Review of iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G: A Value Proposition

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G has entered the smartphone arena with a bang, boasting an eye-catching design, a vibrant 144Hz display, flagship-grade cameras, and seamless performance. For those considering an upgrade, this device is certainly worth a closer look. Here’s a concise review of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G in 5 key points.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G Hits the Indian Market

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G made its debut in India on February 22, with prices ranging from Rs 35,999 to Rs 36,999 for the 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage model. Following our extensive testing period of over two weeks, the Neo 9 Pro 5G has emerged as a standout performer. Considering its impressive specifications, value proposition, and competitive pricing, it offers a compelling package that provides excellent value for money. Here are the key highlights of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G.

Key Points of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G:

1. Design & Display:
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G boasts an impressive design that strikes a balance between sporty and playful. The hero design variant features a striking red and white color scheme, with a thin white strip on the left side of the rear panel where the dual cameras are vertically aligned. The Neo branding adds a touch of sophistication. Alternatively, an all-black variant is available for those seeking a more understated look.

In terms of form factor, the phone is sleek and lightweight, particularly the red variant which offers a comfortable grip. The vegan leather finish on the red and white model enhances the tactile feel. The 6.7-inch display is a standout feature, offering a bright and responsive 144Hz display. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, the screen remains legible even in direct sunlight. The high refresh rate ensures smooth interactions, complemented by the in-display fingerprint sensor. Wet Touch technology further enhances usability by allowing the screen to register touches even with wet hands.

2. Camera Performance:
The camera performance of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G presents a mixed bag. In well-lit conditions, the device excels, producing vibrant and detailed daytime portraits. However, in low-light environments, there is a noticeable loss of detail and increased noise in nighttime shots. Portrait mode, while effective in good lighting, can sometimes result in high-contrast images with uneven background blur.

Zoom capabilities are somewhat limited, with 30X zoom images lacking in detail. However, at 10X zoom, the device maintains good detail and color accuracy. Despite these limitations, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G performs admirably in capturing outdoor scenes, even in low-light conditions with sufficient lighting.

3. Battery Life:
Equipped with a slightly above-average 5,100 mAh battery, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G typically lasts a day with regular usage. However, the standout feature is the device’s 120W fast charging support, allowing for a half-full battery to be recharged in approximately 15 minutes. This rapid charging capability effectively extends the device’s battery life and ensures quick recharges on the go.

4. Performance:
Driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G delivers solid performance across the board. In our extensive testing, which included moderate to heavy multitasking, the device exhibited no signs of lag or slowdown. It remained responsive and efficient, handling multiple tasks with ease. Gaming performance was also put to the test with titles like Asphalt 9 and COD: Mobile. While Asphalt 9 did not lead to any noticeable heating, minor heating was observed after extended gameplay of COD: Mobile. However, this was mitigated by the back panel material. Overall, the device impresses with its performance in various applications and gaming scenarios.

5. Verdict:
The 12 GB RAM variant of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G stands out as an impressive offering. While it may seem like an abundance of praise, the device truly lives up to its claims. It delivers snappy performance, a reliable camera system, commendable battery life, a highly responsive display, and an enjoyable gaming experience. Priced starting at Rs 35,999, and our specific variant available for Rs 39,999 (but with discounts bringing it down to Rs 36,999), it presents exceptional value for a smartphone of this caliber. Unless your primary focus is on camera-centric features in this price range, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G emerges as an outstanding choice for everyday use, social media photography, and gaming enthusiasts, all without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G is a smartphone that offers a comprehensive package of design, display, camera, battery, and performance, making it a compelling option for those looking for a capable and feature-rich device.