The iQOO Neo 8 is the latest entrant in the competitive mid-range smartphone segment, aiming to deliver flagship-level performance and features at a more accessible price point. But does it hit the mark, or is it just another also-ran? Let’s delve into the phone’s key aspects to see if it lives up to the hype.
Performance:
The Neo 8 packs a punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, one of the most powerful chipsets available today. This translates to smooth multitasking, lag-free gaming, and efficient handling of demanding tasks. Whether you’re crushing graphics-intensive games or editing high-resolution videos, the Neo 8 should handle it all with ease. It comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless app switching and multitasking.
Display:
The phone boasts a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to buttery smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and enjoying multimedia content. The display also gets plenty bright, making it usable even under harsh sunlight. However, the resolution is limited to 1260 x 2800 pixels, which might not be as sharp as some flagship offerings.
Camera:
The camera system on the Neo 8 is decent, but not groundbreaking. It features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and an ultrawide sensor. The camera takes good photos in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance could be better. The 16MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls.
Battery Life and Charging:
The Neo 8 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which should provide ample power for most users. However, heavy gamers might need to top up the battery more frequently. The phone supports 120W fast charging, which can juice up the battery from 0 to 100% in under 20 minutes. This is incredibly fast and a major selling point for the phone.
Design and Build Quality:
The Neo 8 has a sleek and stylish design with a premium feel. The phone is made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. It comes in various color options, including a striking orange variant. However, the phone is quite large and might not be comfortable for everyone to use one-handed.
Software:
The Neo 8 runs on Vivo’s FunTouch OS 13, based on Android 13. The software is feature-rich and offers various customization options. However, it comes with some bloatware, which might be annoying for some users.
Price and Availability:
The iQOO Neo 8 starts at around $500, which is a competitive price point for a phone with its specs. However, availability might be limited depending on your region.
Verdict:
The iQOO Neo 8 is a compelling option for gamers and power users looking for a phone that offers flagship-level performance at a more affordable price. The phone excels in areas like performance, battery life, and fast charging. However, the camera system could be better, and the software might not be for everyone. Overall, the iQOO Neo 8 is a solid choice for those who prioritize performance and value, but it might not be the perfect phone for everyone.
