iQOO Z9 5G: The Budget Powerhouse Redefining Performance

The iQOO Z9 5G is the latest entrant in the mid-range smartphone market, aiming to disrupt expectations with high-end performance at an affordable price. Backed by Vivo’s innovation and iQOO’s focus on gaming and speed, the Z9 5G manages to strike a balance between raw performance, display quality, and battery life — making it a compelling choice for power users on a budget.

Key Specifications:

Feature Specification
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 7200 (4nm)
Display 6.67" FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Battery 5000 mAh with 44W FlashCharge
Camera (Rear) 50MP Sony IMX882 (OIS) + 2MP depth
Camera (Front) 16MP selfie shooter
Storage Options 128GB UFS 2.2 (expandable), 8GB RAM
OS Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14
Price Starting ₹19,999 (India)

Design & Display

The iQOO Z9 5G features a sleek and modern design with a flat frame and glossy rear panel. Weighing just 188g, it feels surprisingly light and well-balanced. The highlight is the 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that offers a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming, scrolling, and media consumption. The display also supports HDR10 and reaches peak brightness levels around 1800 nits — excellent for outdoor visibility.


Performance & Software

At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset built on a 4nm process — one of the most efficient in this segment. Paired with up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the Z9 5G delivers smooth multitasking, gaming, and daily app usage. Whether it’s BGMI, Call of Duty Mobile, or multitasking with social media, the phone handles it effortlessly.

Running on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, the user experience is polished with minimal bloatware and smooth animations. iQOO also promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security patches, which is solid at this price point.


Camera Performance

The standout here is the 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) — a rare offering under ₹20K. Daylight shots are crisp, colors are true to life, and dynamic range is impressive. Night photography benefits from OIS and dedicated Night Mode, producing usable low-light shots.

The 16MP front camera does a decent job for selfies and video calls, though it isn’t groundbreaking. There's also support for 4K video recording (rear), which adds versatility for content creators.


Battery Life & Charging

A 5000mAh battery keeps the Z9 5G powered for a full day even with heavy use. The phone ships with 44W FlashCharge, topping it up from 0 to 50% in around 25 minutes. Battery efficiency, thanks to the 4nm chipset, is a major plus — especially for gamers and content binge-watchers.


Connectivity & Extras

  • 5G support (with multiple bands)

  • Hybrid SIM slot

  • IP54 splash resistance

  • Side-mounted fingerprint scanner (fast and reliable)

  • 3.5mm headphone jack (a welcome return)


Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you’re in the market for a feature-packed smartphone under ₹20,000, the iQOO Z9 5G should be at the top of your list. With its powerful Dimensity 7200 chip, vibrant AMOLED display, OIS-backed camera, and solid battery life, it’s easily one of the most value-for-money devices in 2024.


Pros:

  • Excellent performance for the price

  • AMOLED 120Hz display

  • Reliable primary camera with OIS

  • Long battery life with fast charging

  • Android 14 out of the box

Cons:

  • No ultra-wide lens

  • Hybrid SIM slot (no dedicated microSD)

  • Funtouch OS still not for everyone


Final Rating: 4.5/5

Whether you’re a gamer, student, or casual user, the iQOO Z9 5G delivers flagship-like features in a budget-friendly package.


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