The smartphone market in India is buzzing with excitement as iQOO prepares to launch its latest mid-range powerhouse, the iQOO Neo 9 SE. Known for delivering high-performance devices with gamer-centric features, iQOO has once again set the stage for a smartphone that balances speed, design, and affordability.
Price
iQOO has built a reputation for launching aggressively priced smartphones with top-tier hardware. The iQOO Neo 9 SE launch in India is expected soon, with a price of ₹33,000. This positions it directly against popular models like the OnePlus Nord series, Realme GT lineup, and POCO F-series.
If iQOO sticks to its tradition, the Neo 9 SE will likely come in multiple variants, offering 8GB/12GB RAM options with up to 256GB UFS storage.
Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the expected iQOO Neo 9 SE specs:
Feature | iQOO Neo 9 SE |
Display | 6.62-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Rear Cameras | 48MP (OIS) + 13MP + 2MP ultra-wide |
Front Camera | 32MP punch-hole |
Battery | 4,500mAh with 66W fast charging |
OS | Android 12 with Funtouch OS |
Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C |
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo 9 SE design continues the brand’s trend of sleek, premium-looking smartphones. With a slim profile, curved edges, and a glass back, the device is expected to be available in gradient finishes and bold colors that appeal to young buyers.
Display:
The 6.62-inch AMOLED panel on the iQOO Neo 9 SE promises an immersive experience with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smoother animations, scrolling, and better visuals while gaming or streaming content.
HDR10+ support further enhances the viewing experience, making it a great choice for Netflix, YouTube, and other OTT platforms.
Performance:
Powering the iQOO Neo 9 SE is the robust Snapdragon 888 processor, delivering flagship-level performance. Both options are built for gaming and multitasking, ensuring lag-free performance. Paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, the device ensures quick app launches and seamless multitasking.
For gamers, iQOO’s dedicated cooling system ensures long hours of gameplay without overheating. Games like BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact are expected to run effortlessly at high frame rates.
Cameras:
The iQOO Neo 9 SE camera setup strikes a balance between performance and versatility. On the rear, it is expected to feature a 48MP OIS-enabled primary sensor, paired with a 13MP + 2MP ultra-wide lens. This combination allows you to capture sharp, detailed photos in different lighting conditions.
The 32MP front camera takes care of selfies and video calls, offering AI beauty enhancements and portrait effects. While not focused entirely on photography, the Neo 9 SE provides a reliable setup for most users.
Battery and Charging:
Battery life is a major strength for the Neo series, and the iQOO Neo 9 SE continues the trend with a 4,500mAh battery. What sets it apart, however, is the 66W ultra-fast charging support, capable of charging the device from 0–100% in under 25 minutes.
This is a game-changer for heavy users who don’t want to stay plugged in for hours.
Software and Features
Running on Android 12 with Funtouch OS, the Neo 9 SE offers customization features, smoother animations, and enhanced security updates. iQOO has been improving its software experience, making it more polished while still optimized for gaming performance.
Additional features include:
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio
- 5G dual-SIM support
- Game Mode with optimization tools
iQOO Neo 9 SE vs Competitors
The mid-range segment is highly competitive, and the iQOO Neo 9 SE will go head-to-head with strong rivals:
Model | Processor | Battery | Charging | Price (approx.) |
iQOO Neo 9 SE | Snapdragon 888 | 4500mAh | 66W | ₹32,000 – ₹34,000 |
OnePlus Nord 4 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | 5000mAh | 100W | ₹27,000 – ₹32,000 |
Realme GT Neo 6 | Dimensity 8300 | 5500mAh | 100W | ₹28,000 – ₹33,000 |
POCO F6 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | 5000mAh | 90W | ₹27,000 – ₹31,000 |
Conclusion:
The iQOO Neo 9 SE shapes up to be an excellent choice for those looking for:
- A gaming-friendly smartphone under ₹35K
- Fast charging and reliable battery life
- A premium AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Balanced cameras with OIS support