The iQOO Neo series has carved a niche for itself in the world of smartphones, offering flagship-like performance at a more accessible price point. The latest iteration, the iQOO Neo 9 series, launched in December 2023, raises the bar even higher with two distinct yet equally compelling options: the standard Neo 9 and the Neo 9 Pro. Let’s delve into the details of this powerhouse duo and see if they live up to the hype.
iQOO Neo 9 Series: Key Specs Comparison
| Feature | iQOO Neo 9 | iQOO Neo 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | MediaTek Dimensity 9300 |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide | 50MP main + 13MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5160mAh with 120W HyperCharge | 5160mAh with 120W HyperCharge |
| Operating System | OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 | OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 |
| Starting Price | INR 26,990 (8GB RAM + 128GB storage) | INR 31,990 (8GB RAM + 256GB storage) |
| Color Options | Fighting Black, Nautical Blue, Red and White Soul | Fighting Black, Nautical Blue, Red and White Soul |
iQOO Neo 9 Series vs. Key Competitors
| Feature | iQOO Neo 9 | iQOO Neo 9 Pro | OnePlus 11R | Xiaomi 13 Lite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | MediaTek Dimensity 9300 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 778G Plus |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution | 6.55-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide | 50MP main + 13MP telephoto | 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide + 2MP macro | 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery | 5160mAh with 120W HyperCharge | 5160mAh with 120W HyperCharge | 5000mAh with 80W SUPERVOOC | 4800mAh with 67W Turbo Charge |
| Operating System | OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 | OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 | OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13 | MIUI 14 based on Android 13 |
| Starting Price | INR 26,990 | INR 31,990 | INR 37,999 | INR 25,999 |
iQOO Neo 9: A Snapdragon Speed Demon
The iQOO Neo 9 packs a punch with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, promising blistering performance for both everyday tasks and demanding games. Benchmarks like Geekbench 5 show a 20% improvement in single-core performance and a 30% improvement in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor (Source: https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/snapdragon-8-gen-2-announced.2608491/). This translates to buttery-smooth app switching, effortless multitasking, and smooth gameplay even in graphically intensive titles.
The Neo 9 boasts a vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth visuals. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or tearing through an action game, the display keeps up with your every swipe and tap. Additionally, the 1260 x 2800 QHD+ resolution ensures sharp and crisp visuals, while the 1000 nits peak brightness makes the screen comfortable to use even in bright outdoor conditions.
The camera setup, while not the most ambitious, offers good value for its price point. The 50MP main sensor along with an 8MP ultrawide lens capture detailed shots in most lighting conditions. The 16MP front-facing camera ensures decent selfies and video calls.
iQOO doesn’t skimp on battery life either. The 5160mAh battery coupled with 120W HyperCharge fast charging ensures your phone won’t die out on you during a gaming session or a long day out. A full charge takes just 20 minutes, meaning you’ll never be tethered to a wall outlet for long.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro: Pushing the Boundaries with MediaTek Power
For those seeking even more raw power, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro steps up with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset. This processor rivals the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in performance, offering exceptional performance for both everyday tasks and demanding workloads.
The Neo 9 Pro also features a slightly different camera setup. While it retains the 50MP main sensor, it ditches the ultrawide lens in favor of a 13MP telephoto lens, which opens up possibilities for capturing detailed close-ups or portraits with natural bokeh.
Both variants of the iQOO Neo 9 series run on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14, offering a smooth and user-friendly interface with plenty of customization options.
Pricing and Availability:
The iQOO Neo 9 starts at INR 26,990 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, while the Neo 9 Pro starts at INR 31,990 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant (Source: https://www.smartprix.com/mobiles/iqoo-9-5g-12gb-ram-256gb-ppd1pecezikn). The phones are available in 3 striking color options: Fighting Black, Nautical Blue, and Red and White Soul.
iQOO Neo 9 Series: The Verdict
The iQOO Neo 9 series delivers a compelling proposition for budget-conscious smartphone enthusiasts. With powerful processors, smooth displays, long-lasting batteries, and capable cameras, both the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro offer exceptional value for their price tags. If you’re looking for a smartphone that punches above its weight without breaking the bank, the iQOO Neo 9 series is definitely worth considering.
However, it’s important to consider that the series only launched in December 2023. Long-term reliability and software update support remain to be seen. Additionally, other competitors in the same price range may offer similar features and specs, so comparing options before making a final decision is crucial.
Overall, the iQOO Neo 9 series marks a significant step forward for the brand and sets a high bar for the budget flagship segment. With its combination of power, performance, and affordability, it’s sure to be a hit among smartphone users looking for the best bang for their buck.