The iQOO Neo 11 might be one of 2026's most impressive phones—if it launches globally. After importing the China variant for testing, I'm convinced this device delivers flagship-level performance at mid-range pricing that makes competitors look foolish.
The catch? We don't know yet if this exact model will launch in India, or if iQOO will release a "Turbo" variant instead. If the Neo 11 arrives unchanged, the OnePlus 15R faces serious competition.
Pricing: The Value Proposition
China pricing: Approximately ¥2,700 (~₹32,000) Expected India pricing: ₹35,000-36,000 with launch offers, around ₹40,000 actual price
Even at ₹40,000, what this phone delivers is genuinely impressive. Let me explain why.
Design: Radical Departure from iQOO's Usual Understated Style
iQOO phones typically feature clean, minimalist designs. The Neo 11 breaks that pattern dramatically.
The back panel is eye-catching:
- "Neo" branding in colorful, gradient shades
- Appears blue from most angles
- Shifts to pink/reddish tones when light hits it differently
- iQOO branding at the bottom
The camera module features protruding metal sides that prevent the lens glass from touching surfaces when laid flat—smart protection against scratches.
Build Quality and Durability
Major upgrades over previous generation:
- Metal frame (previous gen used plastic)
- IP68 and IP69 certification (upgraded from IP65)
- 217 grams weight (slightly heavy due to 7,500mAh battery)
The improved build quality shows iQOO's commitment to premium feel without premium pricing.
Drop Test Results
I conducted an unscientific drop test from waist height onto carpet. The back panel (appears to be fiber glass) and camera glass (actual glass) survived without damage. Absolutely nothing broke.
While this doesn't guarantee long-term durability, the initial toughness impresses.
Physical Design Overview
Right side: Power button, volume rocker Bottom: SIM card tray, USB-C port, speaker grille, microphone Top: Noise-canceling microphone, speaker grille Left side: Clean, no buttons
Display: Flagship-Level Panel at Mid-Range Price
This is where the Neo 11 truly shines. The display upgrade over previous generations is massive.
Specifications:
- 6.82-inch BOE panel
- 2K resolution (sharper than standard 1080p)
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 4,500 nits peak brightness
- 1,800 nits HBM mode
- Extremely thin, uniform bezels
Why This Display Matters
In this price range and category, no other phone comes close to this display quality. This is literally a flagship-level panel in a mid-range phone.
The bezels are uniformly thin on all sides—not just the sides and top, but even the chin maintains similar thinness. This creates an immersive viewing experience that rivals phones costing twice as much.
Outdoor visibility: Excellent even in harsh sunlight Color accuracy: Vibrant without oversaturation Viewing angles: Wide and consistent
The Neo 11 will reportedly include anti-reflective coating in the Indian variant, making an already excellent display even better.
Performance: Flagship Power Unleashed
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X (9,600Mbps transfer rate) Storage: 256GB UFS 4.1 (base China variant)
Expected India variant: Likely 8GB/256GB base to reduce starting price
AnTuTu Score: 3.3 Million
The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers flagship-tier performance that will remain relevant for 1-2 years easily. Current games and apps can't fully utilize this chip's power, making it genuinely future-proof.
This is an out-and-out performance-focused, gaming-focused phone.
Q2 Chip: AI-Powered Frame Interpolation
The dedicated Q2 chip enables frame interpolation, allowing supported games to run at higher frame rates. The China variant lists games like Valorant running at 144Hz.
PUBG Mobile (China version): 120fps support BGMI (India): Tested at 90fps (not available in China variant)
Gaming Features
- Bypass charging: Power flows directly to components during gaming, preventing battery heat
- 8,000mm² vapor cooling chamber
- Temperature stays around 44-45°C during extended heavy use
Everything a gamer needs is here.
Battery: All-Day Endurance
7,500mAh battery paired with 100W charging (included in box)
Full charge time: Under 1 hour for 7,500mAh capacity—impressive efficiency.
No wireless charging, but with 100W wired charging this fast, who cares?
Haptics and Sensors: Premium Touch
Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor - Works super fast, more reliable than optical sensors
Haptics: Tight, satisfying feedback. For a gaming phone, good haptics matter, and the Neo 11 delivers.
Connectivity: Flagship Options
- Wi-Fi 7 support
- Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC (for contactless payments)
- IR blaster (control appliances)
- USB 2.0 (not the latest, but adequate)
- All India 5G bands (when launched locally)
Multimedia: HDR Streaming Ready
China variant status:
- YouTube: HDR10 support ✓
- Netflix: No HDR10+ (yet)
Indian variant expectation: Full Netflix HDR10+ streaming support
With that flagship-level display, proper HDR streaming will look stunning.
Camera: The Intentional Compromise
iQOO made a conscious decision: focus resources on display, performance, and battery rather than cameras.
Camera setup:
- 50MP primary sensor
- 8MP ultra-wide
- 16MP selfie camera
Photography Performance
Not much different from the Neo 10. iQOO deliberately didn't invest heavily in camera hardware.
Daytime/good lighting: Decent photos, no problems Low light: Struggles noticeably Video: 8K 30fps and 4K 60fps on primary sensor
I've uploaded sample photos to Google Drive (link in description). Check them yourself to judge if the camera quality meets your needs.
Bottom line: If photography is your priority, this isn't your phone. But if you want acceptable cameras with flagship everything else, it works.
Software: Origin OS (China Variant)
The China ROM includes considerable bloatware. I won't dive deep since the Indian variant will ship with cleaner software and Google services.
When the Indian version launches, I'll cover:
- Origin OS features
- AI capabilities
- Software optimization
- Update policy
iQOO Neo 11 vs OnePlus 15R: The Real Competition
The OnePlus 15R offers a fantastic package. The Neo 11 competes directly against it.
If the Neo 11 launches in India as-is, oh my god—it will give the OnePlus 15R tough competition.
Why Neo 11 Could Win
Display: 2K vs 1080p (massive advantage to Neo 11) Battery: 7,500mAh vs 6,000mAh (significant endurance difference) Performance: Similar flagship chips Pricing: Likely competitive or cheaper Build quality: Metal frame, IP69 rating
Where OnePlus 15R might win:
- Better cameras
- Cleaner software experience
- Faster software updates
- Brand recognition
Who Should Wait for iQOO Neo 11?
Perfect For:
- Mobile gamers prioritizing performance over cameras
- Heavy users needing exceptional battery life
- Display enthusiasts wanting 2K resolution at mid-range price
- Value seekers wanting flagship specs without flagship prices
- OnePlus 15R buyers who can wait to compare
Not Ideal For:
- Photography enthusiasts needing excellent cameras
- Brand-conscious buyers preferring established names
- People who need phones immediately (launch timeline unclear)
The Uncertainty Factor
The big question: Will iQOO launch the Neo 11 in India, or will they release a different "Turbo" variant?
This uncertainty makes it risky to recommend waiting definitively. But if the Neo 11 launches unchanged, it becomes one of 2026's most compelling mid-range phones.
Final Verdict: Impressive When It Arrives
The iQOO Neo 11 is one of the most impressive devices I've tested. If display quality, battery life, and performance matter most in your price range, it's genuinely hard to beat this phone.
Yes, the camera is a compromise. But iQOO clearly communicated their priorities through hardware choices. They focused on what matters for performance enthusiasts and delivered spectacularly.
What it does exceptionally well:
- Flagship-level 2K display at mid-range price
- 7,500mAh battery with fast charging
- Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
- Premium build with IP69 rating
- Gaming-optimized features
What it sacrifices:
- Camera quality (acceptable but not impressive)
- Wireless charging
- Premium brand perception
Should You Wait?
If you're a gamer or performance enthusiast considering the OnePlus 15R around ₹35,000-40,000, definitely wait to see if iQOO launches the Neo 11 in India.
If photography matters significantly, or if you need a phone immediately, don't wait—the Neo 11 might not arrive for months, or might launch as a different variant.
The Neo 11 probably might be THE ONE for performance-centric phone buyers. But until launch confirmation, "probably" is the operative word.
Will you wait for the iQOO Neo 11? Or does the OnePlus 15R's complete package matter more than raw specifications? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Share this with gamer friends waiting for a performance-centric phone at reasonable pricing. The Neo 11 could be exactly what they need.