The iQOO Neo 9 Pro, launched in February 2024, has quickly grabbed attention in the Indian market, promising a powerful and feature-packed experience at a competitive price. But is it the right phone for you?
Specifications
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Display
Size and Technology: The phone boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering a larger-than-life canvas for immersive visuals. AMOLED technology ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making content truly pop.
Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate is a gamer’s dream. It translates to smoother visuals, especially in fast-paced games or scrolling through content, where every frame transition feels buttery-smooth. This is a significant upgrade compared to the 60Hz refresh rate found in many phones, offering a noticeable difference in responsiveness.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Processor & Performance
Chipset: The heart of the beast is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, the latest and most powerful offering at the time of its launch. This translates to seamless performance, handling demanding tasks like multitasking, video editing, and even the most graphically intensive games with ease. Compared to the Snapdragon 888+ in the iQOO 9, this is a significant upgrade in terms of processing power and future-proofing your phone for upcoming applications and games.
RAM & Storage: The iQOO Neo 9 Pro comes in three configurations: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, and 12GB/256GB. This caters to different user needs. The 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking for everyday tasks, while the 12GB option is ideal for power users who frequently juggle multiple demanding applications. Storage options provide flexibility, with 128GB suitable for moderate users and 256GB catering to those who store a lot of media or games.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Camera
Rear Camera System: The triple rear camera system features a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide sensor, and a 13MP telephoto sensor. While not the most advanced setup compared to some flagships, it delivers decent photo and video quality in good lighting conditions. The main sensor captures sharp images with good detail, while the ultrawide sensor expands your perspective for capturing landscapes or group shots. The telephoto sensor allows for zoomed-in shots, but its 13MP resolution might not offer the same level of detail as higher-resolution sensors. Compared to the iQOO 9’s 48MP main sensor and 13MP ultrawide and telephoto sensors, the Neo 9 Pro offers a slightly improved main sensor but retains the same resolution for the other two lenses.
Front Camera: The 16MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, offering good image quality with sufficient detail. It’s the same resolution as the iQOO 9’s front camera, so you can expect similar performance.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery provides good battery life, lasting a full day for moderate users and potentially longer for lighter users. Compared to the iQOO 9’s 4350mAh battery, this is a decent upgrade, offering more power for extended usage.
Fast Charging: The 80W fast charging is incredibly fast, topping up the battery from 0% to 100% in around 20 minutes. This is significantly faster than the iQOO 9’s 120W charging, even though the battery capacity is larger. This translates to less time tethered to a charger and more time enjoying your phone.
iQOO Neo 9 Pro Software
Operating System: The iQOO Neo 9 Pro runs on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13, the latest versions available at launch. This ensures you have access to the newest features, security updates, and a user-friendly experience. Compared to the iQOO 9’s Android 12 and Funtouch OS 12, you get the latest software optimizations and potential security enhancements.
More Features
In-display Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
Gaming Mode: Optimizes performance and resources for a smoother gaming experience.
Haptics Support: Enhances immersion and feedback during gameplay.
Cooling System: Ensures sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming.
5G Connectivity: Allows you to experience the latest in mobile internet speeds, where available.
Price and Release Date
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro was released in India on February 22nd, 2024, and is available on Amazon India and the official iQOO website.
The price starts at ₹36,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant, and goes up to ₹38,999 for the 12GB/256GB option.
Key Features to Consider
Powerful Processor: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset makes the iQOO Neo 9 Pro a great choice for gamers and power users who demand smooth performance and the ability to handle demanding tasks.
Fast Charging: The 80W fast charging allows you to quickly top up the battery, ensuring you’re never out of power for long.
Smooth Display: The 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel smooth and responsive, especially in games and fast-paced content.
Gaming-Focused Features: The phone comes with features like a game mode, haptics support, and a cooling system, enhancing your gaming experience.
Alternatives to Consider
iQOO Neo 9: Launched in December 2023, it offers a more affordable option with a slightly less powerful Snapdragon 870 processor, starting at ₹27,999.
iQOO 12 5G: Released in December 2023, it’s the brand’s latest flagship with the most powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and starts at ₹52,999.
Is this best for Gaming Or not?
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro is definitely a strong contender for the title of “best for gaming”, but it’s important to consider your priorities and compare it to other options before making a final decision. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses in the gaming arena:
Strengths
Powerful Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a top-of-the-line chipset, ensuring smooth performance even in the most demanding games. Compared to the iQOO 9’s Snapdragon 888+, it offers a significant upgrade in processing power and future-proofing for upcoming games.
144Hz Refresh Rate: This makes every frame transition buttery-smooth, especially in fast-paced games, giving you a competitive edge. It’s a significant improvement over the 120Hz refresh rate found in the iQOO 9.
Gaming Mode: Optimizes resources and performance for a smoother gaming experience.
Haptics Support: Enhances immersion and feedback during gameplay.
Cooling System: Helps prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
Weaknesses
Not the absolute best camera: While decent, the camera system might not be the top priority for hardcore gamers who value high-quality game recording or screenshots.
Price: Compared to some dedicated gaming phones, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro might be slightly more expensive, although it offers additional features beyond just gaming.
Alternatives to Consider
ASUS ROG Phone 6: A dedicated gaming phone with even more advanced cooling systems, physical triggers, and a focus on gamer-centric features. However, it comes at a higher price point.
Black Shark 5 Pro: Another dedicated gaming phone with powerful specs and a focus on gaming features, but it might not receive software updates as consistently as the iQOO Neo 9 Pro.
iQOO 9: If gaming is your primary concern, the iQOO 9 might still be a good option, offering a slightly lower price point and similar performance thanks to its Snapdragon 888+ chipset. However, you’ll miss out on the 144Hz refresh rate and some gaming-specific features.
The iQOO Neo 9 Pro offers a compelling package of powerful performance, a smooth display, fast charging, and gaming-focused features at a competitive price. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, especially gaming, and value fast charging, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the iQOO Neo 9 might suffice. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
