iQOO Buds Launched in India at ₹1,899: Specs, Sale Date & CMF Buds Neo Comparison

Last updated: August 2026

Budget earbuds got another entrant this week. iQOO launched its first-ever "iQOO Buds" in India on August 20, 2026, alongside the iQOO Z11 5G, pricing them at just ₹1,899. It's a segment that's been heating up fast — Nothing's CMF sub-brand launched the Buds Neo just two days earlier at ₹1,999 — and iQOO is clearly positioning its debut earbuds as a direct, cheaper-on-paper rival.

Unlike a flagship earbuds launch, the pitch here is entirely about value: a big battery number, gaming-friendly low latency, and a single striking colourway, rather than premium features like ANC. Here's the full breakdown of what you get for under ₹2,000.

Price and Availability

The iQOO Buds are priced at ₹1,899, with an effective price of ₹1,699 after a ₹200 instant discount available on all bank cards at checkout. They go on sale August 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM IST, exclusively on Amazon.in. At launch, they're available in a single colour: Flame Yellow.

Key Features and Specs

• Drivers: 10mm moving-coil drivers with a 20Hz-20kHz frequency range, powered by a BES2710IUC3 audio chip supporting AAC and SBC codecs
• Sound tuning: DeepX 4.0 sound effects with spatial audio, plus multiple sound profiles including Clear Voice, Mega Bass, and an Esports mode
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.1 with dual-device connection switching, Google Fast Pair, roughly 10 metres of range, and a claimed 42ms gaming latency mode
• Calling: Dual mics per earbud with beamforming-based ENC (AI-assisted call noise cancellation) — note this is different from Active Noise Cancellation for music/media playback, which these buds do not have
• Battery: Roughly 51-53mAh per earbud with a 513-525mAh case, rated for 12 hours on a single charge and up to 50 hours total with the case; a 10-minute fast charge is claimed to deliver around 4 hours of playback, with a full case recharge taking about 120 minutes
• Build: 3.8g per earbud and 41.3g case, IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance (not shower or swim-proof), with three ear-tip sizes included
• Extra: Remote camera control when paired with a compatible iQOO or Vivo phone, managed through the vEarphones app

How It Stacks Up Against CMF Buds Neo

The comparison to Nothing's CMF Buds Neo is unavoidable given the two-day gap between launches. Both target the same under-₹2,000 bracket, and multiple outlets have explicitly framed the iQOO Buds as a direct rival. The CMF Buds Neo leans on active noise cancellation as its headline feature; the iQOO Buds skip ANC entirely in favour of a bigger claimed battery figure and a lower effective price after the bank discount. Which one wins depends entirely on whether ANC or battery life matters more to you.

Should You Buy It

For ₹1,699 effective, the iQOO Buds make a reasonable case on battery life and gaming latency alone — 50 hours total playback and a 42ms latency mode are both genuinely competitive numbers at this price. The IP54 rating is enough for daily commuting and light rain but won't survive a proper soaking, and the absence of ANC is a real trade-off if you regularly use earbuds to block out noise on transit or in an office. If you want ANC at a similar price, the CMF Buds Neo is the more direct alternative; if battery life and cost matter more, the iQOO Buds have the edge.

Protect the Phone You're Pairing Them With

Whether you're pairing the iQOO Buds with an iQOO Z11 5G, an older iQOO 13, or another Android phone entirely, the phone itself is still the most expensive part of the setup — and the part most exposed to scratches and drops every day. A tempered glass screen protector and a proper back cover cost a fraction of a repair bill. If you're upgrading your case at the same time, our guide on MagSafe vs regular phone cases is a good starting point for picking the right style.

FAQ

Do the iQOO Buds have Active Noise Cancellation?

No. The iQOO Buds rely on beamforming-based ENC for clearer calls, but they do not offer Active Noise Cancellation for music or media playback. If ANC is a priority, the rival CMF Buds Neo includes it at a similar price point.

When do the iQOO Buds go on sale?

They go on sale August 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM IST, exclusively on Amazon.in.

How long does the battery last on the iQOO Buds?

iQOO claims up to 12 hours on a single charge and up to 50 hours total playback using the charging case, with a 10-minute fast charge delivering roughly 4 hours of use.

Are the iQOO Buds water resistant?

They carry an IP54 rating, which covers dust and light splashes such as sweat or rain, but they are not rated for swimming or full submersion.

Final Thoughts

The iQOO Buds are a straightforward value pitch: skip ANC, keep the price under ₹1,900, and lean hard on battery life and low latency instead. For gamers and anyone who prioritises playback time over noise cancellation, they're worth a look when the sale opens on August 24. Just remember — great earbuds don't do much for a cracked screen, so keep your phone protected too.

Stay tuned to our blog for more India accessory launches and buying guides.