The mid-range smartphone segment in India is a battleground where brands like iQOO, OnePlus, and POCO fight for dominance. With the iQOO Neo 10 priced at Rs 31,999 and the iQOO Neo 10R starting at Rs 26,998, both phones target gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts who want high performance without breaking the bank. But subtle differences in their processors, batteries, cameras, and AI features could sway your decision.
we’ll break down every aspect of these devices—performance, design, battery life, cameras, and more. We’ll also sprinkle in expert insights, real-world use cases, and research-backed data to ensure you’re armed with all the info you need. Whether you’re a mobile gamer, a photography buff, or just someone looking for a reliable daily driver, this comparison will guide you to the perfect pick.
iQOO Neo 10 vs. iQOO Neo 10R: Price in India
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the elephant in the room: price. The iQOO Neo 10R is the more affordable option, with its base model (8GB RAM + 128GB storage) retailing at Rs 26,998. The mid-tier 8GB + 256GB variant costs Rs 28,999, while the top-end 12GB + 256GB model is priced at Rs 30,999. These prices make it a direct competitor to devices like the POCO X7 Pro and OnePlus Nord 4.
The iQOO Neo 10, on the other hand, starts at Rs 31,999 for the 8GB + 256GB configuration, with reports suggesting a potential 12GB + 256GB variant priced around Rs 33,999. This positions it closer to premium mid-rangers like the Realme GT 7.
Verdict on Price: The Neo 10R is the budget-friendly choice, but the Neo 10’s higher price tag comes with upgrades that might justify the cost for power users. Let’s see how the specs stack up.
Performance: Snapdragon Showdown
iQOO Neo 10: The Powerhouse with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
At the heart of the iQOO Neo 10 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, a 4nm chip clocked at up to 3.2GHz. This is a step up from the Neo 10R’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, offering a slight performance boost in CPU and GPU tasks. Paired with the Adreno 825 GPU and the exclusive Q1 Supercomputing Chip, the Neo 10 is built for gamers who crave smooth frame rates in titles like BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact.
The Neo 10 also supports LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, which is faster than the standard LPDDR5X in the Neo 10R. This translates to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking. In benchmark tests, the Neo 10 scores around 2 million on AnTuTu, with superior Vulkan and OpenCL scores for graphical prowess. For context, this is roughly 15-20% higher than the Neo 10R’s score of approximately 1.7 million.
iQOO Neo 10R: Still a Performance Beast
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Neo 10R, clocked at 3GHz, is no slouch. Built on a 4nm TSMC process, it handles demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to video editing. Paired with the Adreno 735 GPU, it delivers stable 90fps gaming in supported titles and features a 6043mm² vapor cooling chamber to keep thermals in check during long sessions.
The Neo 10R also offers up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring snappy performance. While it lacks the Q1 chip, it compensates with gaming-centric features like a 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate, Monster Mode, and bypass charging to reduce battery wear during gaming.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | iQOO Neo 10 | iQOO Neo 10R |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (3.2GHz) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (3GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 825 | Adreno 735 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X Ultra | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB UFS 4.1 | 128GB/256GB UFS 4.1 |
| AnTuTu Score | ~2 million | ~1.7 million |
| Gaming Features | Q1 Chip, 3000Hz touch sampling | 2000Hz touch sampling, Monster Mode |
Verdict on Performance: The Neo 10’s newer chip and Q1 Supercomputing Chip give it an edge for hardcore gamers and power users. However, the Neo 10R’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is more than capable for most users, especially at its lower price point.
Battery and Charging: Who Lasts Longer?
iQOO Neo 10: Bigger Battery, Faster Charging
The iQOO Neo 10 boasts a massive 7000mAh Silicon BlueVolt battery, the largest in the Neo series to date. This capacity ensures up to 1.5 days of moderate usage, making it ideal for heavy users. Paired with 120W Flash Charging, it can hit 50% in just 15 minutes. The Neo 10 also supports 7.5W reverse charging, handy for topping up accessories like TWS earbuds.
iQOO Neo 10R: Respectable but Outclassed
The Neo 10R comes with a 6400mAh battery, which is still impressive for its class. It supports 80W Flash Charging, which is fast but noticeably slower than the Neo 10. Like its sibling, it offers 7.5W reverse charging and bypass charging to preserve battery health during gaming. In real-world tests, the Neo 10R delivers around 16 hours of battery life under heavy use, compared to the Neo 10’s 15-16 hours despite its larger capacity, likely due to the more power-hungry processor.
Battery Comparison
| Feature | iQOO Neo 10 | iQOO Neo 10R |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 7000mAh | 6400mAh |
| Charging Speed | 120W Flash Charging | 80W Flash Charging |
| Reverse Charging | 7.5W | 7.5W |
| Battery Life | ~15-16 hours (heavy use) | ~16 hours (heavy use) |
Verdict on Battery: The Neo 10’s larger battery and faster charging make it the better choice for users who prioritize longevity and quick top-ups. The Neo 10R is still excellent but falls short in this department.
Design and Display: Style Meets Substance
Design: Similar Yet Distinct
Both phones share a sleek, modern design with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, flat edges, and a punch-hole selfie camera. The Neo 10R weighs 196g and measures 7.98mm in thickness, while the Neo 10 is slightly heavier at 206g and 8.09mm thick.
The Neo 10R sports a polycarbonate frame and back with a dual-tone finish in Raging Blue and MoonKnight Titanium. The Neo 10, however, introduces a vibrant Rally Orange and Chi Guang White alongside Black Shadow, with a similar plastic frame but a more premium feel. Both phones carry an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability against splashes and dust.
Display: Brightness Matters
Both devices feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1260×2800 resolution. They support HDR10+ and have a 93.4% screen-to-body ratio, making them ideal for gaming and media consumption.
The key difference lies in brightness. The Neo 10 reaches a 5500 nits peak brightness, outshining the Neo 10R’s 4500 nits. This makes the Neo 10 better for outdoor visibility. Additionally, the Neo 10’s 4320Hz PWM dimming reduces eye strain compared to the Neo 10R’s 3840Hz PWM dimming.
Design and Display Comparison
| Feature | iQOO Neo 10 | iQOO Neo 10R |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz |
| Brightness | 5500 nits | 4500 nits |
| Weight | 206g | 196g |
| Thickness | 8.09mm | 7.98mm |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP65 |
Verdict on Design and Display: The Neo 10’s brighter display and premium color options give it a slight edge, but both phones offer stunning visuals and robust builds.
Cameras: Capturing the Moment
Rear Cameras: Nearly Identical
Both the Neo 10 and Neo 10R feature a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. They support 4K 60fps video recording with gyro-EIS for stable footage.
Meet Rahul Sinha, the driving force behind VitaKita.com. An engineer by profession and a blogger by passion, he has over three years of experience writing technology-related articles, including tips and tricks. With a deep love for exploring the digital world, Rahul brings valuable insights to help readers stay ahead in the tech space.
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