The iQOO Neo 10R and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE occupy interesting spaces in the smartphone market. The iQOO Neo 10R aggressively targets performance with its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, while the S23 FE aims for a more balanced experience, leveraging Samsung’s established brand and feature set. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and blazing-fast charging, the iQOO Neo 10R is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 offers a noticeable edge in demanding tasks. However, the Galaxy S23 FE provides a more refined experience with a brighter display and a more versatile camera system, making it the better all-rounder for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 11 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 19 | Available. Released 2023, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.9 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation Up | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~452 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.5 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 4500 nits (peak) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - InternationalOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - USA |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA |
| GPU | Adreno 735 | Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA |
| OS | Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 15 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS, OIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm | 10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 55W PD, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 55 min
7.5W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 6400 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Raging Blue, MoonKnight Titanium | Mint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine |
| Models | I2221 | SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N |
| Price | ₹ 24,998 | $ 219.95 / C$ 327.90 / £ 248.99 / € 272.00 / ₹ 34,999 |
| SAR | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
vivo iQOO Neo 10R
- Blazing-fast 80W charging
- More powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
- Potentially better thermal management
- Display brightness likely lower than S23 FE
- Software experience may be less refined
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Brighter and more color-accurate display
- More versatile camera system
- Stronger brand reputation and ecosystem
- Slower 25W charging
- Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 may throttle under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 985 nits, compared to an unstated value for the iQOO Neo 10R. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. While the iQOO Neo 10R’s panel specifications are unknown, Samsung’s display technology typically prioritizes color accuracy and viewing angles. The S23 FE’s panel is likely to offer a more pleasant viewing experience in various lighting conditions, though the iQOO may compensate with a higher refresh rate (spec not provided).
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy S23 FE’s camera system is expected to be more versatile, offering a wider range of shooting modes and potentially better image processing. While specific sensor details are missing for the iQOO Neo 10R, Samsung’s history suggests a focus on computational photography and video recording. The S23 FE likely excels in video stabilization and dynamic range. The iQOO Neo 10R may offer competitive still photography, but the S23 FE’s more mature camera software and potentially larger main sensor (spec not provided) give it an edge in overall image quality and flexibility. We'll ignore the likely presence of a low-resolution macro lens on both devices.
Performance
The iQOO Neo 10R’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is a newer architecture than the Exynos 2200 (4nm) found in the international S23 FE variant, or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) in the US version. The 8s Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core, clocked at 3.0 GHz, is designed for peak performance, potentially exceeding the 2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 in the Exynos/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. However, the Exynos 2200 has historically faced thermal throttling issues, potentially limiting sustained performance. The iQOO Neo 10R, with its newer chipset and potentially more efficient thermal design, is likely to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, benefiting gamers and power users. The iQOO also benefits from the latest LPDDR5x RAM, which is faster than the LPDDR5 likely found in the S23 FE.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S23 FE achieves an impressive 8:28h of active use, demonstrating strong battery optimization. The iQOO Neo 10R, while lacking a stated active use time, compensates with significantly faster charging: 80W wired charging can reach 50% in 26 minutes and 100% in 55 minutes, compared to the S23 FE’s 25W charging (50% in 30 minutes). The iQOO also offers 55W PD and reverse wired charging, features absent on the S23 FE. While the S23 FE’s battery life is commendable, the iQOO Neo 10R’s charging speed is a game-changer for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Neo 10R if you need uncompromising gaming performance, incredibly fast 80W charging, and don't mind a less polished software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prefer a brighter, more color-accurate display, a more versatile camera system with strong video capabilities, and the broader ecosystem benefits of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 2200 has a history of thermal throttling, meaning it can reduce performance to prevent overheating during extended gaming. While Samsung has implemented optimizations, the iQOO Neo 10R’s newer Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is likely to maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the iQOO Neo 10R safe for long-term battery health?
While 80W charging is incredibly fast, vivo incorporates charging safeguards to minimize battery degradation. The iQOO Neo 10R also supports bypass charging, allowing you to power the device directly when plugged in, reducing heat generation and further protecting the battery.
❓ How does the video recording quality compare between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is expected to offer superior video recording capabilities, benefiting from Samsung’s advanced video stabilization and dynamic range processing. The iQOO Neo 10R may record good quality video, but likely won't match the S23 FE's refinement.
❓ Does the iQOO Neo 10R support high frame rate gaming (90fps or 120fps) in popular titles like PUBG?
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is capable of handling high frame rates in many games. However, actual performance will depend on the game's optimization and graphics settings. The iQOO Neo 10R likely supports 90fps in PUBG, but achieving a stable 120fps may require lower graphics settings.
