Realme GT 7 vs iQOO Neo 10: A Worthy Mid-Premium Smartphone Battle
Two performance-centric smartphones have just hit the market: the Realme GT 7 and the iQOO Neo 10. Naturally, that calls for a comparison. While the iQOO Neo 10 is priced at ₹31,999 and the Realme GT 7 comes in at ₹39,999, don’t be too quick to dismiss this as an unfair fight based on price alone. A deeper dive reveals just how closely matched these devices are, especially when it comes to performance, display quality, and real-world usability.
Design & Durability
Let’s start with the basics—design. Both phones weigh 206g and feature plastic builds, but Realme edges ahead with Gorilla Glass 7i protection and an IP69 rating, making it more durable against drops and water. iQOO, however, offers a slimmer in-hand feel, which may appeal to users who value ergonomics. While both feel premium enough for the price, Realme has a slight edge in protection.
Performance: Snapdragon vs Dimensity
Under the hood, the iQOO Neo 10 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while the Realme GT 7 runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400e. These are toned-down versions of flagship chips but still deliver top-tier performance.
On AnTuTu, both phones scored over 1.5 million points, with Realme pulling ahead by nearly 100,000. Geekbench scores also favored Realme slightly. But the real gap appeared during stress testing: Realme maintained consistent performance during a CPU throttling test, while the iQOO Neo 10 showed signs of thermal throttling after 15 minutes. (Note: iQOO has since rolled out an update to address this.)
If sustained performance matters to you—especially during gaming or multitasking—Realme has the upper hand.
Display: Brightness vs Accuracy
Both phones feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, although iQOO claims 144Hz in gaming (in practice, both maxed out at 102FPS in BGMI testing).
When we ran a Calman test for color accuracy, the Realme GT 7 impressed with a Delta E of just 0.7, nearly perfect. iQOO’s display, while not far behind, slightly missed the mark on fine color details.
Where iQOO truly shines is in peak brightness, boasting 3340 nits, easily outclassing Realme’s sub-2000 nit output. iQOO offers much better visibility outdoors, though Realme’s display often appears brighter indoors.
Verdict: Realme offers better color accuracy and consistency, while iQOO wins in sheer brightness and outdoor usability.
Battery & Charging: Neck-and-Neck
Both smartphones come with massive 7000mAh batteries and 120W fast charging.
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iQOO Neo 10: 0 to 100% in 40 minutes, 22+ hours on PCMark battery test
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Realme GT 7: Full charge in 42 minutes, just under 21 hours in battery tests
In everyday use, both phones comfortably deliver two days of moderate usage, but iQOO gets the slight edge in both charging speed and endurance.
Cameras: Realme’s Versatility vs iQOO’s Low-Light Edge
Camera setups are where we see more divergence:
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Realme GT 7: Triple-lens system with a telephoto sensor
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iQOO Neo 10: Dual-lens system with only a main and ultrawide sensor
In daylight, Realme takes the lead with crisp, natural photos, while iQOO leans toward brighter, more vibrant images. The telephoto lens on the GT 7 adds versatility and noticeably sharper zoom shots.
However, iQOO bounces back in low-light scenarios, thanks to AI upscaling and better light management.
Portrait mode is a mixed bag—Realme offers more natural skin tones, while iQOO tends to brighten and smoothen faces a bit too much. Edge detection is passable on both.
Overall: Realme wins on camera hardware and daylight photography, but iQOO surprises with its strong low-light performance.
Final Verdict: Which One Deserves Your Money?
The iQOO Neo 10 is an excellent performer that offers near-flagship specs at a killer price. For ₹10,000 less, it holds its own in almost every area, making it a top choice for gamers and budget-conscious power users.
But if you’re willing to spend more for a refined experience, the Realme GT 7 justifies its premium with:
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Better sustained performance
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More accurate display
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More capable camera system
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Improved durability
Buy iQOO Neo 10 if you want:
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Maximum performance per rupee
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Bright display for outdoor use
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Excellent battery life and charging speed
Buy Realme GT 7 if you value:
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Better camera versatility
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Stable long-term performance
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Durable build and superior display accuracy