The iQoo Neo 6: A Powerful Contender in the Sub-Rs. 30,000 Segment?
iQoo has made a bold play in the competitive sub-Rs. 30,000 smartphone market with the Neo 6, a device armed with powerful hardware like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC and boasting features such as 80W fast charging and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Such speedy charging, especially, is a rarity in this price bracket. But is the iQoo Neo 6 truly a champion, or does it fall short in some areas? My initial impressions were positive, but only a thorough review can truly answer this question.
iQoo Neo 6 Price in India
The iQoo Neo 6 is priced at Rs. 29,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The higher variant, with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (the one I tested), is priced at Rs. 33,999. Both versions are offered in two color choices: Dark Nova and Cyber Rage.
iQoo Neo 6 Design
The iQoo Neo 6 is a rebranded iQoo Neo 6 SE, originally launched in China earlier this year. While it’s a large smartphone weighing in at 190g, it features a 6.62-inch AMOLED display with a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. Thin bezels surround the screen, and the plastic frame is flattened at the top and bottom.
iQoo has included an IR (infrared) emitter on the Neo 6, nestled next to the secondary microphone at the top. The bottom edge houses a USB Type-C port, speaker, and SIM tray slot. The back panel, also made of plastic, sports curved sides, providing comfortable grip. The narrow right side of the frame sports slim power and volume buttons.
The Dark Nova trim of the iQoo Neo 6 exudes a classy aesthetic, featuring a gradient finish with blended shades of dark blue and bright teal. The Cyber Rage option caters to those who prefer a bolder look. A noteworthy design element is the two-step camera module, prominently displaying the "Neo" branding.
In the box, iQoo includes a transparent case, which is a welcome addition given the matte finish of the back panel that helps combat fingerprints. A USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio adapter also comes bundled.
iQoo Neo 6 Specifications and Software
Driving the iQoo Neo 6 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, a top contender in this price range. Its direct rival, the Mi 11X, also utilizes the same powerful chipset. iQoo claims to have implemented a liquid cooling system for optimal thermal management.
The Neo 6 flaunts a full-HD+ E4 AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. The 360Hz touch sampling rate, which can peak to 1,200Hz in certain games, makes for a responsive and smooth touch experience. The panel is also HDR10+ certified and features an impressive 800 nits brightness. Adding to the multimedia enjoyment, iQoo has equipped the Neo 6 with stereo speakers. However, it misses out on an IP rating, which is a slight drawback.
Connectivity-wise, the device supports Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi, four 5G bands, dual-4G VoLTE, and five satellite navigation systems. Unfortunately, NFC is absent. Powering the Neo 6 is a 4,700mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. A compatible charger is bundled in the box.
From a software perspective, the iQoo Neo 6 runs Funtouch OS 12 built on top of Android 12. iQoo promises two years of Android OS updates and three years of security updates. The UI closely resembles the Vivo X80, also running Funtouch OS 12. However, similar to the Vivo X80, the Neo 6 comes pre-loaded with a fair amount of bloatware. While most of these apps are removable, they eat into storage space. The browser app, in particular, was a nuisance with incessant unwanted notifications.
iQoo Neo 6 Performance and Battery Life
Leveraging its powerful SoC, the iQoo Neo 6 delivers robust and consistent performance with no signs of lag. The 12GB variant, which I tested, effortlessly handled multitasking, allowing me to switch between various apps and games without any hiccups. iQoo’s extended RAM feature allows for 4GB of system storage to be allocated as virtual RAM, further enhancing performance.
Visuals come to life on the vibrant AMOLED display, making video playback a captivating experience. The stereo speakers complement the immersive viewing experience. The high refresh rate transforms scrolling through apps and menus into a buttery-smooth process. The Neo 6, by default, uses Smart Switch to dynamically adjust the refresh rate, which primarily maintains the 120Hz refresh rate.
iQoo Neo 6 Cameras
The iQoo Neo 6 boasts a triple camera setup, comprised of:
- 64-megapixel primary with OIS
- 8-megapixel ultra-wide with 116-degree field of view
- 2-megapixel macro
For selfies, it features a 16-megapixel camera. The camera app is user-friendly and visually similar to the Vivo X80, missing only the Zeiss features. The primary camera, by default, pixel-bins images to 16-megapixels, but full resolution shooting is achievable.
Daylight landscape photos captured with the primary camera exhibited excellent detail, with distant objects easily recognizable. Text on distant buildings was also legible. The AI scene optimisation option, while occasionally enhancing contrast, can sometimes be overzealous. The ultra-wide-angle camera offers a wider perspective and maintains a color profile close to the primary camera. However, the output exhibits distortion around the edges.
Close-up photos were sharp and remarkably captured fine detail. The iQoo Neo 6 produced a soft, natural bokeh effect between the subject and the background. Portrait mode shots displayed good edge detection. The macro camera excelled at capturing extreme close-ups. However, the output was somewhat limited by the sensor’s resolution.
In low light, the iQoo Neo 6 swiftly identified the scene and automatically increased exposure time for more detail. The phone also intelligently switches to Night mode in exceptionally dark environments, revealing brighter images and enhanced shadow details.
Selfies captured with the iQoo Neo 6 utilized the full resolution of the sensor. The app automatically applies beautification, which can be adjusted or turned off altogether. Daylight selfies showcased accurate skin tones. In low light, the phone automatically turned on screen flash, resulting in improved image quality. Portrait mode selfies demonstrated impressive edge detection, with the blur intensity adjustable before capturing.
Video recording capabilities include 4K 60fps for both the primary rear camera and the selfie camera, which is a commendable feature. Daytime footage exhibited excellent stabilization, while low-light footage displayed some noticeable shimmer during movement. The camera app also features a dual-video mode allowing simultaneous recording with the primary and selfie cameras.
Verdict
For those seeking a smartphone within the Rs. 30,000 budget, the iQoo Neo 6 is a compelling contender. Boasting exceptional performance from its high-end Qualcomm SoC, outstanding battery life, and incredibly fast charging, it delivers a compelling package. The promise of guaranteed Android OS and security updates adds to its long-term appeal. In my opinion, the base variant offers better value than the 12GB version.
While the iQoo Neo 6 shines in many areas, preinstalled bloatware remains a concern. And those prioritizing video recording performance should be aware that the iQoo Neo 6 struggles with low-light video.
If clean software is a priority, consider the recently launched Motorola Edge 30. However, for those who prioritize performance without compromise, the Mi 11X and OnePlus Nord 2 are noteworthy alternatives in the same price bracket.
