The iQOO Neo 6 5G launched in India in May 2022 with a clear focus on gamers and performance lovers under the ₹35,000 segment. Moreover, it arrived with the powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and ultra-fast 80W charging. At that time, these specifications placed it firmly in the upper mid-range category.
However, what makes the iQOO Neo 6 5G truly special is its longevity. Even in 2026, refurbished units sell between ₹15,000 and ₹18,000 on platforms like Flipkart. Additionally, with active custom ROM support, the phone now runs Android 15 smoothly. Consequently, it still outperforms many brand-new budget smartphones in real-world usage.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Neo 6 5G weighs around 190 grams and feels solid and reassuring in hand. Moreover, the phone uses Gorilla Glass protection on the front, while the plastic back helps hide scratches from daily wear. Therefore, it handles rough usage better than many glass-backed phones.
In addition, the flat sides improve grip and make long gaming sessions more comfortable. Meanwhile, the IP53 rating offers basic protection against dust and light splashes. Consequently, accidental drops and minor spills rarely cause serious damage. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner remains fast and reliable even today.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Display Quality and Viewing Experience
The smartphone features a 6.62-inch Samsung E4 AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. Moreover, the panel delivers sharp details, vibrant colors, and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and smooth animations, which still feel premium in 2026.
Additionally, HDR10+ support enhances video playback with better contrast and depth. Peak brightness reaches close to 1300 nits, therefore outdoor visibility remains excellent. Meanwhile, the responsive touch sampling rate makes shooting and action games feel accurate and fast. The Always-On Display also adds convenience while saving power.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Performance and Gaming in 2026
The Snapdragon 870 chipset continues to age impressively. Moreover, daily tasks such as browsing, streaming, and multitasking run effortlessly. Popular games like BGMI and PUBG run smoothly at high frame rates, while Genshin Impact performs well on high settings.
Additionally, the phone manages heat reasonably well. Although it gets warm during extended gaming, it never becomes uncomfortable. With 8GB or 12GB RAM and fast UFS 3.1 storage, apps open quickly and remain in memory. Consequently, many users still find it faster than newer mid-range phones.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Software Experience and Custom ROM Support
Out of the box, the iQOO Neo 6 5G shipped with Android 12 and Funtouch OS. However, official updates have slowed down over time. Fortunately, the strong developer community has kept the device alive through custom ROMs.
Moreover, popular ROMs like LineageOS now offer Android 15 support. These ROMs feel clean, lightweight, and free from ads or unnecessary apps. Consequently, animations feel smoother, battery life improves, and the phone genuinely feels new again.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Camera Performance Still Holds Up
The iQOO Neo 6 5G sports a 64MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization, supported by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro sensor. Moreover, daylight photos look sharp with natural colors and good dynamic range.
In low-light conditions, OIS helps capture steadier and clearer shots. Video recording supports up to 4K at 60fps, and videos remain stable even while walking. Meanwhile, the 16MP front camera performs well for video calls, selfies, and social media posts.
| Camera | Details |
|---|---|
| Main | 64MP with OIS |
| Ultra-wide | 8MP, 116° |
| Macro | 2MP |
| Selfie | 16MP |
| Video | 4K at 60fps |
iQOO Neo 6 5G Battery Life and Charging Speed
The phone packs a 4700mAh battery, which continues to perform well even after years of use. Moreover, users still get around 10 to 11 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage. Standby drain remains low, therefore a full day of use is easy.
Additionally, the 80W fast charging remains a standout feature. The phone charges nearly 50 percent in just 12 minutes and reaches 100 percent in around 32 minutes. Consequently, many newer phones still struggle to match this speed.
| Feature | Result |
|---|---|
| Battery | 4700mAh |
| Charging | 80W wired |
| Full Charge | ~32 minutes |
| Screen Time | 10–11 hours |
iQOO Neo 6 5G Connectivity, Sound, and Extras
The stereo speakers sound loud and clear, with decent bass for gaming and videos. Moreover, the phone supports Hi-Res Audio and Snapdragon Sound. Both wired and wireless audio quality remain impressive.
In addition, features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and reliable 5G support with Jio and Airtel keep the phone future-ready. GPS accuracy is fast and reliable, which further enhances daily usability.
iQOO Neo 6 5G Value for Money in 2026
At refurbished prices around ₹16,999, the iQOO Neo 6 5G delivers exceptional value. Moreover, finding Snapdragon 870 performance, 12GB RAM, and 80W charging at this price is rare today. EMI options also make it accessible for students.
Additionally, spare parts remain widely available and service costs are reasonable. Custom ROMs further extend its lifespan. Consequently, many users continue to recommend it even in 2026.
Final Verdict: Is iQOO Neo 6 5G Still Worth Buying?
The iQOO Neo 6 5G proves that strong hardware does not age quickly. Moreover, its performance, display quality, fast charging, and OIS camera still stand out. At under ₹17,000 refurbished pricing, it remains a smart and practical choice in 2026.
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is iQOO Neo 6 5G good for gaming in 2026? | Yes, Snapdragon 870 still delivers excellent gaming performance. |
| Does iQOO Neo 6 5G support Android 15? | Yes, via custom ROMs like LineageOS. |
| Is 80W charging still fast today? | Yes, it remains among the fastest in its price range. |
| Should I buy it refurbished? | Yes, if you want flagship-level performance at a low price. |