iQOO (pronounced as “i-cue”) is a relatively new yet rapidly rising smartphone brand in India. Backed by Vivo, iQOO entered the Indian market with a clear vision: to deliver flagship-level performance, gaming features, and premium design at aggressive prices. In 2025, iQOO has become the go-to choice for gamers, creators, and power users who don’t want to compromise on speed or style.
Let’s dive deep into iQOO’s journey, lineup, innovations, and what makes it a standout in India’s smartphone space.
iQOO launched in India in February 2020 with its first device—the iQOO 3. Despite being a new player, its focus on performance, especially around gaming and multitasking, attracted a tech-savvy audience.
Being a Vivo sub-brand, iQOO shares research, manufacturing, and service infrastructure with its parent, while maintaining a youth-centric identity focused on speed, visuals, and power.
In 2025, iQOO smartphones in India start at ₹11,999, making them accessible to both budget users and premium seekers.
The current iQOO range is streamlined yet powerful:
iQOO Z Series – Budget to midrange models with solid performance and 5G (Z9, Z9x)
iQOO Neo Series – Upper midrange “flagship killers” with premium chips (Neo 7 Pro, Neo 9 Pro)
iQOO Number Series – Balanced phones offering great cameras and power (iQOO 12)
iQOO Pro Series – True flagship phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, curved AMOLED displays, and advanced cooling
Popular models in 2025 include iQOO Neo 9 Pro, iQOO Z9 5G, and the high-end iQOO 12.
iQOO focuses heavily on using top-tier chipsets, like:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Gen 3 (in Neo and Pro series)
MediaTek Dimensity 7200/9300 (in budget and midrange Z series)
These chipsets make iQOO phones ideal for gaming, editing, and heavy multitasking.
iQOO phones often feature:
120Hz or 144Hz AMOLED displays with fast touch sampling rates
Liquid cooling systems and vapor chambers
MEMC tech for smoother gameplay and video
Dual stereo speakers and X-axis linear motors for immersive feedback
From ₹15K upwards, most iQOO phones come with AMOLED displays, offering deep blacks, vibrant visuals, and high refresh rates that gamers and binge-watchers love.
Almost every iQOO device now supports 44W to 120W fast charging, getting users from 0 to 100% in 20–30 minutes.
iQOO uses Funtouch OS, shared with Vivo but optimized for performance:
Smooth UI with customization
Minimal bloat in higher-end models
New additions like AI Smart Scene, Game Assistant, and RAM expansion
iQOO has smartly tailored its approach for Indian consumers:
Aggressive online-first pricing (mostly Amazon exclusive)
India-first launches like the Neo series
Flagship features like 50MP Sony cameras, Ultra Game Mode, and India-optimized power management
iQOO also benefits from Vivo’s wide service network, ensuring good after-sales support even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
iQOO now ranks in the top 6 smartphone brands online in India, and continues to grow.
What users love:
Flagship specs at midrange prices
Durable builds and unique designs
Minimal heating and high sustained performance
Their Neo 9 Pro and iQOO 12 are among the most recommended phones in the ₹25K–₹60K segment in 2025.
In the coming years, iQOO plans to:
Introduce more Snapdragon 8 Gen 3+ powered phones in midrange
Focus on AI-assisted photography and real-time video enhancements
Expand offline presence while maintaining online-first pricing
Bring foldable or flip-style experimental phones
Offer 3 years of OS updates for Pro series
Their strategy is clear: deliver maximum value and raw power at competitive pricing.
If you're someone who:
Loves gaming or multitasking
Wants flagship-level performance under ₹30K
Prefers AMOLED and high refresh rate
Doesn’t want MIUI or heavy bloat
Then iQOO is easily one of the best options in the Indian market today.
With smartphones starting at ₹11,999, iQOO delivers an unbeatable mix of speed, style, and smart pricing—making it a top choice for Gen-Z and tech enthusiasts.