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Exclusive: iQOO Neo Series to Skip 2026 Launch as Brand Refines Flagship Strategy

Exclusive: iQOO Neo Series to Skip 2026 Launch as Brand Refines Flagship Strategy

This would be the first time since the Neo series arrived in India that a full calendar year has passed without a new model bearing the brand.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Ketan Pratap | Updated: 11 March 2026 12:52 IST

The iQOO Neo 10R 5G (pictured) was launched in India in March 2025

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Highlights

iQOO will not be introducing a new Neo series device in 2026
The company is focused on strenthening its flagship-led approach
iQOO Neo 10 was the last Neo-series device from the brand

The Neo-series is a smartphone range from iQOO that offers a mix of performance and value. A strategy that iQOO 15R, launched recently, has almost picked from the Neo range. Now, Gadgets 360 has exclusively learned from reliable sources that iQOO plans to change its usual release schedule for one of its most popular smartphone lineups in India, the Neo series.

It typically represents the upper mid-range segment of iQOO. The Neo series handsets often offer a combination of near-flagship-level chipsets, high refresh rate displays, and fast charging capabilities, at a competitive price point. While the brand has indeed been busy with recent launches like the iQOO 15R, sources say that iQOO is shifting its focus away from the Neo series in 2026.

No iQOO Neo Series Launches in 2026

As per the sources, the smartphone industry is gradually moving towards sharper portfolio strategies as rising component costs and increasing device prices push brands to focus on clearer differentiation and value propositions. The call to skip the Neo series aligns with this shift.

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The source further said that the brand iQOO is instead focused on strengthening its flagship-led approach, concentrating on high-performance devices designed for clearly defined consumer segments. The source added that the recent expansion of the flagship lineup through the launch of iQOO 15R, targeted at working professionals, is building a more focused and relevant portfolio.

"While Neo will not launch this year, the high-performance DNA that defined Neo continues to be a key feature in iQOO's flagship portfolio as well, ensuring that consumers continue to experience the same high-performance ethos that iQOO stands for," the source said.

This also marks a notable shift in the brand's strategy. Over the past few years, Neo devices have been an important part of iQOO's India portfolio, especially during mid-year refresh cycles and festive sales, where the phones typically targeted buyers looking for flagship-grade processors at upper mid-range prices. The company, however, has not publicly commented on any change to its Neo strategy for 2026.

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For context, the brand had a relatively active 2025 when it came to the Neo lineup. The iQOO Neo 10R launched in India in March last year with a starting price of Rs. 26,999. A few months later, the company followed it up with the iQOO Neo 10, which debuted at Rs. 31,999, expanding the series further into the upper mid-range segment.

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So far in 2026, however, there has been no sign of a new Neo model in the country. Instead, the company appears to be focusing on other product lines. In February, iQOO launched the iQOO 15R in India with a starting price of Rs. 44,990. At the more affordable end of the market, the brand is also gearing up for the March 12 launch of the iQOO Z11x, which is expected to target buyers in the sub-Rs. 23,000 segment.

iQOO Neo 10 (2025)

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Slim IP65-rated design
Bright 144Hz display with excellent touch sensitivity
Capable primary camera
Excellent battery life with very fast charging
Good gaming performance
Remains cool when stressed

Bad
Design could have been more exciting
Poor ultrawide camera performance
Ultrawide video capture limited to 1080p 30fps
Average low-light video recording

Read detailed iQOO Neo 10 (2025) review

Display 6.78-inch

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4

Front Camera 32-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel

RAM 8GB, 12GB, 16GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Battery Capacity 7000mAh

OS Android 15

Resolution 1260x2800 pixels

More iQOO mobiles iQOO mobiles price in India

iQOO Neo 10R

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
Processor offers good performance
Vibrant 120Hz display with skinny borders
Excellent battery life
Fast wired charging

Bad
Heats up when stressed
Plasticy build quality
Lacks NFC
Overall still camera quality isn't great
Low light video isn't up to expectations

Read detailed iQOO Neo 10R review

Display 6.78-inch

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3

Front Camera 32-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel

RAM 8GB, 12GB

Storage 128GB, 256GB

Battery Capacity 6400mAh

OS Android 15

Resolution 1260x2800 pixels

More iQOO mobiles iQOO mobiles price in India

iQOO 15R

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.59-inch

Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 5

Front Camera 32-megapixel

Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel

RAM 8GB, 12GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB

Battery Capacity 7600mAh

OS Android 16

Resolution 1260x2750 pixels

More iQOO mobiles iQOO mobiles price in India

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Further reading: iQoo, iQOO Neo

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More