The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two standout contenders in 2025 are the POCO F6 and the iQOO Neo 10R. Both phones boast the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, vibrant AMOLED displays, and impressive features tailored for gamers, multitaskers, and budget-conscious buyers. But which one is the better pick? In this blogpost, we’ll dive deep into their design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and pricing to help you decide.
Design and Build: Style Meets Practicality
POCO F6
Weight and Thickness: At 179g and 7.8mm, the POCO F6 is lightweight and slim, making it easy to handle.
Materials: Features a plastic frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front for superior drop and scratch resistance, and a matte plastic back.
IP Rating: IP64, offering dust and splash resistance.
Colors: Available in Black, Titanium, and a unique Deadpool and Wolverine edition for a bold, quirky aesthetic.
iQOO Neo 10R
Weight and Thickness: Slightly heavier at 196g, with a bulkier feel.
Materials: Uses a plastic frame, Schott Xensation Up glass front (less proven than Gorilla Glass), and a matte plastic back.
IP Rating: IP65, providing better resistance to low-pressure water jets.
Colors: Offers a striking Raging Blue option, alongside other vibrant choices.
Verdict: The POCO F6 takes the lead for its lighter, more compact design and Gorilla Glass Victus, which offers better durability. The iQOO Neo 10R’s IP65 rating is a slight advantage for water resistance, but the POCO’s portability and premium glass make it the winner here.
Display: Visuals That Pop
POCO F6
Size and Type: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels).
Refresh Rate: 120Hz with a 2160Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate for responsive gaming.
Brightness: 2400 nits peak brightness, sufficient for most outdoor conditions.
Features: Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 1920Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain.
iQOO Neo 10R
Size and Type: Larger 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution (1260 x 2800 pixels) for sharper visuals.
Refresh Rate: 144Hz, offering smoother scrolling and animations (though capped in some apps).
Brightness: 4500 nits peak brightness, excelling in bright sunlight.
Features: Supports HDR10+ and 3840Hz PWM dimming, ideal for low-light comfort.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10R edges out with its larger, brighter display and higher 144Hz refresh rate, making it better for outdoor visibility and smooth interactions. The POCO F6’s Dolby Vision support is great for media enthusiasts, but the iQOO’s display is superior overall.
Performance: Power-Packed Gaming Beasts
Both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) with an Adreno 735 GPU, ensuring flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
POCO F6
RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM (plus 8GB virtual RAM) and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage (faster read/write speeds).
Cooling: POCO IceLoop System with a 4800mm² vapor chamber.
Gaming Features: Wildboost 3.0 enhances AI-based rendering for smoother gameplay.
iQOO Neo 10R
RAM and Storage: Up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM (plus 12GB extended RAM) and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage (slower than UFS 4.0 in most variants).
Cooling: Larger 6043mm² vapor chamber for better thermal management during extended gaming.
Gaming Features: Ultra Game Mode with an inbuilt FPS meter, e-sports mode, and 90fps support in select games.
Verdict: Performance is nearly identical due to the same chipset, but the POCO F6’s UFS 4.0 storage offers faster app loading and file transfers. The iQOO Neo 10R’s larger cooling system may provide better sustained performance for long gaming sessions. Gamers might prefer the iQOO, while storage-heavy users will lean toward the POCO.
Camera: Capturing the Moment
POCO F6
Rear Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 (f/1.6, OIS), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2).
Front Camera: 20MP.
Features: Supports 4K video at 30fps, AI Magic Eraser Pro, and AI Image Expansion for creative editing.
iQOO Neo 10R
Rear Camera: 50MP Sony LYT-600 (f/1.8, OIS, rebranded IMX882), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.2).
Front Camera: 32MP, ideal for high-resolution selfies.
Features: Supports 4K video at 30fps, Circle to Search, and AI Note Assist.
Note: The IMX882 and LYT-600 are the same sensor, so rear camera performance depends on aperture and software. The POCO F6’s f/1.6 aperture may offer a slight edge in low light, while the iQOO’s 32MP selfie camera is better for front-facing shots. Real-world performance awaits detailed testing, but both are likely comparable.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10R has an advantage for selfie lovers with its 32MP front camera. For rear cameras, the POCO F6’s wider aperture could perform better in low light, but software optimization will be key. This is a close call, pending real-world comparisons.
Battery and Charging: Power for Days
POCO F6
Battery: 5000mAh, reliable for a full day of use.
Charging: 90W fast charging (charger included), fully charging in about 30–35 minutes.
iQOO Neo 10R
Battery: 6400mAh, offering exceptional longevity for heavy users.
Charging: 80W fast charging, slightly slower but still quick (full charge in ~35–40 minutes).
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10R dominates with its larger 6400mAh battery, ideal for gamers and heavy users who need extended usage. The POCO F6’s faster 90W charging is a small advantage, but the iQOO’s battery life steals the show.
Software: Modern and Feature-Rich
POCO F6
OS: HyperOS 2 based on Android 15.
Updates: 3 years of major Android updates (up to Android 17), 4 years of security patches.
Features: AI Magic Eraser Pro, AI Image Expansion, but some bloatware reported.
iQOO Neo 10R
OS: FunTouch OS 15 based on Android 15.
Updates: 3 years of major Android updates (possibly up to Android 18, per some sources), 4 years of security patches.
Features: Cleaner UI with Circle to Search and AI Note Assist.
Verdict: Both phones run Android 15 with similar update policies, but the iQOO Neo 10R may support an extra major update (Android 18). FunTouch OS is often praised for its cleaner interface, while HyperOS offers more customization at the cost of some bloatware. Choose based on your UI preference.
Pricing: Value for Money
POCO F6
Price: Starts at ₹21,999–₹26,490 (8GB/256GB, depending on offers).
Offers better value for budget-conscious buyers.
iQOO Neo 10R
Price: Starts at ₹26,999 (8GB/128GB), with 8GB/256GB at ₹28,999 and 12GB/256GB at ₹30,999 (₹2,000 bank discount available).
Slightly more expensive but justified by its battery and display.
Verdict: The POCO F6 is the more affordable option, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing value. The iQOO Neo 10R’s higher price reflects its larger battery and superior display.
Additional Features
POCO F6: Dolby Atmos, dual speakers, Wildboost 3.0 for gaming.
iQOO Neo 10R: Better HDR gradation, richer speaker sound, larger cooling chamber.
Note: Both phones use virtual proximity sensors, which may be less reliable than physical ones, as noted by some users.
Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?
The POCO F6 is the better choice for most users, offering a lighter design, faster UFS 4.0 storage, a 512GB option, and a lower price point (₹21,999–₹26,490). Its Gorilla Glass Victus and Dolby Vision support make it a fantastic all-rounder for budget-conscious buyers who want performance and portability.
The iQOO Neo 10R shines for those prioritizing a larger, brighter 144Hz display (4500 nits), a massive 6400mAh battery, and better thermal management for gaming. Its 32MP selfie camera and potentially longer software support (up to Android 18) add appeal for heavy users and selfie enthusiasts, though it’s pricier (₹26,999–₹30,999).
Recommendation:
Choose POCO F6 if you want affordability, portability, and faster storage for apps and media.
Choose iQOO Neo 10R if you need longer battery life, a superior display for outdoor use, or sustained gaming performance.
For camera performance, wait for detailed YouTube comparisons to see how software tuning affects the identical 50MP Sony IMX882/LYT-600 sensors. Ultimately, both phones are stellar mid-range options, and your choice depends on whether you prioritize value (POCO F6) or premium features (iQOO Neo 10R).
Have specific needs like gaming or photography? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll help you decide.
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