The iQoo Neo 7 5G is a new premium mid-range smartphone that serves as the successor to the iQoo Neo 6. The phone is set to launch in India on February 16, and it brings significant improvements over its predecessor, including better performance and battery life. This article provides a first impression of the phone, and we’ll be diving into the phone’s features and performance.
Design and Build
The iQoo Neo 7 5G looks and feels premium, despite featuring a polycarbonate body. The phone comes in two colours: Frost Blue and Interstellar Black. The Frost Blue version that we tested has a frosted matte finish, while the Interstellar Black is a less flashy option. The phone weighs about 193g and is 8.58mm thick, making it comfortable to hold.
The right edge of the phone has the power and volume buttons, while the left side is completely flush. The bottom features a USB Type-C port sandwiched between the primary speaker grille and the SIM tray. The top has a microphone cutout and an IR emitter.
Display
The iQoo Neo 7 5G is a smartphone with a taller 6.78-inch AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is an improvement from its predecessor. It boasts a screen-to-body ratio of 93.11%, with a thin chin of 2.65mm and bezels measuring about 1.65mm. The display is HDR10+ certified, but it lacks support for Dolby Vision HDR playback, which is present in some competing models such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G.
The front camera is placed in a hole-punch cutout at the top centre of the flat display, which is designed to prevent ghost touches while gaming. However, for those who prefer a curved-edge screen, the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G is a good alternative.
The iQoo Neo 7 5G offers an improved display with a higher refresh rate and screen-to-body ratio compared to its predecessor. It is a suitable option for those who prioritize a large and high-quality display for gaming and multimedia consumption, but users looking for Dolby Vision HDR playback may need to consider other models.
Performance
The iQoo Neo 7 5G is a standout device when it comes to performance. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, which boasts a peak clock speed of 3.1GHz and is the only one in its segment to be based on a 4nm process. This means the phone is able to handle demanding tasks with ease, making it a great option for gamers and heavy users. Additionally, the iQoo Neo 7 5G features a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging, which means you can quickly get back to using your phone when you’re on the go. iQoo has confirmed that popular games like PUBG: New State and Call of Duty: Mobile will support 90fps gameplay, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. We look forward to testing the phone’s performance and battery life in our full review, so stay tuned for that. Overall, the iQoo Neo 7 5G is a powerful device that is sure to impress.
Camera
The iQoo Neo 7 5G features a 64-megapixel main camera with support for optical image stabilisation (OIS). The triple-camera setup also includes two 2-megapixel sensors for macro photography and depth sensing. However, the camera department is a clear downgrade from the iQoo Neo 6 5G, which had an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera sensor. The phone also has a 16-megapixel front camera sensor for selfies. The camera performance of the iQoo Neo 7 5G will be evaluated thoroughly in our comprehensive review.
Software
The iQoo Neo 7 5G comes pre-installed with Funtouch OS 13, which is based on Android 13. The phone is set to receive two major Android updates and three years of security support. This ensures that the device stays up-to-date with the latest software features and security patches, providing a longer lifespan and better user experience.
The Funtouch OS 13 offers a user-friendly interface, a customizable app drawer, and useful features like game mode, app cloning, and split-screen multitasking. The iQoo Neo 7 5G provides a reliable and future-proof operating system, which is a significant factor to consider when purchasing a smartphone.
Conclusion
The iQoo Neo 7 5G is a promising mid-range smartphone that brings many improvements over its predecessor. The phone has a premium design and build, a great display with a high refresh rate, and powerful performance.
