The recent introduction of the Neo 10R smartphone by iQOO marks a significant step toward capturing the rapidly expanding Indian gaming market. A report by Lumikai in collaboration with Google highlights this burgeoning sector, estimating that the Indian gaming industry is set to soar to $9.2 billion by the fiscal year 2029. This trend underlines the increasing significance of mobile gaming, positioning iQOO as a strong contender as it invests heavily to stake its claim in this vibrant landscape.
The iQOO Neo 10R aims to democratize high-end mobile gaming through its competitive pricing structure, appealing to a broad audience of gamers. Additionally, iQOO has forged partnerships with prominent esports streamers and players such as Payal Gaming, Dynamo Gaming, and GamerFleet, which not only amplifies its brand presence but also solidifies its foothold in the Indian esports community. Moreover, the company is committed to sponsoring local esports events and tournaments, further stimulating the gaming ecosystem.
This article will explore the impact of iQOO’s strategic investments in the Indian gaming domain alongside the features of its newly launched smartphone.
Introducing the iQOO Neo 10R: A Gamer’s Dream
Launched on March 11, 2025, the iQOO Neo 10R is engineered for gaming enthusiasts, powered by the advanced Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. This high-performance chipset is optimized to run games like BGMI at an impressive 90 FPS. Furthermore, the smartphone boasts a substantial 6400 mAh battery designed to ensure marathon gaming sessions without interruptions.
Key Specifications of iQOO Neo 10R
| Specifications | Details |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
| Operating System | Android 15 with Funtouch 15 |
| Memory & Storage | 8/12GB RAM and 128/256GB internal storage |
| Camera Setup | 50MP dual rear camera with 32MP selfie camera |
| Battery and Charging | 6400 mAh Si/C battery with 80W wired fast charging |
With flagship-grade specifications, the Neo 10R is positioned as a premier option for mobile gamers, debuting with a starting price of INR 27,000 (approximately $310), making it an attractive proposition for its target audience.
iQOO’s Investments in Mobile Gaming
As a subsidiary of the Vivo group, iQOO has committed itself deeply to the mobile gaming sector in India. The company unveiled its partnership with influential Indian esports players and streamers—such as Dynamo Gaming and Mortal—during the launch of the Neo 10R. These gamers provided insights that helped refine the device’s performance.
Such collaborations indicate iQOO’s dedication to delivering a product that meets the needs of esports players. The proactive testing phase with influencers before launch ensured that the Neo 10R is tailored for the competitive gaming environment.
Plans for Local Esports Sponsorships
The launch of the Neo 10R is merely the beginning of iQOO’s ambitious venture into the gaming arena. The company plans to sponsor grassroots esports events and competitions to cultivate a vibrant gaming community and entice more players into the competitive gaming domain.
iQOO has an existing legacy as a sponsor of esports at significant events, like the Asian Games 2022. Moreover, by collaborating with multiple BGMI teams in 2024, the company is poised to expand its influence. Notably, Indian esports player Pavan “MrTomboy”Kampelli earned a bronze medal in the 2024 Asian Esports Games, showcasing the country’s competitive potential.
iQOO’s Vision for AAA Gaming on Android
While Apple has made strides in mobile gaming by offering blockbuster titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage on iOS, Android users are still awaiting a similar experience. Xiaomi is working on its WinPlay service to address this, although it remains in beta testing and faces several challenges.
Recognizing the growing anticipation for AAA gaming on Android, iQOO is considering opportunities in this direction. However, the complexity of transitioning PC titles to mobile platforms requires thorough research on player demand before initiating development.