At first glance, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is absolutely striking. As a lifelong Scuderia Ferrari Formula One fan, I can safely say the Neo 9 Pro's red and white aesthetic is my favourite colourway on a smartphone. I was smitten when I first laid eyes on it and now, a month on since its launch, the feeling remains fresh.
But does the rest of the phone hold up to its striking design?
Priced ₹35,999 onwards, this midrange device strives to strike a balance between performance, imaging, and design elements, and in my experience, doesn't really disappoint.
Design
Design-wise, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro makes a statement with its good looks, boasting a unique dual-tone design featuring vegan leather on the back panel. The fiery red colour scheme, coupled with the soft texture of the vegan leather, adds character to the device. However, the plastic-like texture in the white area detracts slightly from the premium feel. Despite this, the phone's slim and lightweight build enhances handling and comfort during usage, although the protruding rear cameras can cause instability on flat surfaces.
Display
Moving on to the display and audio features, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro impresses with its 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and a 144Hz adaptive refresh rate. The display delivers vibrant visuals and responsive touch capabilities. The inclusion of value-added features like MEMC and super-resolution enhances the overall viewing experience, complemented by satisfactory audio performance from the stereo speakers.
Cameras
In terms of camera capabilities, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro sports a dual-camera system with a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. While the primary sensor performs admirably in various lighting conditions, the colours may appear washed out at times. The ultra-wide-angle camera excels in capturing expansive shots but struggles in low-light scenarios — nothing that can't be fixed.
Performance
Performance-wise, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro shines with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering performance comparable to premium flagships. The device handles routine tasks and power-intensive activities with ease, while effective thermal control ensures sustained performance during prolonged usage.
Battery life
On the battery front, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro impresses with its 5,160 mAh battery, delivering commendable on-battery time supported by rapid charging capabilities. The included 120W charger replenishes the battery to full capacity in approximately 40 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.
In conclusion
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro emerges as a commendable choice for users prioritising performance over imaging and user experience. While it falls short in certain areas, its competitive pricing and robust performance make it a worthy consideration in the midrange smartphone market.
