Poco F7 vs iQOO Neo 10: Which Is the Best Smartphone Under $500 in 2025?
Struggling to choose the best smartphone under $500 in 2025? The Poco F7 and iQOO Neo 10, both powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, offer flagship-level performance, vibrant AMOLED displays, and impressive cameras at budget-friendly prices. This SEO-optimized comparison, including a detailed specs table, breaks down their design, performance, cameras, battery, and value to help you decide. Dive into the Poco F7 vs iQOO Neo 10 showdown to find your perfect phone!
Design and Build: Premium vs Lightweight
Design sets the tone for your smartphone experience.
Poco F7: Features a premium glass build with Gorilla Glass 7i and an aluminum frame, paired with IP68 water and dust resistance for top-tier durability. The Cyber Silver Edition sports a bold, gamer-inspired faux-transparent back, appealing to style-conscious users.
iQOO Neo 10: Offers a lightweight plastic build with IP65 splash resistance, which is less robust than the Poco’s waterproofing. Its race track-inspired design and squircle camera module deliver a modern, unique look.
Verdict: The Poco F7 wins with its premium materials and IP68 rating, ideal for durability. Choose the iQOO Neo 10 for a lighter, stylish design.
Display: Cinematic vs Gaming-Optimized
Both phones boast stunning AMOLED displays, but they cater to different needs.
Poco F7: Features a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED (1220 x 2712) with a 120Hz refresh rate, 3200 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision/HDR10+ support. Its 94.27% screen-to-body ratio and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus make it ideal for streaming.
iQOO Neo 10: Sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED (1260 x 2800) with a 144Hz refresh rate and 5500 nits peak brightness. Its 4320Hz PWM dimming ensures eye comfort, perfect for gaming and outdoor visibility.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10 leads for gaming with its smoother 144Hz display and brighter panel. The Poco F7 excels for cinematic viewing with its larger screen and Dolby Vision.
Performance: Flagship Power on a Budget
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Adreno 825 GPU, delivering top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
Poco F7: Offers 12GB LPDDR5x RAM (expandable to 24GB via Turbo RAM) and UFS 4.1 storage (up to 512GB). It runs HyperOS 2.0 on Android 15, with 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches. Some users report thermal issues and bloatware.
iQOO Neo 10: Comes with up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, plus a Q1 gaming chip for enhanced gaming and better thermals. It runs Funtouch OS 15 with 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
Verdict: The iQOO Neo 10 edges out for gaming performance with better thermal management, while the Poco F7 offers longer software support.
Camera: Low-Light vs Selfie Excellence
Photography is a key factor in choosing a budget smartphone.
Poco F7: Equipped with a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera (f/1.5, OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide. Its wider aperture excels in low-light photography and natural bokeh. The 20MP front camera supports 1080p 60fps video.
iQOO Neo 10: Features a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera (OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide, but its 32MP front camera shines for selfies and 4K 60fps video. It slightly lags in low-light performance.
Verdict: The Poco F7 is ideal for low-light shots, while the iQOO Neo 10 is better for selfies and video recording.
Battery and Charging: Endurance vs Speed
Battery life and charging speed are critical for daily use.
Poco F7: Packs a 7550mAh battery (6500mAh globally) with 90W fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging. It delivers over 7 hours of screen-on time, ideal for heavy users.
iQOO Neo 10: Features a 7000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, reaching 50% in 15 minutes. It supports bypass charging and 100W PD for versatility.
Verdict: The Poco F7 wins for battery endurance, while the iQOO Neo 10 is best for fast charging.
Price and Value: Budget-Friendly Power
Pricing is a deciding factor in the sub-$500 segment.
Poco F7: Starts at ₹31,999 (~$380) for 12GB + 256GB and ₹33,999 (~$405) for 12GB + 512GB, offering excellent value with higher base RAM.
iQOO Neo 10: Starts at ₹31,999 (~$380) for 8GB + 128GB, with 12GB + 256GB at ₹35,999 (~$430) and 16GB + 512GB at ₹40,999 (~$490).
Verdict: The Poco F7 provides better value with more RAM/storage at a lower price, while the iQOO Neo 10 justifies its cost with premium features.
Software: Longevity vs Clean UI
Software impacts usability and device longevity.
Poco F7: Runs HyperOS 2. zeroes out bloatware.
iQOO Neo 10: Uses Funtouch OS 15 with a cleaner UI, offering 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
Verdict: The Poco F7 is better for long-term updates, while the iQOO Neo 10 offers a cleaner software experience.
Specs Comparison Table
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
Display | 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz, 3200 nits | 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 144Hz, 5500 nits |
Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, Adreno 825 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, Adreno 825, Q1 chip |
RAM/Storage | 12GB (up to 24GB Turbo), 256/512GB UFS 4.1 | 8/12/16GB, 128/256/512GB UFS 4.1 |
Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.5, OIS) + 8MP ultrawide | 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultrawide |
Front Camera | 20MP, 1080p 60fps | 32MP, 4K 60fps |
Battery | 7550mAh (6500mAh global), 90W charging | 7000mAh, 120W charging, 100W PD |
Build | Glass, Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68, aluminum frame | Plastic, IP65 |
Software | HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15), 4 OS/6 security | Funtouch OS 15, 3 OS/4 security |
Price (Starting) | ₹31,999 (~$380, 12GB+256GB) | ₹31,999 (~$380, 8GB+128GB) |
Poco F7 vs iQOO Neo 10: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Poco F7 for:
Premium IP68 build with Gorilla Glass 7i
Larger 7550mAh battery for all-day use
Longer software updates (4 years OS, 6 years security)
Better value with higher RAM/storage
Superior low-light photography
Pick the iQOO Neo 10 for:
Brighter 144Hz AMOLED for gaming
120W fast charging for quick top-ups
32MP selfie camera with 4K video
Enhanced gaming with Q1 chip
Conclusion: Best Smartphone Under $500 in 2025
The Poco F7 and iQOO Neo 10 are top contenders for the best smartphone under $500 in 2025. The Poco F7 shines with durability, battery life, and value, while the iQOO Neo 10 excels in gaming, fast charging, and selfies. Check deals on Flipkart, Amazon, or brand websites to snag the best offer. Which phone suits your needs?