Product Review: iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red)

The iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red) is a beast in the mid-premium smartphone market, loaded with top-tier specs and a design that screams performance. From its bold Fiery Red aesthetic to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, this device is aimed squarely at power users and gamers. Letโ€™s see what this fiery machine brings to the table.


๐Ÿ“ฆ Unboxing Experience

Contents of the Box

  • iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red) handset
  • 120W FlashCharge adapter
  • USB Type-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Transparent protective case
  • Quick start guide

First Impression

As soon as you open the box, the vibrant Fiery Red back grabs your attention. Itโ€™s bold, loud, and refreshingly different from the usual greys and blacks.


๐ŸŽจ Design & Aesthetics

Fiery Red Finish and Feel

The dual-tone finish gives the Neo9 Pro a unique identity. The Fiery Red color is energetic and eye-catching, complemented by a soft matte texture that feels premium.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

Weighing just around 190 grams, the phone is easy to hold. The flat edges and curved corners offer a solid, grippy feel.


๐Ÿ“บ Display Features

Display Size and Panel Type

Comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep contrast, and an immersive viewing experience.

Refresh Rate and Brightness

Boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1400 nits โ€” perfect for gamers and outdoor visibility.

Visual Performance in Real Life

From HDR video streaming to intense gaming, the display delivers smooth, punchy visuals without any ghosting or stutter.


โš™๏ธ Performance Powerhouse

Processor and Benchmark Scores

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures blazing-fast speed. In AnTuTu, it crosses 1.6 million points, rivaling flagships.

RAM and Storage Details

Available in 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB UFS 4.0 storage, it’s ready for multitasking and heavy file handling.

Real-World Multitasking Experience

You can juggle between social media, gaming, video editing, and background apps effortlessly.


๐ŸŽฎ Gaming Experience

Game Test Results

Games like BGMI, Genshin Impact, and COD Mobile run at ultra settings with consistent frame rates.

Thermal Management

The large vapor chamber cooling system ensures the phone remains cool even during marathon gaming sessions.

Game-Specific Software Features

The iQOO Game Space app gives FPS stats, do-not-disturb features, and performance boost toggles.


๐Ÿ“ฒ Software & User Interface

Funtouch OS Overview

Based on Android 14, the latest Funtouch OS 14 is cleaner than before, with smoother animations and faster transitions.

Bloatware and Smoothness

A few third-party apps are pre-installed, but most can be removed. The overall experience is fast and fluid.

Update Policy

iQOO promises 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches โ€” solid support for long-term usage.


๐Ÿ“ธ Camera Capabilities

Main and Secondary Camera Setup

  • 50MP Sony IMX920 with OIS (Primary)
  • 8MP Ultra-wide sensor

Photos are sharp, detailed, and color-accurate with superb dynamic range.

Front Camera Performance

A 16MP front camera delivers great selfies with AI beautification that doesn’t feel overdone.

Night Mode and Video Recording

Night mode impresses, retaining detail without overexposure. Videos support 4K at 60fps with good stabilization.


๐Ÿ”‹ Battery & Charging

Battery Capacity and SOT

The 5160mAh battery gives an easy 7โ€“8 hours screen-on time, even under heavy usage.

Charging Speed and Charger Specs

Included 120W FlashCharge takes the phone from 0 to 50% in just 10 minutes โ€” a game changer.


๐Ÿ“ถ Connectivity Options

5G Support and Bands

Supports 12 5G bands, ensuring strong coverage on all Indian networks including Jio, Airtel, and Vi.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS

Comes with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual-band GPS with excellent signal locking.


๐Ÿ”Š Audio Performance

Speaker Output

Dual stereo speakers offer rich, balanced sound with Dolby Atmos support.

Wired and Wireless Audio

No 3.5mm jack, but wireless audio over Bluetooth is clear, with support for high-res codecs like LDAC.


๐Ÿ” Biometrics & Security

Fingerprint and Face Unlock

The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate. Face unlock is equally snappy.

Additional Privacy Tools

App lock, private safe, hidden albums, and other security features are all built-in.


๐ŸŒก๏ธ Heat Management

Under Load Temperatures

The phone maintains temperatures well under control, thanks to multi-layer graphite cooling.

Long Gaming Sessions

Even during 1-hour long gaming sessions, the device remains comfortably warm โ€” never too hot.


๐Ÿ’ฐ Price & Availability

The iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red) is priced at:

  • โ‚น34,999 for 8GB + 128GB
  • โ‚น36,999 for 8GB + 256GB
    Available on Amazon India and iQOO’s official site with launch offers and exchange discounts.

โœ… Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Stunning Fiery Red dual-tone design
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powerhouse
  • 144Hz AMOLED display
  • 120W fast charging
  • Excellent thermals and gaming features

Cons

  • No IP rating
  • No telephoto lens
  • No 3.5mm headphone jack

๐ŸŽฏ Who Should Buy This Phone?

This phone is ideal for:

  • Gamers who want flagship performance on a budget
  • Content creators who need speed, storage, and a capable camera
  • Power users who prioritize performance over gimmicks

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

The iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red) is a complete package that nails performance, design, and charging speed. If you’re hunting for a phone under โ‚น40K that delivers near-flagship performance with a bold look, this phone is a no-brainer. The Fiery Red variant is not just a looker โ€” itโ€™s a performer at heart.


โ“FAQs

Q1. Does iQOO Neo9 Pro support wireless charging?
No, it doesnโ€™t support wireless charging, but the 120W wired charging is faster than most.

Q2. Is there a headphone jack on the Neo9 Pro?
No, it lacks a 3.5mm jack. Youโ€™ll need to use wireless or Type-C headphones.

Q3. Can you record 4K videos at 60fps?
Yes, the rear camera supports 4K@60fps with stabilization.

Q4. How many 5G bands does it support in India?
It supports 12 5G bands, ensuring excellent network coverage.

Q5. Is the Fiery Red variant available in all storage options?
Yes, currently itโ€™s available in both 8GB and 12GB RAM variants with up to 256GB storage.

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