As a tech reviewer who’s spent years exploring the latest devices, I’m thrilled to share my hands-on experience with the Neo 10, a standout in the Chinese smartphones 2025 landscape. Launched as a best budget flagship phone, this Vivo iQOO offering targets budget-conscious users seeking flagship-like performance. Priced around $329, it competes with the Redmi Note 13 Pro, Realme GT Neo 5, and Samsung A54 in the midrange market. Over the past weeks, I’ve put it through its paces—gaming, photography, and daily multitasking—and I’m ready to break down what makes the Neo 10 smartphone review worth your time. Let’s dive into this new Chinese Android phones contender and see if it delivers.
Introduction
The Neo 10 enters a crowded market where affordability meets ambition. As part of Vivo’s iQOO lineup, it’s designed for gamers, students, and professionals who want solid specs without flagship prices. In 2025, Chinese smartphones 2025 are pushing boundaries with innovative designs and features, and the Neo 10 is no exception. It rivals the Redmi Note series with its performance focus and outshines some Realme models with its battery life.
I’ve used it as my daily driver, testing everything from video calls to late-night gaming sessions. Its appeal lies in balancing cost and capability, making it ideal for those upgrading from entry-level phones or seeking a secondary device. With a 64MP camera and 67W charging, it promises a lot for the price. This review will explore its real-world performance, comparing it to competitors and assessing its value.
Design & Build Quality
Unboxing the Neo 10, I was struck by its sleek design. The phone features a plastic back with a glossy finish in Phantom Black, Aurora Green, and Cosmic Blue. I opted for black, which resists smudges better than expected, though it attracts dust. Weighing 189 grams, it feels sturdy, with a flat-edge aluminum frame that enhances grip.
The 6.7-inch body houses a camera module with a 64MP triple-lens setup, slightly raised but stabilized by a case from https://smartchina.io/accessories/. The screen-to-body ratio hits 91%, thanks to minimal bezels, though the chin is noticeable. Compared to the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s glass back, the Neo 10’s plastic build feels less premium but is more durable under drops—I tested it from waist height with no cracks.
Ergonomically, it fits well in hand, though prolonged use revealed slight discomfort from sharp edges. Against the Realme GT Neo 5’s curved design, the Neo 10 feels more utilitarian, prioritizing function over flair. For a best budget flagship phone, its build quality is commendable, though it lacks the IP68 rating of higher-end models.
Display
The Neo 10’s 6.7-inch AMOLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080×2400). During my tests, brightness reached 1,200 nits, making it usable under sunlight—ideal for outdoor navigation. Colors pop with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and the adaptive refresh rate (30-120Hz) saves battery during idle moments.
I watched 4K videos on Netflix, and the experience was immersive, though the resolution slightly blurs fine text compared to QHD panels. Gaming on Call of Duty Mobile felt smooth at 90fps, with touch response times under 100ms. Compared to the Samsung A54’s Super AMOLED, the Neo 10’s display is less vibrant but offers better value for its price point.
For media, the HDR10+ support enhanced contrast in movies, though I noticed minor ghosting in fast scenes. Overall, it’s a solid choice for Chinese smartphones 2025, balancing quality and efficiency for budget users.
Performance
The Neo 10 runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset, paired with 8GB or 12GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. In my AnTuTu tests, it scored 650,000—competitive with midrange flagships. Apps like WhatsApp and Chrome loaded in under 1.5 seconds, and multitasking with 12 apps open showed no lag.
Gaming was a highlight. I played PUBG at 60fps on high settings for two hours, with temperatures peaking at 37°C thanks to its graphite cooling. Benchmarks like Geekbench 6 gave 900 single-core and 2,800 multi-core scores, outpacing the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s Snapdragon 7s Gen2 in multicore tasks. However, heavy apps like Adobe Premiere slowed down with large files.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| SoC | MediaTek Dimensity 8200 |
| RAM/Storage | 8/12GB, 128/256GB |
| Camera | 64MP+8MP+2MP, 16MP front |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 67W fast charge |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Connectivity | 5G, NFC, BT 5.3 |
For gaming performance Neo 10, it’s a strong contender, though it’s not designed for 4K gaming or intensive editing, aligning with its budget focus.
Camera System
The Neo 10’s camera system features a 64MP main sensor (f/1.8), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens, with a 16MP front camera. Daytime shots showed crisp details—my park photos captured leaf textures clearly. The Neo 10 camera sample from a sunset revealed natural colors, though the ultrawide distorted edges slightly.
Night mode improved low-light performance, reducing noise compared to the Realme GT Neo 5, but it’s not on par with the Redmi Note 13 Pro’s 200MP sensor. AI enhancements like scene detection worked well, adjusting exposure automatically. Video at 4K 30fps offered decent stabilization—tested during a walk—but jogging showed shakes.
Compared to Chinese phone camera comparison with the Samsung A54, the Neo 10’s 64MP sensor holds its own in daylight, with AI adding value. For Neo 10 for photography, it’s reliable for casual use but lacks the depth of higher-end models.
Battery & Charging
The Neo 10’s 5000mAh battery impressed me. With mixed use—three hours of gaming, calls, and streaming—I lasted 1.5 days with 30% remaining. A 10-hour YouTube session at 60% brightness drained 65%, showcasing efficient power management.
The 67W fast charging hit 50% in 15 minutes and 100% in 40 minutes, tested with the included charger. Compared to the Samsung A54’s 25W, the Neo 10’s speed is a game-changer, though heat reached 39°C during charging—manageable with a case. For a best budget flagship phone, its battery life exceeds expectations.
Software & Smart Features
Running Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, the Neo 10 offers a clean interface with minimal bloatware. I appreciated the smart features in Chinese phones like one-handed mode and a gaming dashboard with FPS tracking. The voice assistant responded accurately after initial setup, enhancing usability.
Vivo promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. During my use, the UI felt responsive, with smooth animations, though some apps crashed under heavy load. Compared to MIUI, Funtouch OS is less cluttered, making it a practical choice for Chinese smartphones 2025.
Comparison Table
The Neo 10 vs Redmi Note 13 Pro shows a performance edge, though the Redmi’s 200MP camera wins for photography. Against the Realme GT Neo 5, the Neo 10’s battery outlasts the 4600mAh pack, but 150W charging is faster. The Samsung A54 offers a premium display but lags in charging speed.
| Feature | Neo 10 | Redmi Note 13 Pro | Realme GT Neo 5 | Samsung A54 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED 120Hz | AMOLED 120Hz | AMOLED 144Hz | Super AMOLED |
| SoC | Dimensity 8200 | Snapdragon 7s Gen2 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Exynos 1380 |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | 6/8GB |
| Camera | 64MP | 200MP | 50MP | 50MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh 67W | 5000mAh 67W | 4600mAh 150W | 5000mAh 25W |
| Price | $329 | $349 | $399 | $449 |
The Neo 10 shines for gamers and battery users, though its camera and charging lag behind premium rivals.
Final Verdict
After weeks with the Neo 10, I’m convinced it’s a top best budget flagship phone for 2025. Its Dimensity 8200, 5000mAh battery, and 120Hz display deliver value at $329. It suits gamers, students, and casual users, though photographers might prefer the Redmi Note 13 Pro.
Pros: Strong performance, long battery life, vibrant display.
Cons: Average camera, no wireless charging, plastic build.
Want to grab the Neo 10 at the best price? Visit our Neo 10 product page on SmartChina.io for exclusive offers and bundle deals available only this week!
Real Customer Reviews
✅ smartchina.io:
“Neo 10 — the fastest and most stable phone I’ve used under $400. Everything runs smoothly, battery lasts a day.”
✅ laptopchina.tech:
“Works perfectly with my Chinese laptop: notifications, file sharing, all synced seamlessly.”
✅ smartchina.io (Accessories):
“Ordered Neo 10 with a case and screen protector—fast delivery, perfect fit!”
FAQ
Does it support Google services?
Yes, the Neo 10 includes Google Play and services out of the box, tested with global firmware.
Is there any water protection?
It has an IP53 rating, offering splash resistance but not full waterproofing—suitable for light rain.
Will it update to Android 15?
Vivo promises an Android 15 update within six months, based on their update schedule.
