iQoo has recently introduced the Neo 6 in India as part of its Neo series, aiming to make a significant impact in the competitive smartphone market under Rs 30,000. Designed with full attention to detail, this device is equipped with the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chip, offers an impressive 80W fast charging feature, and boasts a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display. While these features are indeed eye-catching, do they collectively make the iQoo Neo 6 an unbeatable contender in its category? After my initial positive impressions, it’s time to dive deeper and evaluate if this phone lives up to its hype.

iQoo Neo 6 Price in India

The iQoo Neo 6 comes at a competitive starting price of Rs 29,999 for the model featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. For users seeking more power, there’s a top-end model boasting 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, available at Rs 33,999. This smartphone is available in two attractive colors: Dark Nova and Cyber Rage.

iQoo Neo 6 Design

The iQoo Neo 6 design draws inspiration from its earlier Chinese counterpart, the Neo 6 SE. With its 6.62-inch AMOLED display, a sleek frame, and a weight of just 190g, it feels comfortable to hold. The hole-punch design for the selfie camera, combined with minimal bezels, offers an immersive viewing experience.

iQoo Neo 6

iQoo has thoughtfully integrated an infrared emitter near the secondary microphone, enhancing its usability. The USB Type C port, speaker, and SIM tray can be found at the bottom. The plastic back panel features curved edges for an ergonomic grip. The Dark Nova color presents a stylish gradient finish showcasing dark blue and bright teal, while the Cyber Rage variant is perfect for users who prefer a more vibrant aesthetic.

Specifications and Software

Driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, the iQoo Neo 6 stands out among its competitors, ensuring smooth performance during intensive tasks. The device incorporates a liquid cooling system to manage heat effectively.

The Full HD Plus E4 AMOLED display is HDR10+ certified and delivers vibrant colors with a brightness of 800 nits. Notably, it features a 120Hz refresh rate and a 360Hz touch sampling rate, catering to hardcore gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike. The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers, although it lacks an IP rating.

iQoo Neo 6 Specifications

Connectivity options are comprehensive, with Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi, four 5G bands, and dual-4G VoLTE support. The absence of NFC might be a drawback for some. Powering the device is a beefy 4,700mAh battery, capable of 80W fast charging, and comes with a compatible charger included in the box.

The iQoo Neo 6 runs on Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12. The brand’s commitment to providing two years of Android updates and three years of security updates adds a layer of reassurance for potential buyers. However, it does come with pre-installed bloatware that some users may find intrusive.

Performance and Battery Life

Equipped with a powerful processor, the iQoo Neo 6 delivers seamless performance, positioning it well above the competition. The variant I tested had 12GB RAM, and multitasking was a breeze. With an extended RAM feature allowing up to 4GB of additional storage as RAM, the device handles demanding applications effortlessly.

Enjoying videos on the AMOLED display was a highlight of my experience. The added benefit of stereo speakers enriched the overall viewing experience. The Smart Switch feature maintains a high refresh rate of 120Hz most of the time.

iQoo Neo 6 Performance

The in-display fingerprint scanner proved to be reliable, contributing to a smooth user experience. Benchmarks reflected the phone’s capabilities, with an AnTuTu score of 729,331 points and high ratings in both single- and multi-core performances on Geekbench 5.

Playing graphically demanding games such as Call of Duty: Mobile was a delight, with settings set to Very High graphics and High frame rate; the device performed flawlessly without overheating, thanks to its liquid cooling technology. The battery life exceeded my expectations, lasting over a day and a half with normal use. The 80W fast charger powered the phone to 83% in just 30 minutes, with a full charge achieved within 50 minutes.

Camera Performance

The camera setup on the iQoo Neo 6 is impressive. It features a triple camera array consisting of a 64-megapixel primary lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. Selfie lovers will appreciate the 16-megapixel front camera. The camera app is intuitive and user-friendly, capable of capturing detailed 16-megapixel photos by default, with an option for full resolution.

Daylight Photography

Daylight photography showcases remarkable detail and contrast due to the AI optimization. The ultra-wide sensor matches the primary sensor’s color profile perfectly. The phone adeptly captures close-up shots with a natural bokeh effect using its portrait mode.

Close-Up Photography

In low-light scenarios, the camera excels by keeping the shutter open longer for better clarity and detail. The intelligent night mode automatically activates in very dark conditions.

Low-Light Photography

Selfies benefit from a beautification filter, which can be adjusted or turned off. The overall skin tones appear accurate, and nighttime photography is enhanced by screen flash.

Our Verdict

If you find yourself in the budget range of under Rs 30,000, the iQoo Neo 6 should definitely be at the top of your list. Its robust performance, outstanding features, and commitment to future software updates make it a wise investment. The 8GB base variant offers the best value for money.

Though the bloatware experience could be improved, the overall performance remains commendable. However, keep in mind that low-light video recording could use enhancement. If clean software is a priority, alternatives like the Motorola Edge 30 may attract your interest. If top-tier performance is your goal, the Mi 11X and OnePlus Nord 2 are commendable competitors within the same price bracket.

Feature iQoo Neo 6
Price Rs 29,999 (8GB/128GB), Rs 33,999 (12GB/256GB)
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
Display 6.62-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery 4,700mAh with 80W fast charging
Camera 64MP + 8MP + 2MP rear, 16MP front
OS Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12
Weight 190g