IQOO is reportedly preparing to launch the iQOO Neo 12, and early leaks suggest the smartphone could arrive with a significant display upgrade.
If the rumours prove accurate, the device may feature one of the most advanced displays in its segment, raising the bar for gaming-focused smartphones.
Possible Launch Timeline and iQOO Neo 11 Recap
The iQOO Neo 12 is expected to arrive later this year, likely following the same launch schedule as its predecessor. The iQOO Neo 11 was unveiled in October 2025, making an October 2026 debut for the Neo 12 a strong possibility.
For reference, the iQOO Neo 11 came equipped with a 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display offering a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The smartphone also packed a 7,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging support, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
iQOO Neo 12 Display Specifications Tipped
According to noted tipster on Weibo, iQOO’s upcoming Neo-series smartphone is expected to feature a 2K-resolution display with a refresh rate of at least 165Hz. Although the post does not explicitly mention the device name, several users speculate that it refers to the iQOO Neo 12.
Interestingly, the leak suggests that iQOO could push things even further by offering a 2K panel with a 185Hz refresh rate. If true, this would make the Neo 12 one of the few smartphones to combine a high-resolution display with an ultra-high refresh rate, a feat that remains technically challenging in the industry.
The display is also said to use a domestically manufactured panel with upgraded specifications, potentially helping iQOO differentiate the Neo 12 from rival flagship smartphones.
What Else Can We Expect?
Beyond the display, details about the iQOO Neo 12 remain scarce. However, considering the Neo 11’s hardware, the upcoming model is expected to retain a flagship-grade chipset, large battery, and fast charging capabilities.
The leaked display specifications could also give the Neo 12 an edge over competitors such as the OnePlus 15, which features a 1.5K panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. Industry executives have previously highlighted the difficulty of combining QHD+ resolution and ultra-high refresh rates due to limitations in display materials and circuit design.