In an era where mobile gaming is evolving at an unprecedented pace, iQOO has positioned itself as a frontrunner by delivering high-performance smartphones designed for gamers. The latest addition to their lineup, the iQOO Neo 10R, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, user feedback, and esports-ready technology.
In this exclusive interview with iQOO India’s CEO Nipun Marya, he shares how collaborations with India’s top gaming influencers, rigorous real-world testing, and cutting-edge hardware have shaped the Neo 10R. From its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset to its 6043mm² vapor chamber cooling system, every feature is meticulously crafted to meet the demands of both casual and competitive gamers.
With insights on the future of mobile gaming in India, esports mainstreaming, and Gen Z preferences, this conversation offers a deep dive into how iQOO is driving the next generation of gaming smartphones.
Table of Contents
Exclusive Interview with Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO India: Redefining Mobile Gaming with Performance-Driven Innovation
1. Collaboration with Gamers:
Question: Can you explain how working closely with top Indian gamers has influenced the design and performance of the Neo 10R?
Answer: At iQOO, we believe that our products should be shaped by the real needs of our users. Our collaboration with top Indian gamers like Mortal, Scout, Gamerfleet, Payal Gaming, Dynamo, UnGraduate Gamer, and Shreeman Legend has been instrumental in designing the Neo 10R.
- Based on valuable feedback from our gaming community, we introduced Bypass Charging in the Neo series, ensuring efficient power management during extended gaming sessions.
- To enhance gameplay smoothness, we improved screen mismatch prevention across all areas, providing a more seamless and accurate touch response.
- We also added Manual Touch Sampling Rate adjustment and a Switch Mode in Refresh Rate, allowing gamers to optimize performance while ensuring prolonged battery health.
2. Rigorous Testing Standards:
Question: The Neo 10R underwent extensive testing to meet professional gaming standards. Could you share what specific tests or benchmarks were prioritized and how these influenced the final product?
Answer: For the Neo 10R, our testing focused heavily on three main areas: performance stability, thermal management, and battery endurance. We tested the device under real-world gaming conditions, ensuring it could consistently run at 90FPS for extended periods without throttling, even during heavy gameplay like BGMI. Our 5-hour BGMI test, where the device maintained an 87-90 FPS range, was critical to ensure its stability. We also prioritized thermal performance, which led to the integration of the 6043mm² vapor chamber cooling system, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during intense sessions.
3. Exclusive Software Features:
Question: iQOO Neo 10R offers unique software enhancements for gamers. What are the exclusive features integrated into the device, and how do they give gamers a competitive edge?
Answer: The Neo 10R comes with a suite of exclusive software enhancements that deliver a competitive edge for gamers. Our Game Boost Mode dynamically allocates resources to ensure uninterrupted, lag-free gameplay. Additionally, the device comes with in-built FPS Meter, which helps gamers track performance and adjust in-game settings for the best experience. The AI Game Voice Changer is another standout feature, allowing users to modify their voices during gameplay, adding a fun and interactive element to team communication. We also offer advanced touch response features with 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate and 4D Game Vibration, giving users more control and an immersive experience.
4. Market Evolution in Mobile Gaming:
Question: How do you see the mobile gaming industry evolving in India over the next few years, and what strategic role does iQOO aim to play in this evolving landscape?
Answer: The number of gamers in India has grown by an annual rate of 14.6% over the past 6 years from 2018 to 2024 with the latest estimate of gamers standing at 48 cr basis the trend from IMARC report and our internal forecast. (Size of gamers in 2023 was 43.9 cr based on the IMARC report). This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of smartphones, better internet infrastructure, and the rise of 5G technology.
We see mobile gaming becoming more professionalized, with esports gaining mainstream recognition. iQOO aims to play a pivotal role by delivering high-performance gaming devices at competitive price points, bridging the gap between casual and professional gamers. Our partnerships with top Indian gamers and involvement in esports tournaments demonstrate our commitment to developing the esports ecosystem.
5. Appeal to Gen Z and Young Consumers:
Question: New-age brands like iQOO are increasingly preferred by Gen Z and young consumers. In your view, what factors contribute to this preference, and how does the Neo 10R cater to these consumers?
Answer: Gen Z and young consumers are looking for brands that align with their lifestyle, offering innovative products with high-performance capabilities. iQOO’s focus on cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and premium performance at competitive prices resonates well with this demographic. The Neo 10R, with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 2000Hz instant touch sampling, and flagship-level cooling system, ensures a smooth and seamless gaming experience—perfect for young, tech-savvy users. Moreover, the device’s design, featuring the unique Raging Blue color and racing track-inspired texture, speaks to their preference for bold, youthful aesthetics.
6. Esports Mainstreaming:
Question: As esports becomes mainstream in India, what specific performance features of the Neo 10R are designed to meet the demands of competitive gamers?
Answer: eSports in India is experiencing rapid growth, and the Neo 10R is designed to cater to the performance demands of competitive gamers. With its ultra-stable 90 FPS Gameplay for as long as 5 hours and the 2000Hz instant touch sampling rate, it ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. The 6043mm² vapor chamber cooling system guarantees sustained performance, even during long, intense gaming sessions, preventing throttling and overheating. Additionally, the integration of features like real-time FPS monitoring and AI Game Voice Changer elevates the competitive gaming experience, making the Neo 10R an excellent choice for both casual and professional esports players.
7. Amazon Market Leadership:
Question: iQOO is noted as the fastest-growing brand on Amazon and has secured the No. 2 highest selling spot in the >10K smartphone category. How does this market momentum influence the launch and positioning of the Neo 10R?
Answer: iQOO’s strong market performance on Amazon, where we’ve consistently secured the #1 bestseller status across multiple models, is a reflection of our customer-centric approach and commitment to high-performance smartphones. This momentum plays a significant role in the launch and positioning of the Neo 10R. We aim to continue offering exceptional value by providing flagship-level gaming features at a competitive price point. Additionally, our deep engagement with the online community through initiatives like iQOO Connect ensures that we understand consumer preferences, which directly informs our product development and launch strategies.
8. Building on Existing Success:
Question: With a 35% share in the Android 40K+ category and multiple #1 selling devices in 2024, what key lessons from previous launches are you applying to the Neo 10R to further strengthen iQOO’s market position?
Answer: One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of delivering high-performance products with features that truly resonate with our audience. For the Neo 10R, we have focused on refining areas such as cooling efficiency, touch responsiveness, and frame stability based on feedback from our community. We also learned the importance of striking the right balance between performance and affordability, which is why the Neo 10R offers premium features like Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 90FPS gameplay, and a 6043mm² cooling system, all while maintaining a competitive price point. Our success also comes from actively engaging with our users, and we’ve ensured that the Neo 10R is built to exceed their expectations.
9. Performance-Driven Innovation:
Question: Can you discuss the integration of advanced performance features—like the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and 80W fast charging—in the Neo 10R, and how they align with the expectations of professional gamers?
Answer: The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset is at the heart of the Neo 10R, offering exceptional performance and power efficiency, crucial for gaming. With its Adreno 735 GPU and AI-driven optimizations, the device delivers ultra-stable 90FPS gameplay, even during extended sessions. The 80W FlashCharge ensures that gamers can recharge quickly, minimizing downtime between gaming sessions. These features are aligned with the expectations of professional gamers, who demand top-tier performance, minimal latency, and the ability to game for extended periods without worrying about performance degradation or battery life.
Conclusion: The Future of Gaming is Here
The iQOO Neo 10R is not just another smartphone; it is a game-changer for mobile esports and gaming enthusiasts. Designed with direct input from India’s top gamers, it brings together high-performance hardware, software enhancements, and strategic market positioning to redefine gaming experiences.
With ultra-stable 90FPS gameplay, industry-leading cooling systems, and an AI-powered gaming suite, iQOO has created a device that bridges the gap between casual and professional gaming. Their rapid growth on Amazon and dominance in the Android premium segment further solidify their role as a leader in mobile gaming technology.
As mobile gaming continues to expand in India, iQOO remains at the forefront, innovating for the next generation of gamers. The Neo 10R is a testament to their vision—where high performance meets affordability, and mobile gaming reaches new heights.
Buy the iQOO Neo 10R from Amazon India: https://amzn.to/4kUScNV
