The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is a powerful new addition to the iQoo Neo series in India, vying for a spot among the best smartphones under Rs. 40,000. Boasting a flagship-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 120W fast charging, and a triple-camera setup headlined by a 50MP Samsung GN5 sensor, the Neo 7 Pro 5G promises an impressive user experience. But does it live up to the hype? While a full review is in the works, our first impressions of this phone offer an intriguing glimpse into what makes it stand out.
First Impressions: A Closer Look at the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G
Design and Display
From the get-go, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G shines with its sleek design. Two distinct color options are available: Fearless Flame with a faux-leather back and the Dark Storm version featuring an AG Glass finish. The Fearless Flame variant, weighing in at a lighter 194.5g, offers a comfortable grip thanks to its curved, textured rear panel and frame. The Dark Storm, however, tips the scales at a slightly heavier 200g, but still maintains a premium feel.
Unlike its competitor, the OnePlus 11R, which boasts a curved AMOLED display, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G opts for a flat screen with a centered hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. This display is a real head-turner, supporting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a sharp full-HD+ resolution (2400×1080 pixels). iQoo goes the extra mile with a 300Hz touch sampling rate and a rapid 1,200Hz "instant" touch sampling rate, enhancing responsiveness for a seamless user experience. The company also claims an impressive peak brightness of up to 1,300 nits, which translates to excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Performance and Software
The power behind the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is undoubtedly its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. This flagship-grade processor promises exceptional performance, and iQoo confidently claims strong benchmark scores. Our full review will delve deeper into these claims, but initial impressions point to fluid multitasking and a responsive gaming experience.
The Neo 7 Pro 5G takes advantage of a dedicated gaming chip, which enables features like framerate interpolation in compatible apps. This enhancement smooths out gameplay visuals, adding an extra layer to the already impressive performance capabilities.
Software-wise, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G runs Android 13 with the company’s Funtouch OS 13 overlay. While the user interface is generally user-friendly, there are some pre-installed third-party apps that users might need to remove. Thankfully, the phone boasts dual speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and support for both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing a comprehensive and modern package.
Camera and Battery Life
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Neo 7 Pro 5G’s impressive triple-camera setup. Leading the charge is a 50MP Samsung GN5 primary sensor with an f/1.88 aperture, capable of capturing stunning detail and vibrant colors. Complementing the main camera is an 8MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, perfect for expanding your view, and a 2MP macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture for close-up shots.
The camera system is quite versatile, supporting up to 4K video recording at 60fps and offering a range of features. iQoo has thrown in Bokeh Portrait video, Dual-view video, Horizon Correction, Super Night video, and more. Selfies are handled by a 16MP front camera, catering to those looking to capture their best angles.
When it comes to battery life, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G packs a generous 5,000mAh battery and supports speedy 120W fast charging. A bundled charger ensures you can quickly top off the device, eliminating any battery anxiety.
Comparison with Competitors
The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is set to face stiff competition from other popular models in the under Rs. 40,000 segment. The OnePlus 11R is a direct rival, offering a powerful chipset, a curved AMOLED display, and fast charging. However, the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G stands out with its dedicated gaming chip, a unique faux-leather back finish, and the impressive 50MP Samsung GN5 sensor.
Another significant competitor is the Vivo V27 Pro. While it features a stylish design, a high refresh-rate display, and strong performance, it comes with a slightly less powerful processor and lacks the impressive fast charging capabilities of the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G.
Conclusion: Early Impressions and What’s Next
The iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G is a dynamic and capable smartphone that is positioned to be a strong contender in the under Rs. 40,000 segment. It delivers a compelling blend of powerful performance, a beautiful display, exceptional charging speeds, and a competent camera system.
While these first impressions are promising, our full review will delve deeper into the iQoo Neo 7 Pro 5G’s performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and software experience. Stay tuned for our comprehensive assessment, which will provide a detailed look at this phone’s strengths and weaknesses and determine if it truly deserves a spot among the best in its class.
