iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G : The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 5G burst onto the Indian scene back in February 2024 as a gaming beast powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and even two years later, it holds its own with recent software boosts and tempting prices around ₹30,000-₹35,000.
Gamers and everyday users love its blazing speed and endurance, but does it stack up against newer rivals? Let’s dive into what makes this mid-ranger tick.
Launch Buzz and Pricing Edge
iQOO launched the Neo 9 Pro 5G on February 22, 2024, pricing the base 8GB/128GB at ₹35,999, 8GB/256GB at ₹37,999, and 12GB/256GB at ₹39,999.
By early 2026, street prices have dipped sharply—think ₹29,999 for 8GB/256GB on sites like Flipkart, thanks to sales and competition.
This drop makes it a steal for budget gamers eyeing flagship-level performance without breaking the bank, especially in Fiery Red or Conqueror Black finishes.
Available on Amazon and Flipkart with bank offers, it undercuts newer 5G phones while delivering similar punch. For Indian buyers in places like Haryana, easy EMI options via Bajaj Finserv sweeten the deal further.
Design That Feels Premium
Weighing just 190g and measuring 163.5 x 75.7 x 8mm, the Neo 9 Pro slips into pockets effortlessly with its flat frame and Schott Xensation glass back.
The dual-tone camera module is sleek, covering only 7.62% of the rear—subtle yet striking. No IP rating disappoints for dust-prone areas, but the slim build screams quality.
Colors pop under light, and the punch-hole selfie cutout keeps things modern without bezel bloat.
Display for Smooth Action
A 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel rocks 1.5K resolution (1260×2800), 144Hz refresh, and a peak 3000 nits brightness—perfect for outdoor scrolls or dim-room marathons.
HDR10+ and 2000Hz touch sampling make games like BGMI feel buttery, with ~89.7% screen-to-body ratio immersing you fully.
Daily use shines too: vibrant colors hit 1B shades, and PWM dimming eases eye strain during late-night Netflix binges.
Performance Beast Mode
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (up to 3.2GHz) paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4 storage crushes AnTuTu scores over 1.5 million post-updates.
Up to 12GB physical + 12GB extended RAM handles multitasking like a champ, while the Q1 supercomputing chip optimizes frames in titles like Genshin Impact.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and IR blaster add flair; 5G bands cover Jio and Airtel seamlessly across India. Heat stays in check during extended sessions, a win for sweaty-handed players.
Camera Delivers Day-to-Day Wins
The 50MP Sony IMX920 main (f/1.88, OIS) nails daylight shots with punchy colors and detail, backed by an 8MP ultrawide for landscapes.
Night mode impresses with low-light clarity, and 4K video stays steady thanks to OIS. The 16MP front cam handles selfies and 1080p calls fine, though portraits could edge sharper.
Modes like Pro, Panorama, and Supermoon cater to enthusiasts, making it versatile for social media creators.
Battery Life and Swift Charges
5160mAh pack lasts 1.5 days on mixed use, powering through gaming without hiccups. 120W FlashCharge juices it to 100% in under 20 minutes—game-changer for on-the-go folks. No wireless charging, but USB-C OTG covers basics.
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Recent tweaks via updates enhance efficiency, squeezing more from each cycle.
Software Keeps It Fresh
Ships with Android 14-based Funtouch OS 14, now on Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15) beta with Circle to Search, AI effects, and smoother animations.
May 2025 patch boosted stability, camera, and gaming; October brought more refinements. OriginOS 6 stable hits mid-December 2025, promising deeper customizations.
iQOO’s two-year promise means Android 16 likely inbound, extending shelf life.
iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G Who Should Grab It Now?
In 2026, the Neo 9 Pro suits value hunters wanting Snapdragon might under ₹35k—no headphone jack or expandable storage, but IR blaster and FPS meter thrill tinkerers.
It edges rivals in charging speed and display fluidity, ideal for Narnaund creators filming reviews or gaming streams.