When two smartphones from the same brand land in close succession, choosing the right one can be confusing—especially when they’re priced close to each other. The iQOO Neo 10 and Neo 10R offer distinct advantages, and while the Neo 10 commands a higher price, the Neo 10R still holds strong value. But is the Neo 10 always the better choice? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to find out.

Key Differences at a Glance

iQOO Neo 10 Price (India): Starts at Rs 31,999

iQOO Neo 10R Price (India): Starts at Rs 26,999

Neo 10 Chipset: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (first in India)

Neo 10R Chipset: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Neo 10 Battery: 7,000mAh with 120W fast charging

Neo 10R Battery: 6,400mAh with 80W fast charging

Design and Build

Both the Neo 10 and Neo 10R share a similar design DNA, with square camera modules and a sleek finish. The Neo 10 features a more distinctive ring flash, while the Neo 10R keeps it simple with a regular LED flash. Color options are unique to each model:

Neo 10: Titanium Chrome, Inferno Red (dual-tone look)

Neo 10R: MoonKnight Titanium, Raging Blue

In hand-feel, the Neo 10 is slightly heavier at 206g versus the Neo 10R’s 196g. Both phones use plastic frames and backs and offer comparable thickness. Though aesthetically similar, the Neo 10 feels more premium and robust.

Display Comparison

Size: 6.78-inch AMOLED panel on both

Resolution: 1.5K

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Brightness:

Neo 10: 5,500 nits (peak), 2,000 nits HBM

Neo 10R: 4,500 nits (peak), 1,800 nits HBM

PWM Dimming:

Neo 10: 4,320Hz

Neo 10R: 3,820Hz

Although the differences are subtle, the Neo 10 offers superior display performance, especially in outdoor and low-light environments.

Performance & Hardware

Here lies the biggest difference:

Neo 10: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset

Neo 10R: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset

While both phones offer UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X RAM (except in base variants, which have UFS 3.1), the Neo 10 delivers a clear edge in flagship-level performance. It even offers a top-tier 16GB RAM + 512GB storage option. The Neo 10R still holds up well for gaming and multitasking but doesn’t quite match the newer chipset’s prowess.

Camera Setup

Rear Cameras (Both):

50MP primary sensor

8MP ultra-wide lens

Front Camera: 32MP on both

Video Recording: 4K @ 60fps front and back

Despite identical camera hardware, the Neo 10’s upgraded ISP (Image Signal Processor) allows for slightly better image and video quality, particularly in dynamic range and low-light scenarios.

Battery & Charging

Battery life and charging speeds are another area where the Neo 10 excels:

Neo 10: 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging

Neo 10R: 6,400mAh battery with 80W fast charging

You get longer usage and faster recharging with the Neo 10—ideal for heavy users and gamers.

Price in India iQOO Neo 10:

8GB + 128GB: Rs 31,999

8GB + 256GB: Rs 33,999

12GB + 256GB: Rs 35,999

16GB + 512GB: Rs 40,999

iQOO Neo 10R:

8GB + 128GB: Rs 26,999

8GB + 256GB: Rs 28,999

12GB + 256GB: Rs 30,999

Note: Both phones’ base variants come with UFS 3.1 storage.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

If budget isn’t a constraint and you want flagship-level performance, display brightness, battery, and faster charging, the iQOO Neo 10 justifies its higher price tag. But if you want maximum value under Rs 30,000, the Neo 10R is still a powerful contender that doesn’t cut too many corners.

Final Take:

The iQOO Neo 10 is the all-rounder with high-end upgrades, while the Neo 10R delivers incredible value without major compromises. Choose based on your budget and how much power and premium you truly need.