The iQOO Neo 6 5G arrived in India in May 2022 with a clear focus on gaming and raw performance. It was priced under Rs 35,000 at launch and offered flagship-level power at a mid-range cost. Even in 2026, this smartphone continues to hold relevance, especially in the refurbished market where prices have dropped significantly.
Many users still consider the iQOO Neo 6 5G because of its Snapdragon processor, fast charging, and smooth AMOLED display. Before looking at individual features, it is important to understand why this phone has aged better than many newer budget devices.
What Is the iQOO Neo 6 5G
The iQOO Neo 6 5G is a performance-driven smartphone built mainly for gamers and heavy users. It focuses on stable frame rates, fast response times, and reliable battery charging rather than flashy design experiments. The phone balances strong hardware with features that still feel modern in daily use.
This device became popular because it delivered consistent performance over time. Even after several years, its core hardware remains powerful enough for modern apps and games.
Design That Handles Daily Rough Use
The iQOO Neo 6 5G weighs around 190 grams and feels solid in hand. It uses Gorilla Glass protection on the front while the back and frame are made of durable plastic. This plastic build helps hide scratches and improves grip during long gaming sessions.
Flat edges make it easier to hold the phone securely, especially while gaming. The IP53 rating provides basic protection against dust and light splashes, which is useful for daily life. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner works quickly, even with sweaty fingers. An added IR blaster allows users to control TVs and other appliances, which is still a rare feature today.
Display Quality Still Feels Premium
The phone features a 6.62-inch Samsung E4 AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. Sharp text, rich colors, and deep blacks make everyday use enjoyable. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling and gaming smooth, even by current standards.
HDR10+ support improves video quality on streaming platforms. Peak brightness reaches around 1300 nits, making the screen readable under direct sunlight. Touch response feels fast and accurate, which is important for competitive games. The Always-On Display feature adds convenience while helping conserve battery.
Performance Still Strong in 2026
The Snapdragon 870 processor continues to perform very well in 2026. Games like BGMI and PUBG Mobile run smoothly at high frame rates, while Genshin Impact performs well on higher settings with stable performance.
The phone is available with 8GB or 12GB RAM, paired with fast UFS 3.1 storage. Apps open quickly and remain in memory without frequent reloads. Multitasking remains smooth, and many users feel it performs better than newer mid-range phones focused mainly on AI features.
Thermal control is handled well, with the phone getting warm during long sessions but rarely overheating.
Software and Custom ROM Support
Out of the box, the iQOO Neo 6 5G launched with Android 12. Official updates have slowed down, but strong community support has extended the phone’s life. Custom ROMs like LineageOS allow users to run Android 15 smoothly.
These custom ROMs remove bloatware and ads, making the phone feel lighter and faster. Animations feel modern, battery life improves, and overall responsiveness increases. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons the phone remains popular among power users.
Camera Performance Still Impressive
The iQOO Neo 6 5G features a 64MP main camera with optical image stabilization. Daylight photos look sharp with natural colors, while OIS helps improve low-light shots. An 8MP ultra-wide camera handles group photos and landscapes, and a 2MP macro lens is available for close-up shots.
Video recording supports 4K at 60fps, and footage remains stable even while walking. The 16MP front camera delivers decent selfies and works well for video calls and social media content.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
The phone packs a 4700mAh battery, which still delivers around 10 to 11 hours of screen-on time even after years of use. Standby drain remains low, allowing the phone to last a full day comfortably.
One of its standout features is 80W fast charging. The phone reaches around 50 percent charge in about 12 minutes and fully charges in roughly 32 minutes. This charging speed remains impressive even compared to many newer devices.
Sound, Network, and Extra Features
Stereo speakers provide loud and clear sound with good bass, enhancing gaming and media consumption. Hi-Res audio support and Snapdragon Sound improve both wired and wireless audio quality.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and stable 5G support for Indian networks like Jio and Airtel. GPS locking is fast and accurate, making navigation reliable.
Value for Money in 2026
Refurbished pricing has made the iQOO Neo 6 5G an excellent value. Units with 12GB RAM are often available around Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000. At this price, it offers performance that many new budget phones cannot match.
Service costs remain reasonable, spare parts are widely available, and resale value is still strong. EMI options make it attractive for students and young users.
Final Verdict
The iQOO Neo 6 5G proves that good hardware can age gracefully. Its Snapdragon 870 processor, smooth AMOLED display, fast charging, and reliable camera system still perform well in 2026. For users who value real-world performance over gimmicks, this phone remains a smart and practical choice, especially in the refurbished market.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. The information provided is based on past specifications, user experiences, refurbished market trends, and publicly available sources at the time of writing. Actual performance, battery health, software support, camera quality, pricing, and availability may vary depending on device condition, region, seller, and software updates.
