Hi iQOO Fam! 🙌

In Part 1, we saw how iQOO is steadily building a premium image through its number series, refined flagship experiences, and an expanding offline presence. But this is only half the story.

Because here's the thing — iQOO didn't go premium by abandoning the performance-hungry buyers who believed in the brand from day one. It went premium by building upward, while keeping the value roots firmly intact. That's what makes iQOO's brand strategy in 2026 genuinely interesting.

Neo Series: The Cult Following It Built

Ask any performance-focused youngster in India what first got them into iQOO, and chances are it was a Neo phone.

From the Neo 6 to Neo 7 Pro, Neo 9 Pro and Neo 10, Neo 10R, the series built a loyal following among students, gamers and budget-savvy power users — people who wanted flagship-level chips and fast charging without paying flagship prices.

iQOO even launched  its first-ever pop-up store — iQOO Arena at Select City Walk, New Delhi — specifically to showcase the Neo 10R to its core gaming audience, a clear sign of how seriously the brand took this community.

That cult following didn't happen by accident. It was built by consistently delivering in the ₹25K–₹35K bracket what most brands reserved for ₹50K+.

The Neo Pause: Strategic, Not an Abandonment

In 2026, the Neo series is reportedly taking a year off in India due to rising component costs and portfolio realignment.

But the spirit of Neo hasn't gone anywhere — it's simply shifted. The iQOO 15R, launched  at ₹44,999, now carries that same "flagship chip at a sensible price" promise, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a 7600 mAh battery in a 7.9 mm slim chassis and 100 W charging. The Neo DNA lives on — just with a more refined, premium-looking avatar.

Z Series: Keeping It Real for Everyone

Below that, the Z series continues to quietly do the heavy lifting for value-conscious buyers. Phones like the Z10 Lite 5G starting at just ₹13,998, the Z10 5G and Z11x 5G bring 5G connectivity, large batteries, smooth displays and fast charging to everyday users — students, first-time upgraders and working professionals on a budget.

iQOO's own messaging around the Z series is telling: "Big batteries. Smooth performance. Built to keep up without slowing you down." That's not premium-brand posturing — that's a direct conversation with value seekers.

The Bigger Picture: An Inclusive Brand

Put it all together, and iQOO's strategy looks like this:

• Number Series → full premium flagship experience
• Number "R" Series → bridges the gap, carrying Neo's spirit with a more premium avatar
• Neo Series → cult performance value series
• Z Series → mass market, big battery, accessible 5G

Every price band, every buyer type, one consistent DNA: performance first. That's what makes iQOO's brand strategy inclusive rather than exclusive — and that's exactly how it is building a premium image without losing its value appeal.

💬 Haven't read Part 1 yet? Check out how iQOO is building its premium image through the number series and offline expansion here 👉 [link to Part 1] 

Drop your thoughts below — do you think iQOO is striking the right balance between premium and value in 2026? 👇

Signing off,

@Vishwa_24, @iQOO Connect RANGER!