iQOO Neo 10R Review After 1 Week: Best Phone Under ₹27,000 in 2025?
Namaste, tech enthusiasts! I’m your resident mobile review expert from India, and today, I’m breaking down the iQOO Neo 10R after using it as my daily driver for a full week. Priced at ₹25,000 (128GB variant with offers) or ₹27,000 (256GB), this phone packs a punch—Snapdragon power, a massive battery, and a sleek design. But is it worth your money in 2025? I’ve tested it in real-world scenarios—gaming, photography, outdoor use—to give you the full scoop. Whether you’re a gamer, a multitasker, or just hunting for value, this review has you covered. Let’s dive in!

Pricing & Variants: What You Get
- 128GB (UFS 3.0): ₹25,000 (with ₹2,000 card discount from ₹27,000).
- 256GB (UFS 3.1): ₹27,000 (with discount from ₹29,000).
Expert Tip: Spend the extra ₹2,000 for the 256GB UFS 3.1 variant—faster app loading and better future-proofing.
Design & Build: Slim Yet Tough
First Impressions:
- Design: Slim form factor with a 6400mAh battery—impressive engineering! The Titanium color (my unit) offers a minimal, aesthetic vibe; the Blue variant screams gaming aggression.
- In-Hand Feel: Lightweight, grippy, and comfy—no edge issues despite the big battery.
- Durability: I dropped it once—no dents, just minor color fade and scratches on the pre-applied screen guard. Hardcore use without a case? It held up like a champ!
- Unique Touch: In sunlight, the back reflects a 3D moon-like embossed effect (Titanium only).
Verdict: Sleek, durable, and stylish—perfect for those who value looks and practicality.
Display: A Visual Treat
Specs: 6.7-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 10-bit color, 144Hz refresh rate.
- Brightness: Auto-brightness nails it—even in harsh sunlight, colors pop, and visibility stays top-notch. No brightness drop during heavy tasks!
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz across the UI, 144Hz for gaming/benchmark apps (e.g., Geekbench, AnTuTu). Smart switching optimizes battery.
- Tweaks: Adjust the 60:40 split (via Accessibility settings) to 50:50 for balance. Bright Mode + Visual Enhancement = stunning YouTube/Netflix playback.
- Touch: No mis-touches in pockets or gaming—spot-on accuracy.
Experience Note: After a week of 1.5K gaming and scrolling, it’s a delight—no complaints!
Performance: Power Meets Stability
Specs: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, LPDDR5 RAM, UFS 3.0/3.1 storage.
- Benchmarks: ~1.45 million on AnTuTu (real-world), though brands claim 1.7M in controlled setups.
- Daily Use: 10-12 apps (light + heavy) in the background? RAM management shines—no reloads. Apps open lightning-fast, thanks to UFS storage.
- Gaming:
- BGMI: 90 FPS in TDM is smooth; 120 FPS (unlocked) fluctuates in heavy modes but works well with Monster Mode on.
- COD, Genshin Impact: Solid performance, no lag.
- No game frame interpolation (missing secondary chip), but not a dealbreaker.
Verdict: A performance beast for ₹27,000—90 FPS gaming is its sweet spot.
Battery: A Two-Day Champ
Specs: 6400mAh, 80W charging (charger included).
- Screen-On Time: 10 hours 12 minutes at 12% (1.5K, high refresh)—insane longevity! Expect 6-7+ hours with BGMI gaming.
- Charging: 0-100% in under an hour—fast for such a big battery.
- Idle Drain: 2-3% overnight on 5G—negligible.
- Real-World: Heavy use (gaming, scrolling)? 1.5 days. Light use? Easily 2 days.
Experience Note: I pushed it hard—still had juice left after a day of chaos!
Thermal Management: Cool Under Pressure
- Test: 1 hour of 90 FPS gaming—temps stayed below 39°C (front/back). Even with charging + gaming, no overheating (unlike rivals hitting 48°C).
- Tech: Vapor chamber cooling keeps thermals in check—stable and reliable.
Verdict: Heating? Yes. Overheating? Nope. A win for gamers!
Software: Clean & Snappy
Specs: Funtouch OS (Android 15), 3 years OS updates, 4 years security patches.
- Experience: Fast, responsive UI with smooth animations. Preloaded apps? Removed easily—no bloatware hassle.
- Features: Circle to Search and AI Eraser work flawlessly—great for quick edits. Haptics? Typing feels premium.
- Future-Proofing: iQOO’s update promise adds value.
Verdict: A polished software experience with room for AI upgrades.
Cameras: Solid, Not Stellar
Specs: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 32MP selfie.
- Main: Daylight shots are crisp; portraits (1x, 2x) nail edge detection and colors. Low-light portraits impress too.
- Ultra-Wide: Decent in daylight, soft in low light—typical 8MP limits.
- Selfie: Sharp details, good skin tones (day/night), solid portrait output. Slight software softening—some love it, some don’t.
- Video: 4K 60 FPS (main), 4K 30 FPS (front)—smooth, no lens-switching glitches.
Experience Note: At ₹27,000, it’s a strong camera setup—rivals Poco F6 here.
Connectivity & Audio: No Compromises
- 5G/Wi-Fi: Rock-solid signal, minimal battery drain (4% during calls).
- Audio: Loud earpiece + speaker combo—clear calls and media. No 3.5mm jack (use a ₹250 USB-C converter).
Verdict: Connectivity and sound are sorted—zero issues.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Massive 6400mAh battery with great backup.
- Stunning 1.5K 144Hz display.
- Strong gaming performance (90 FPS).
- Sleek design, solid build.
- No overheating woes.
Cons:
- UFS 3.0 in base variant (slower than 3.1).
- Ultra-wide camera lacks detail.
- No 3.5mm jack.
Conclusion: Is the iQOO Neo 10R Worth It?
After a week of rugged use, the iQOO Neo 10R is a near-perfect package under ₹27,000. Its battery life, display, and gaming chops blow rivals like Poco F6 and Realme GT 6T out of the water. I’ve dropped it, gamed hard, and pushed its limits—it’s a tank! The 256GB UFS 3.1 variant at ₹27,000 is my pick for the best value. Gamers, multitaskers, or battery buffs—this is your phone. Camera-focused? It’s good, not great. At this price, it’s a steal in 2025’s budget segment.
What do you think—iQOO Neo 10R or something else? Drop your thoughts below! Liked this review? Share it with your crew. More tests coming—stay tuned!