vivo’s independent brand, iQOO has always focused on launching powerful smartphones at an affordable price tag. Its iQOO Neo series in particular takes things up a notch by giving even better value with flagship-like features in mid-range pricing. That’s why the iQOO Neo series has been popular among customers across the world.

A couple of days ago, iQOO announced a new model in the Neo series lineup, the iQOO Neo 7, which succeeds the popular Neo 6 model announced a few months ago. The new iQOO Neo 7 brings a larger display on board with a larger and faster-charging battery, and more storage configuration options. It also adds other performance features like 9 high-precision temperature sensors, Pixelworks independent display chip Pro+, graphite heat dissipation, and a 4D vibration motor.

iQOO Neo 7 vs iQOO Neo 6

 iQOO Neo 7iQOO Neo 6
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT164.8 x 76.9 x 8.5 mm, 197 grams163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm, 190 grams
DISPLAY 6.78 inches,1080 x 2400p, AMOLED display – 120Hz, HDR10+, 1500 nits (peak)6.62 inches,1080 x 2400p, AMOLED display – 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
PROCESSORMediaTek Dimensity 9000+ 4nmQualcomm Snapdragon 870 7nm
MEMORY8 GB RAM, 128 GB – 8 GB RAM, 256 GB, 256 GB – 12 GB RAM, 512 GB – 12 GB RAM8 GB RAM, 128 GB – 12 GB RAM, 256 GB
SOFTWAREAndroid 13Android 12
CONNECTIVITYWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/ac, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
CAMERATriple 50 MP  OIS + 8 MP ultra wide + 2 MP macro
16 MP front camera
Triple 64 MP  OIS + 8 MP ultra wide + 2 MP macro
16 MP front camera
BATTERY5000 mAh, 120W4700 mAh, 80W
ADDITIONAL FEATURESDual SIM slot, nanoDual SIM slot, nano

DESIGN

The new iQOO Neo 7 adopts the basic form factor of its predecessor. However, there are some changes in its rear design.

While both the Neo 7 and Neo 6 come with a squarish body frame with rounded corners and a center-placed punch-hole camera at the front, they differ when it comes to the design of the rear camera module. The iQOO 7 adopts a rectangular rear camera module, which further includes a circular housing to include the two cameras on board. The flash and other sensors are shifted outside this circular housing.

On the other hand, the iQOO Neo 6 comes with three camera sensors and a flash housed inside the black camera housing. Honestly, both the designs look good, and it will be a matter of individual preference whether you like the iQOO 7 or the iQOO 6 better.

iQOO is also offering more color options for the new device like Orange, Blue, and Black. To recall, the iQOO Neo 6 came in two options, namely Cyber Rage and Dark Nova.

In terms of dimensions, the iQOO Neo 7 is taller than its predecessor. It comes with the dimensions of 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.5 mm which is both taller and wider than the 163 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm dimensions of the iQOO Neo 6. Also, the new model increases its weight by 7 grams to 197 grams.

Both phones have an in-display fingerprint sensor onboard.

DISPLAY

The iQOO Neo 7 brings a larger and brighter display as compared to its predecessor. The Neo 7 comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ 1080 x 2400 pixel AMOLED display featuring a high 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 360Hz touch sampling rate, 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate, up to 1500nits brightness, and Pixelworks independent display chip Pro+. The upgraded Pixelworks chip will offer better video and motion processing on the new device.

In comparison, the iQOO Neo 6 features a smaller 6.62-inch AMOLED, 120Hz display with HDR10+. The peak brightness is slightly lower at 1300 nits but overall, the display should be similar to the new model. To recall, the iQOO Neo 6 features an older generation of Pixelworks X5 series chip.

SPECS

Under the hood, the new model also brings some changes, including a flagship-grade gaming chipset. The iQOO Neo 7 comes with the latest Dimensity 9000 Plus processor on board, taking its performance to the top. In comparison, the iQOO Neo 6 international model came with the Snapdragon 870 chipset on board, while the Chinese model featured a flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Combined with the new Pixelworks chip, the iQOO Neo 7 should offer great gaming and performance.

In terms of configurations, iQOO has gone all out with the Neo 7. It is offering the new model with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage in China. On the other hand, the iQOO Neo 6 was limited to a maximum of 12GB RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

The new model also brings the latest Android 13 OS on board with OriginOS Ocean on top. On the other hand, the iQOO Neo 6 still runs on Android 12 OS.

CONNECTIVITY

The new Dimensity processor also brings some upgrades in the connectivity department. The Neo 7 adds support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.2 found on the Neo 6. You also get NFC and an IR port on board.

CAMERAS

The iQOO Neo 7 features a triple cameras setup bringing a 50MP camera with a 1/1.56″ Sony IMX766V sensor, f/1.88 aperture, and OIS, another 8MP UW sensor with f/2.2 aperture, and finally a 2MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture.

In the camera department, the only major change is in the primary camera. The old iQOO Neo 6 came with a 64MP sensor, but the remaining sensors are the same as the new model.

There is a 16MP snapper on the front for selfies and video calls, which is shared by the two phones.

BATTERY

In terms of the battery department, the iQOO Neo 7 also brings a few upgrades. In addition to increasing its battery capacity from 4700mAh on the Neo 6 model to 5000mAh, the new model also increases its charging speed to 120W, bringing it up to flagship levels.

Unfortunately, both phones don’t come with wireless charging on board.

PRICING

The iQOO Neo7 starts at RMB 2699 ($373) for the 8GB/128GB model and goes up to RMB 3,599 ($487) for the 12GB/512GB model. This is actually cheaper than the RMB 2799 ($386) launch price of the iQOO Neo 6 in China.

You can get the iQOO Neo 6 on websites like Giztop internationally or via retailers like Amazon in India. The new Neo7 is also available for purchase via Giztop right now.

VERDICT

The iQOO Neo 6 looks like an excellent upgrade over its predecessor. If you already have the Neo 6 model, it may not make sense to upgrade to the new model, but if you are looking for a newer phone out there, the Neo 7 seems like a solid smartphone for its price.

As usual, the Neo 7 sticks to the philosophy of offering solid value for the money you pay for it!

iQOO Neo 7 vs iQOO Neo 6 – Pros and Cons

iQOO Neo 7

Pros

  • Brighter Display
  • Better Visual Chip
  • Faster and Larger Battery

Cons

  • Heavier

iQOO Neo 6

Pros

  • Lighter and Slightly more compact
  • Good Display and chip (SD 8 Gen 1 in China)

Cons

  • Older OS
  • Smaller and slower charging battery

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