Published: February 28, 2025
Author: reor – Tech Reviewer, SEO Specialist, & Content Creator

The iQOO Neo 10 Pro is here, and it’s a phone that promises a lot—killer design, a massive battery, and flagship-level performance. But after spending some time with it (and digging into its quirks), I’m left with mixed feelings. Is it a standout in the crowded mid-to-premium smartphone market, or does it stumble over its ambitions? In this in-depth review, I’ll break down what shines and what flops and whether the upcoming iQOO Neo 10R (its Indian sibling) can fix these issues. Buckle up—there’s a lot to unpack.

Design: Sleek Looks with a Plastic Twist

Let’s start with the good stuff—the design. The iQOO Neo 10 Pro is a stunner at first glance. It carries forward the brand’s signature aesthetic with a metallic silver stripe running across the back, a trend we’ve seen in the Vivo V series and now trickling down to iQOO. The glass back (exact type unconfirmed—Gorilla Glass, perhaps?) feels premium, and the updated camera module layout is less bulky than its predecessors, reducing that dreaded camera bump. It’s slim, lightweight, and fits comfortably in hand despite packing a monstrous 6,100mAh battery—a feat made possible by silicon-carbon battery tech.

But here’s the catch: the frame is plastic. At a glance, it might fool you into thinking it’s metal, but a closer look (and a scratch test) reveals the truth. No antenna bands confirm it’s not aluminum, which is a bummer at this price point (around ₹33,000-₹35,000). For a phone aiming to compete with the likes of the OnePlus Nord series or Xiaomi 15 Ultra, a metal frame would’ve elevated the in-hand feel. Still, the ergonomic curves and slim profile make it a joy to hold—plastic or not.

Verdict: A design win with a minor compromise. It looks and feels great, but the plastic frame feels like a cost-cutting move.

Battery & Charging: Powerhouse Potential

The 6,100 mAh battery is a highlight. Thanks to silicon-carbon technology (a step up from traditional lithium-ion), iQOO squeezes serious capacity into a thin chassis. Expect 8-10 hours of screen-on time with heavy use—gaming, streaming, and more—without breaking a sweat. Pair that with 120W fast charging, and you’re looking at a full charge in under 30 minutes. In a world where brands like Samsung and Apple lag on charging speeds, this is a 10/10 win.

The downside? The USB-C port is stuck at 2.0 speeds. For a phone in this price range, USB 3.0 should be standard—faster data transfer and future-proofing matter when you’re dropping ₹35,000. It’s a small but noticeable cut corner that stings.

Takeaway: Battery life and charging are stellar, but the USB 2.0 port feels like a relic.

Display: A Visual Treat for Gamers and Binge-Watchers

The 6.78-inch 8T LTPO AMOLED display is a beauty. With a 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ certification, it’s built for immersive experiences. The LTPO tech lets it dynamically switch from 1Hz to 120Hz, saving power during static tasks like reading, while cranking up to 144Hz for buttery-smooth gaming (if the game supports it with frame interpolation). Peak brightness hits 1,800 nits (up to 4,500 nits in HDR bursts), making it a champ indoors and out—deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent viewing angles included.

The bezels are razor-thin, and the tiny punch-hole for the front camera barely intrudes. Add an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor (a big upgrade from iQOO’s older optical sensors), and unlocking is lightning-fast—even with damp fingers. It’s accurate, reliable, and a pleasant surprise compared to the competition.

Highlight: The display is a flagship-grade gem—perfect for movies, games, and everyday scrolling.

Performance: Blazing Fast, Burning Hot

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the Neo 10 Pro is a beast on paper. An AnTuTu score of 2 million proves it can handle anything—PUBG at max settings, Genshin Impact, multitasking—you name it. The 144Hz display shines in supported games, and dual speakers (now louder than ever) deliver immersive audio. Haptics are crisp, rivaling premium phones like Samsung’s Galaxy S series.

But here’s the dealbreaker: thermal management is a disaster. During extended gaming sessions, the phone hits 57-58°C—hot enough to make your hands sweat (or burn, as I’d jokingly say). For context, I haven’t seen temps this high since the ASUS ROG Phone 4 two years ago. iQOO’s usually stellar thermals (think Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in older models) take a nosedive here. Heavy gamers will feel the heat—literally—and it kills the otherwise top-tier performance. Rumor has it the iQOO Neo 10R (India-bound) will suffer the same fate, based on creator feedback.

Pain Point: Why pack this much power if the thermals can’t keep up? It’s a serious flaw that drags the experience down.

Software: FunTouch OS Needs Work

Running Android 15 with FunTouch OS, the Neo 10 Pro offers a snappy interface—until it doesn’t. The optimization feels off this time. Long gaming sessions expose the heat issue, and connecting to Android Auto or other car systems can make the phone lag or hang (a Vivo/iQOO staple, unfortunately). The 144Hz gaming support is there, but the thermal throttling negates its benefits over time. It’s a shame because the hardware is robust—iQOO just didn’t nail the software polish.

Note: The delayed launch (hyped for months) suggests iQOO knew about these issues but couldn’t fully fix them.

Cameras: Decent, Not Dazzling

The camera setup includes dual 50MP rear sensors (main + ultra-wide) and a 16MP front camera. The main shooter performs well—good colors, sharp details, and solid edge detection in portrait mode. It’s passable for a ₹35,000 phone, holding its own in daylight and low light. The ultra-wide, though, disappoints. Details drop off, light flares pop up in tough conditions, and color consistency between the main and ultra-wide lenses is off—think washed-out tones at 0.6x versus punchy hues at 1x.

The 16MP selfie camera is underwhelming. Details are soft, light control is average, and it struggles in mixed lighting. iQOO could’ve done better here, especially with rivals like the Realme GT series offering sharper front cams. The Indian Neo 10R might see tweaks, but don’t expect miracles.

Verdict: Cameras are fine for casual use but lag behind the competition. Optimization is key—and it’s missing.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag with Untapped Potential

The iQOO Neo 10 Pro is a tale of highs and lows. The design is sleek, the battery life is insane, the display is gorgeous, and the raw performance is flagship-worthy. But the plastic frame, USB 2.0 port, subpar thermals, and middling cameras hold it back. At ₹33,000-₹35,000, it’s a capable contender in India’s cutthroat market—think Poco F6 or OnePlus Nord 4—but it’s not the “tabahi” (wrecking ball) iQOO fans hoped for. The upcoming Neo 10R might tweak the formula, but early buzz suggests the heating issue persists.

Fix the thermals and camera optimization, and this could’ve been a knockout. As is, it’s a good phone with serious issues. Are you excited for the Neo 10R? Let me know in the comments!