The smartphone market is evolving rapidly, and iQOO continues to surprise tech enthusiasts with powerful, performance-driven devices at competitive prices. With the release of the iQOO Neo 10, many are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the iQOO Neo 9. While both are impressive in their own right, this detailed comparison dives deep into every essential aspect — from display technology to battery life — to help you decide which one truly offers the better deal in 2025.
Design & Build Quality
When it comes to looks and feel in the hand, both phones are fairly close in size. The Neo 9 measures 163.5 x 75.7 x 8 mm and weighs between 190g and 196g, while the Neo 10 is slightly larger at 163.7 x 75.9 x 8.1 mm and weighs 206g. The extra heft in the Neo 10 is primarily due to its much larger battery.
In terms of materials, the Neo 9 features a more minimal design, whereas the Neo 10 embraces a sturdier construction with a glass front, plastic back, and a plastic frame. It’s also rated IP65 for water and dust resistance and even complies with MIL-STD-810H standards, offering additional peace of mind for durability-conscious users — though it’s not a rugged phone per se.
Display Quality and Brightness
Both models sport a large 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a crisp 1260 x 2800 resolution. That gives you sharp visuals with a pixel density of roughly 453 PPI, perfect for media consumption, gaming, or just casual scrolling.
However, the Neo 10 pulls ahead in brightness and smoothness. While the Neo 9 peaks at 1400 nits, the Neo 10 boasts a jaw-dropping 4400 nits of peak brightness — excellent for outdoor visibility. It also introduces 4320Hz PWM dimming, reducing eye strain and flicker, especially for users who spend long hours on their devices. Both support a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, but the Neo 10’s Shield Glass protection adds an extra layer of scratch resistance.
Performance and Software Experience
Under the hood, the Neo 9 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a solid flagship chipset that still holds up extremely well. But the Neo 10 takes it a step further with the newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 — offering more power efficiency, faster multi-core performance, and an upgraded Adreno 825 GPU.
Gamers and multitaskers will notice the boost, especially in thermals and frame consistency. Day-to-day tasks feel slightly faster on the Neo 10, thanks to refined software optimization. Speaking of which, the Neo 9 comes with Android 14 (OriginOS 4), while the Neo 10 runs Android 15 (Funtouch OS 15), with a promise of three major Android upgrades — a definite win for long-term support.
Cameras
In terms of hardware, both devices have a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide. The Neo 9’s primary camera uses a larger 1/1.49″ sensor and supports 8K video recording, whereas the Neo 10 uses a 1/1.95″ sensor limited to 4K. While the Neo 9 has the edge in raw resolution and size, the Neo 10 adds improved software image processing, OIS, and multi-directional PDAF, resulting in better stability and faster focus in real-world shooting.
The front camera is where the Neo 10 makes a notable leap — offering a 32MP selfie camera capable of 4K video. In contrast, the Neo 9 provides a 16MP front shooter with 1080p video, making the Neo 10 a better option for vloggers, video calls, and content creators.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is one area where the iQOO Neo 10 clearly dominates. While the Neo 9 carries a decent 5160 mAh cell, the Neo 10 bumps it up to a whopping 7000 mAh using silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery technology. This means longer screen-on time, less frequent charging, and better energy management.
Both support ultra-fast 120W wired charging, but the Neo 10 adds compatibility with PD and PPS protocols (up to 100W), allowing for broader fast-charging options. It can juice up to 50% in just 15 minutes and reach 100% in 36 minutes — incredibly impressive for such a large battery. You also get “Bypass Charging” on the Neo 10, which is a lifesaver for gamers who want to keep thermals down during intense sessions.
Audio and Speakers
Both phones come equipped with stereo speakers and deliver solid sound quality. The Neo 9 uses a “closed-type” stereo setup, while the Neo 10 features a more open stereo configuration with cleaner mids and a better bass profile. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you’ll need to use wireless or USB-C audio.
Connectivity and Sensors
Connectivity-wise, both models support dual-band Wi-Fi 7 and dual SIM 5G capabilities. Bluetooth sees a minor upgrade on the Neo 10, moving from version 5.3 to 5.4, offering more stable connections and energy-efficient streaming.
Both phones also come with NFC, infrared sensors, and in-display optical fingerprint readers. However, the Neo 10 introduces “Circle to Search,” a Google-powered AI feature that adds a nice software touch for those who enjoy contextual search tools right from the screen.
Pricing and Value
The iQOO Neo 9 launched with a price tag of around €290, making it one of the best value flagships of its time. On the other hand, the Neo 10 is priced at around ₹31,998 (~€350), slightly higher but still undercutting most flagships with similar specs.
When comparing the two, the Neo 9 is still a fantastic choice for performance enthusiasts on a tighter budget. But for users who want more endurance, better selfies, brighter display, and longer software support, the Neo 10 justifies the additional cost.
Head-to-Head Summary
| Category | iQOO Neo 9 | iQOO Neo 10 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| Battery | 5160 mAh | 7000 mAh (Si/C) |
| Display Brightness | 1400 nits | 4400 nits |
| Selfie Camera | 16 MP, 1080p | 32 MP, 4K |
| Charging | 120W (40% in 9 min) | 120W + PD + PPS + Bypass |
| OS Updates | Android 14 | Android 15, 3 OS upgrades |
| Price (Launch) | ~€290 | ₹31,998 (€350) |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the iQOO Neo 9 vs iQOO Neo 10 depends largely on what matters most to you. If you prioritize raw performance and don’t mind slightly older software, the Neo 9 is still a powerhouse — and possibly one of the best bargains of late 2023.
However, the Neo 10 is clearly the more refined device. With its 7000 mAh battery, upgraded Snapdragon chip, improved camera experience, and brighter display, it feels like a genuine next-gen upgrade rather than just an iterative bump. For users stepping into 2025 and wanting future-proof features, the Neo 10 makes a compelling case.
FAQs
Which phone has better performance, iQOO Neo 9 or iQOO Neo 10?
The iQOO Neo 10 outperforms the Neo 9 thanks to its newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, offering smoother multitasking, better thermal control, and a more efficient GPU.
Is the battery life better on the iQOO Neo 10?
Absolutely. The Neo 10 features a massive 7000 mAh silicon-carbon battery, far larger than the 5160 mAh battery in the Neo 9. It lasts longer and charges impressively fast.
Does the iQOO Neo 10 support wireless charging?
No, neither the Neo 9 nor the Neo 10 includes wireless charging. However, both support 120W wired charging, and the Neo 10 adds PD, PPS, and Bypass Charging support.
Is the display brighter on the iQOO Neo 10?
Yes, the Neo 10’s AMOLED display peaks at 4400 nits, making it much brighter than the Neo 9’s 1400-nit display ideal for outdoor use.
Which phone is better for selfies and video calls?
The Neo 10 offers a 32MP front camera capable of 4K video, significantly better than the Neo 9’s 16MP front shooter limited to 1080p.
Do both phones support 5G and Wi-Fi 7?
Yes, both the Neo 9 and Neo 10 support 5G and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring top-tier connectivity and ultra-fast data speeds.
Can I expand the storage on either phone?
No, neither device includes a microSD card slot. You’ll need to choose a storage option that suits your needs upfront.
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