The iQoo Neo 6 marks the arrival of the popular Neo series in India, boasting a tempting mix of performance, aesthetics, and features. Positioned squarely in the competitive sub-₹30,000 price range, the Neo 6 goes head-to-head with established players like the Xiaomi Mi 11X, OnePlus Nord 2, and Motorola Edge 30. Notably, this device is a rebranded version of the iQoo Neo 6 SE already available in China, with a few key differences. Priced starting at ₹29,999 for the 8GB RAM/ 128GB storage variant, the Neo 6 aims to attract a wider audience with its appealing price point and powerful specs. Let’s delve deeper into the intriguing world of the iQoo Neo 6, exploring its key features, design, and software to see if it lives up to the hype.
A Look at the Hardware
The iQoo Neo 6 boasts a robust hardware configuration that is sure to excite performance enthusiasts. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, a capable chip seen in other premium smartphones in its price range, including the Xiaomi Mi 11X. While the Chinese variant of the Neo 6 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, the Indian version, likely to keep its price competitive, opts for the Snapdragon 870. This decision could be a strategic move by iQoo to entice a broader range of buyers.
The iQoo Neo 6 is far from a bulky device, despite its 190g weight. The curved sides contribute to its comfortable grip, ensuring a pleasant user experience. The phone flaunts a spacious 6.62-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a discreet punch-hole cutout for the 16-megapixel selfie camera. The thin bezels surrounding the display enhance its immersive quality, although the chin is a tad thicker. Further enhancing the display experience are features like HDR10+ support, a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. For gaming enthusiasts, the display offers a 360Hz touch sampling rate, boosting responsiveness in certain games, like Call of Duty: Mobile, up to 1,200Hz.
Beyond the Display
Beyond the primary display, the iQoo Neo 6 exhibits a thoughtfully designed layout. Interestingly, iQoo has included an Infrared (IR) emitter alongside the secondary microphone at the top of the device. The bottom houses a multi-functional setup, including a SIM tray, the primary microphone, speaker, and a USB Type-C port. The device’s sides are sleek; the power and volume buttons are strategically positioned on the right side.
The iQoo Neo 6 boasts a triple rear camera setup, comprised of a potent 64-megapixel primary camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The camera module stands out due to its two-step design and prominently displays the Neo logo. The Dark Nova color variant, with its captivating gradient pattern, transforms visually based on the viewing angle, adding a touch of flair.
The iQoo Neo 6 provides ample power with its 4,700mAh battery that supports speedy 80W fast charging. The device comes bundled with the compatible charger, offering users a convenient charging solution. The Neo 6 further enhances its connectivity with features including Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi, support for four 5G bands, and 4G VoLTE. Although the phone comes with two nano-SIM slots, storage expansion is not supported. For users who prefer extensive local storage, the 12GB RAM/ 256GB storage variant could be a more suitable option.
Navigating Software
In terms of software, the iQoo Neo 6 runs Funtouch OS 12, layered over Android 12. Users can look forward to receiving two years of Android OS updates and three years of security updates, a welcome commitment from iQoo. The phone arrived with the April 2022 Android security patch at the time of this review. While the UI is packed with pre-installed bloatware apps, most can be removed to reclaim storage space. Users will find the UI familiar, mirroring what is found on recent Vivo smartphones, known for its user-friendly interface.
Performance and Battery
The Neo 6 promises smooth and powerful performance thanks to its Snapdragon 870 processor. Benchmark scores for the device are impressive, indicating its ability to handle demanding tasks and deliver a smooth gaming experience. In day-to-day use, the phone feels snappy and responsive, seamlessly switching between apps and navigating through menus. The 120Hz refresh rate of the AMOLED display provides an incredibly smooth visual experience, especially when scrolling through content or playing games.
The Neo 6’s battery life is commendable, easily lasting for a full day of moderate usage. With its 80W fast charging, a mere 15 minutes of charge can provide a significant amount of battery life, making it an ideal choice for users who are always on the go.
Camera Prowess
The iQoo Neo 6’s camera system delivers a good overall performance, capturing sharp and detailed images in daylight conditions. The OIS on the primary camera helps to stabilize shots, making it easier to take clear pictures in low lighting. The ultra-wide-angle camera is a valuable addition, allowing for wider perspectives and perfect for capturing landscapes. The macro camera, while not as versatile as the other two cameras, can provide decent close-up shots for specific scenarios.
The Neo 6 performs admirably in video recording, capturing footage at a smooth 4K resolution with HDR support. The OIS ensures stable footage, even when recording while walking or moving. The video recording experience is enhanced by features like Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and slow-motion recording, allowing for creative videography.
The Verdict
The iQoo Neo 6 is a strong contender in the sub-₹30,000 price segment. It offers a solid combination of features that will appeal to both gaming enthusiasts and users looking for a well-rounded smartphone experience. The Snapdragon 870 processor ensures powerful performance, the 120Hz AMOLED display delivers a smooth visual experience, and the camera system is capable of capturing well-detailed photos and videos. The 80W fast charging is a fantastic addition, making it easy to top up the battery.
However, the Neo 6 does face some challenges. The use of plastic for the back panel is a departure from the premium feel of its competitors. Similarly, the presence of bloatware and the lack of expandable storage could be a drawback for some users.
Overall, the iQoo Neo 6 delivers a compelling package: good value for money, impressive performance, and a comfortable user experience. While some might find certain aspects of its design or software lacking, the Neo 6 undoubtedly offers a robust and engaging experience, solidifying its position as a competitive contender in the mid-range smartphone arena.
