iQOO Neo 7 Pro First Look — OriginOS 6 Interface Meets Flagship Hardware
When I picked up the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, the first thing that struck me was how heavy expectations now are for “value flagships”. This handset doesn’t just bring a big spec sheet—it’s stepping into territory that was once reserved for ultra-premium devices. With the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a 50MP main camera and 120 W fast-charging on board, the Neo 7 Pro demands to be taken seriously. The news is further sweetened by the forthcoming rollout of OriginOS 6 in India for iQOO devices—adding potential future-proofing on the software front. In this first-look article, we’ll dig into what works, what compromises have been made, and whether this device is worth waiting for.
Specs & Features
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro comes equipped with:
- 6.78″ AMOLED display, 120 Hz refresh, FHD+ resolution (2400×1080) and up to ~1300 nits brightness according to specs.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset (4nm) paired with up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
- Triple-camera setup: 50 MP (main, GN5 sensor) + 8 MP ultra-wide + 2 MP macro; front 16 MP.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 120W wired flash-charging (claims ~0-50% in 8 minutes in some marketing).
- Operating system out-of-box: Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13 (India variant) but with confirmed plans for OriginOS 6 (Android 16-based) for Indian variants soon.
Compared with its predecessor (Neo 6 family) or peers in sub-₹40,000 segment, the Neo 7 Pro stands out for the flagship-level SoC and ultra-fast charging. According to 91Mobiles data, the phone achieved an AnTuTu score of ~1,284,112 in tests.
Design & UX
On the design front, the Neo 7 Pro adopts a bold aesthetic with options like “Fearless Flame” (leather textured back) and “Dark Storm” (matte finish) lending a premium feel.
At 164.8 × 76.9 × 8.5 mm and about 197 g weight (per spec listings) it’s reasonably comfortable for its performance class.
The 120Hz display feels fluid in day-to-day use, and the gaming-centric touch-sampling rate helps with responsiveness. On the software side, the promise of OriginOS 6 in India is a nice boost for users who were previously on Funtouch OS; the new skin is expected to bring smoother animations, better app launch speeds and improved customisation.
However, at launch it still ships with the older UI, so some of that upgraded experience will depend on the future update.
Performance & Hardware
With the powerhouse Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the Neo 7 Pro handles everything from heavy multi-tasking to gaming with ease. The 91Mobiles test results show it performs strongly in gaming sessions and sustains well under load.
The 120W charging really stands out—providing a huge convenience for users who are mobile-first and dislike long charge-times.
Camera performance leans solid for its class: the 50 MP GN5 sensor with OIS offers reliable daylight shots, though the ultra-wide and macro sensors are more modest. Battery life is adequate thanks to the 5,000 mAh cell, though under heavy gaming the 4nm chipset will still draw. One trade-off: to support the high-charging and thermal headroom, the phone is slightly thicker than ultra-thin flagships.
Sound and other hardware like stereo speakers, vibration motor and connectivity (5G, WiFi 6, etc) check the boxes, making this truly a “performance flagship for less” rather than a mid-tier compromise.
Price & Availability
In India, at launch the Neo 7 Pro started at around ₹34,999 for the 8 GB + 128 GB variant, and roughly ₹37,999 for the 12 GB + 256 GB one.
It becomes available via iQOO’s official store, Amazon and other retail partners from July 2023. It’s positioned aggressively against rivals like OnePlus 11R, Xiaomi’s flagship-adjacent models and other “flagship on a budget” phones.
The company also teased the OriginOS 6 update for India, which could further enhance long-term value and software experience.
What’s Missing / Trade-offs
Despite the many strengths, there are some compromises to be aware of:
- The display is FHD+ (1080p) rather than QHD in some premium flagships, so those who prioritise ultra-sharp visuals may see a difference.
- The ultra-wide (8MP) and macro (2MP) cameras are modest compared to competitors offering 50MP+ ultra-wides or 64-80MP sensors.
- At launch, the UI experience is still on Funtouch OS 13 rather than the newer OriginOS 6—so the promised update is a future improvement, not immediately out of the box.
- While charging is fast, the long-term battery health/degradation under 120W fast-charging remains something to monitor (as with all ultra-fast charging phones).
- Some users have reported pre-installed bloatware or software optimisation issues in earlier iQOO models—though the Neo 7 Pro seems improved.
Verdict / First Impressions
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro delivers an exceptional mix of premium hardware and aggressive pricing. If you’re after high performance—whether for gaming, creative work or future-proofing—it hits the right notes. The upcoming OriginOS 6 upgrade adds to its appeal for software-savvy users. That said, if you demand the absolute best cameras, ultra-high resolution display or aplenty of ultra-premium finishes, you might find some corners cut. But for most users looking for flagship-level speed without flagship pricing, this is definitely a compelling choice.
Our Take:
With the Neo 7 Pro, iQOO shows that you no longer need to pay premium flagship pricing for flagship performance. It’s a smart buy for power users who prioritise speed and value—just proceed with realistic expectations around cameras and display resolution.
Wrap-Up
Overall, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro sets a new bar for the “value flagship” category in India. With strong hardware, rapid charging and the promise of a refreshed software experience via OriginOS 6, it’s well-positioned. I’ll be looking forward to a full review, especially on camera performance and battery longevity after months of use. Are you considering this phone as your next upgrade?