The iQOO Neo10 Pro: A Powerhouse That Plays Hard, Compromises Softly
Let me start by saying this phone feels like someone took a gaming PC, shrunk it into a sleek slab of aluminum and leather, and said, “Here – go live your best mobile life.” But let’s peel back the specs and see what’s actually happening here.
The Screen That Makes You Squint (In a Good Way)
That 6.78” AMOLED isn’t just big – it’s bright. 4,500 nits peak brightness is like carrying a miniature sun in your pocket. I tested it under direct Arizona midday light, and it didn’t just hold up – it mocked lesser displays. The 144Hz refresh? Butter-smooth, though honestly, scrolling through Instagram at 144Hz feels like using a Ferrari to get groceries. But gamers? You’ll appreciate every frame in Genshin Impact.
Here’s the catch: that variable refresh rate (1-144Hz) works best with system apps. Third-party apps sometimes stick to 60Hz like a nervous kid at a pool party. And while the 2160Hz PWM dimming is easy on eyes, I caught minor color shifting at extreme angles. Not dealbreakers, just reality checks.
Performance: Overkill Is Underrated
The Dimensity 9400 chip is an absolute unit. We’re talking 3.2M+ Antutu scores – numbers that would’ve made last year’s flagships blush. In real life? Apps launch before your finger leaves the screen. I stress-tested it with 4K video editing in CapCut while running Discord and Google Maps – zero stutters. The vapor chamber cooling works: after 45 minutes of Honkai: Star Rail, it was warm, not fry-an-egg hot.
But here’s the thing – this raw power comes at a subtle cost. That 206g weight (23g heavier than iPhone 15 Pro) makes one-handed use a wrist workout. The leather-back variant feels premium but picks up denim indigo like it’s trying to be artsy. Tradeoffs, always tradeoffs.
Battery Life: The Marathon Runner
6,100mAh is no joke. With moderate use (2hrs video, socials, light gaming), I consistently got 1.5 days. Push it hard? Still bedtime-ready with 20% left. The 120W charging? 1-100% in 23 minutes flat. I timed it while making espresso – phone was done before my coffee. But no wireless charging stings at this price. Vivo’s reasoning? “Most gamers plug in.” Maybe, but my nightstand disagrees.
Cameras: Competent, Not Revolutionary
The 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor captures crisp daylight shots – leaves on trees have texture, skin tones stay natural. Low-light performance surprised me; that f/1.88 aperture pulls in light like a black hole. But the 50MP ultrawide? Soft edges creep in, and macro shots lack depth. The 16MP selfie cam’s fine for Zoom calls, but TikTok creators might crave more detail.
Video nerds take note: 8K recording exists, but eats storage like cookie monster. 4K/60fps with OIS is where this shines – walking shots stay stable enough to make a gimbal jealous.
The Little Things That Add Up
- Software: OriginOS 5 on Android 15 feels zippy, but the learning curve’s steeper than stock Android. Good news: only 6 pre-installed bloat apps (mostly deletable)
- Audio: Dolby Atmos speakers get loud enough for shower concerts, but bass lacks thump
- Durability: IP64 means it’ll survive rain, not pool parties. The aluminum frame dents easier than I’d like
Who’s This For?
Perfect match if you:
- Need all-day battery with nuclear-fusion charging
- Want flagship performance without flagship prices (starts at €558)
- Don’t mind some software quirks for raw power
Look elsewhere if you:
- Need wireless charging or a featherweight design
- Prioritize camera versatility over speed
- Live in regions without Google Services (it’s missing here)
My Take: The Contender
Using the Neo10 Pro feels like driving a tuned sports car – exhilarating power with some road noise. For €558, you’re getting 90% of a €1,000 phone’s performance. I’d personally rock the 16GB/512GB model (€661) as my daily driver. Why? Because when I’m juggling 15 Chrome tabs while navigating and taking photos, this thing doesn’t break a sweat. Just keep a charger at the office – not for the phone, but for your laptop. This battery could power a small village.
Is it perfect? No. But in a world of incremental upgrades, the Neo10 Pro swings for the fences. And damn if that isn’t refreshing.
