo Neo 10 isn’t just about playing games; it’s about dominating them.
iQoo Neo 10 User Experience
The iQoo Neo 10 isn’t just a spec sheet marvel; it translates its powerful hardware into a genuinely excellent user experience across various facets of daily use.
Daily Use
Powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, our daily interactions with the iQoo Neo 10 were consistently smooth and lag-free. From casual web Browse and messaging to endless YouTube binges and even switching between intense gaming sessions, we encountered absolutely no delays or stutters.
The phone felt incredibly responsive in every scenario. Furthermore, the inclusion of IP65 dust and water resistance provided a welcomed layer of assurance, allowing us to use the iQoo Neo 10 with greater peace of mind, knowing it can withstand splashes and dust.
Media Consumption
The 1.5K AMOLED display on the iQoo Neo 10 is truly a treat for media consumption. Watching YouTube videos was a fantastic experience, with vibrant colors and sharp details. Enabling the 144Hz refresh rate for supported content made videos feel incredibly lifelike and fluid, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
However, as noted earlier, the absence of HDR support is a slight drawback. While the display is bright and colorful, users accustomed to HDR content might notice that some videos lack the deep contrast and nuanced highlight/shadow detail they’ve come to expect, resulting in a less “punchy” visual experience in certain scenarios.
Reading on the Phone
For those who spend significant time reading on their devices, the iQoo Neo 10 offers excellent eye protection features. A key highlight is its impressive 4320 Hz PWM dimming. This ultra-high frequency dimming significantly reduces the “strobing” effect often associated with AMOLED screens at lower brightness levels, making it considerably easier on the eyes, especially during prolonged reading sessions.
We spent considerable time engrossed in e-books on apps like Google Play Books and found that we experienced noticeably less eye fatigue compared to other devices. This makes the iQoo Neo 10 a surprisingly comfortable companion for avid readers.
Battery Life
The iQoo Neo 10 truly excels in the battery department, thanks to its massive 7000 mAh battery. This large capacity translates into exceptional longevity. In our PC Mark battery test, conducted at full brightness, the iQoo Neo 10 impressively lasted for 13 hours and 19 minutes.
This astounding result at maximum brightness strongly indicates that under normal usage conditions with typical brightness settings, users can expect even longer hours of uptime, easily getting through a full day, and likely more, on a single charge.
Charging
When it’s time to recharge, the iQoo Neo 10 supports a blazing-fast 120W FlashCharge. According to official figures, this technology can fully charge the phone from 1% to 100% in just 36 minutes, a remarkable speed that minimizes downtime. Adding to its versatility, the large battery capacity also supports 100W 2-way PPS & PD charging.
This means the iQoo Neo 10 can double as a powerful power bank, capable of fast-charging other compatible devices. This feature is a lifesaver in those dire moments when your other gadgets are running low on juice, making the iQoo Neo 10 an even more indispensable daily driver.
iQoo Neo 10 Conclusion: A worthy Gaming phone
The iQoo Neo 10 emerges as a truly remarkable device, especially for its segment. From its stunning sandy gold finish and durable build to the breathtaking 1.5K AMOLED display with its insane brightness and 144Hz refresh rate, every aspect screams premium. While the lack of HDR is a slight oversight, the dedicated Supercomputing Chip Q1, combined with the power of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, delivers an unparalleled gaming experience that truly sets it apart. The thoughtful inclusion of an IR blaster, excellent eye protection features, and an absolute marathon 7000 mAh battery with blazingly fast 120W charging further solidify its position as a highly functional and reliable daily driver.
Starting at an incredibly competitive price of RM1699, the iQoo Neo 10 offers exceptional performance and a feature set that punches well above its weight. It’s a gaming powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on daily usability, offering a smooth, responsive, and enduring experience.
For its outstanding value, groundbreaking gaming performance, and robust feature set, the iQoo Neo 10 comes highly recommended by HelloExpress.net and proudly earns our HelloExpress Silver Award. If you’re a mobile gamer or a power user seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank, the iQoo Neo 10 is undoubtedly the device to beat.
Help support us!
If you are interested in the iQoo Neo 10, we would really appreciate if you purchase it via the links below. The affiliate links won’t cost you any extra, but it will be a great help to keep our lights on here at HelloExpress.
- iQoo Neo 10 (Lazada): https://s.lazada.com.my/s.J9Y4s?cc
- iQoo Neo 10 (Shopee): https://s.shopee.com.my/50NFk3NSz5?share_channel_code=1
iQoo Neo 10
The iQoo Neo 10 is a highly recommended gaming powerhouse offering exceptional value and earning our HelloExpress Silver Award.
Positives
- Exceptional gaming performance
- long-lasting 7000 mAh battery with ultra-fast 120W FlashCharge
- 4320 Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- IR blaster
Negatives
- No HDR support on the AMOLED display
- Camera island looks stick on
