iQOO Neo 9 Pro Quick Review: Best Gaming Phone Under ₹35,000?

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro has emerged as a notable player in the competitive smartphone market, aiming to blend high performance with an affordable price tag. With a focus on both power and camera capabilities, it competes against strong contenders like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and OnePlus 12R. Let's delve into the key aspects of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Review
iQOO Neo 9 Pro

iQOO Neo 9 Pro Specifications and Features:

Feature iQOO Neo 9 Pro
Display 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC
RAM and Storage 12GB and 256GB
Camera 50MP
8MP Ultra-wide
16MP Front
Battery 5,160mAh, 120W charging
Connectivity 5G
Price Rs. 36,999
Availability  Amazon 

Design and Display:

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro brings a departure from its predecessor's boxy design, opting for a sleeker profile. The Black variant, though mostly plastic, maintains a satin-like finish that effectively conceals fingerprints and scratches. For those seeking a more vibrant look, the Red-White option with vegan leather patches is available. However, the design may come off as bland, contrasting with competitors like the OnePlus 12R and Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
Design and Display
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Design and Display
The display upgrades to 1.5K resolution on a flat 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. While not as punchy as the OnePlus 12R, the display offers a satisfying viewing experience, especially for gaming. The dual speakers deliver a balanced output, though lacking in bass.

Cameras:

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro's camera setup focuses on delivering a reliable experience. The 50MP primary camera excels in capturing crisp details, outperforming the OnePlus 12R in both daylight and low-light conditions. Portrait shots showcase a rich bokeh effect, but there may be a tendency for excessive saturation.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Cameras
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Cameras
The 8MP ultra-wide camera, however, falls short, producing average results with occasional lack of sharpness. The 16MP front camera performs well for selfies in daylight, yet night shots may lack consistency. The phone's ability to record 8K videos comes with challenges, including large file sizes and poor stabilization, making the recommended choice Full-HD, 60fps for better results.

Performance and Software:

Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro demonstrates a significant performance leap from its predecessor. The 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB UFS 4 storage contribute to a smooth real-life experience and refined gaming, surpassing the OnePlus 12R in this aspect. The phone runs on Android 14, promising three years of major OS updates.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Performance and Software
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Performance and Software
However, for users prioritizing a clean Android experience, the OnePlus 12R stands out. The iQOO Neo 9 Pro's performance is stable, thanks to features like 4D haptics and a flat display.

Battery and Charging:

With a larger 5,160mAh battery, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers an all-day battery life with standard usage. The 120W charging capability ensures a full charge in approximately 35 minutes, a commendable feature for users on the go.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro Pros and Cons:

Pros
Reliable performance
Smooth gaming experience
Impressive 50MP primary camera
120W fast charging
Cons
The overall design may lack excitement.
Average 8MP ultra-wide camera

Final Verdict:

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro maintains its legacy as a performance-oriented smartphone with an attractive price point. The upgraded primary camera and efficient battery life contribute to its appeal. However, the ultra-wide camera falls short, and the overall design may not suit everyone's taste. If a clean Android experience is a top priority, the OnePlus 12R could be a preferable choice. Nevertheless, for those seeking a powerful device with a reasonable budget, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro proves to be a compelling option.

FAQs:

What is the iQOO Neo 9 Pro's standout feature?

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro shines with its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, ensuring a smooth and lag-free performance.

How's the camera performance on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro?

The 50MP primary camera impresses with crisp details, excelling in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Is the design of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro appealing?

Design preferences vary, but some may find the overall look a bit bland compared to competitors.

Does the iQOO Neo 9 Pro support fast charging?

Yes, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro boasts 120W charging, reaching a full charge in around 35 minutes.

How does the battery perform on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro?

With a larger 5,160mAh battery, it offers an all-day battery life with standard usage.

What's the gaming experience like on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro?

The flat screen and 4D haptics contribute to a refined gaming experience, outperforming some competitors.

Is the iQOO Neo 9 Pro suitable for gaming?

Yes, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro provides a smooth gaming experience, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, 12GB RAM, and 144Hz refresh rate display.

How does the iQOO Neo 9 Pro compare to the OnePlus 12R in terms of software?

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro runs on Android 14, promising three years of major OS updates, but OnePlus 12R may offer a cleaner Android experience.

Can the iQOO Neo 9 Pro record 8K videos?

Yes, it can record 8K videos, but managing large file sizes and stabilization challenges are worth noting.

What's the standout feature of the display on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro?

The phone offers a 1.5K resolution on a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for an immersive viewing experience.

Is there a headphone jack on the iQOO Neo 9 Pro?

No, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro doesn't include a headphone jack in its design.

Is the iQOO Neo 9 Pro water-resistant?

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro does not come with an official water resistance rating, so it's advisable to avoid exposure to water or moisture.