iQOO is taking a different route. While everyone else is busy proving themselves in the mid-premium range, iQOO took a completely different approach. With the launch of iQOO z9x, the company targets the budget segment. The phone starts at Rs12999 and comes with a Snapdragon Gen 1 processor, a 6,000mAh power bank, and a 6.72-inch 120Hz adaptive screen.
iQOO Z9X’s Features
Build
The iQOO Z9x has a similar design to its Z9 sibling. The review unit was in the Storm Grey color option. It is available in two colors, Tornado green and Storm grey.
It comes in a matte finish. The rear panel has a good anti-smudge and fingerprint coating, which maintains a clean appearance. The phone has a 3.5mm jack that is located conveniently at the bottom, alongside the Type C port and speaker grille. The power and volume buttons are located on the right side, while the SIM slot is located on the left. The power button is also a fingerprint scanner, allowing for a quick and accurate biometric authentication.
The iQOO Z9x also boasts an IP64 rating, which is a rare feature for a device in this price range.
Display
The iQOO Z9x features a 6.72-inch display with FHD+ resolution (2,408×1,080), which offers a crisp and detailed visual experience. The display is not OLED, but it impresses thanks to its 120Hz refresh for smooth animations and scrolling, as well as with a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which allows for excellent visibility in direct sunlight. The Z9x’s stereo speaker system delivers immersive and powerful audio to complement the visual experience.
OS
The iQOO Z9x is powered by Funtouch OS 14 which is based off the Android 14 operating system. Funtouch OS is a layer of customization and features that are added to the Android 14 experience.
Processor
The iQOO Z9x runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, a midrange processor that delivers a balanced performance to handle everyday tasks as well as moderate gaming. The device comes in three RAM options – 4GB 6GB and 8GB. All variants have 128GB internal storage. The review unit that we tested featured an 8GB RAM configuration. It was responsive and smooth for everyday tasks like browsing social media, watching videos and multitasking.
The device’s CPU test score was 936 for the single-core and 2812 for the multi-core, showing its ability to handle heavy workloads. The GPU test also yielded an impressive score of 1343. This indicates that the device is capable of handling casual and moderate gaming workloads.
This device is a good option for budget-conscious mobile gamers, thanks to its combination of a powerful processor and plenty of RAM.
Camera
The iQOO z9x has a dual camera setup at the back, which consists of a 50MP sensor and a 2MP bokeh. There’s also an 8MP front camera for video calls and selfies. The camera may not be groundbreaking, but it does deliver a decent performance in bright conditions.
The primary camera is at its best during the day. It captures detailed images and has a pleasing color reproduction. In most situations, the dynamic range ensures that shadows and highlights are preserved. HDR can overexpose an image, so you should use it sparingly.
Low-light photography has a completely different feel. Even though the night mode can capture good images in dimly-lit environments, you should temper your expectations. While the level of noise reduction and detail may not be as good as flagship cameras, it is still adequate for casual photography.
In daylight, the selfie camera is very good, but it can smoothen out facial features, which you may find desirable or not depending on your personal preference. In low light conditions, capturing an acceptable selfie can take several attempts.
Battery
The iQOO Z9x’s massive 6,000mAh batteries is one of its most impressive features. Even with heavy tasks such as gaming, video streaming and extensive web surfing, the phone can easily last an entire day. The phone also supports 44W rapid charging to allow users to quickly recharge the battery if it runs out of juice. The iQOO Z9x is a great choice for those who are looking for a long-lasting battery.
Verdict
The new iQOO Z9x is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who want a balance between performance, battery life and features, without compromising essentials. It will compete with other devices like the Xiaomi Redmi 12 (5G).
The device’s well-rounded performance is sufficient for the target audience, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen1 chipset and ample RAM and storage configurations. It also has a massive 6,000mAh lithium battery that supports 44W fast charging. The inclusion of features such as a 120Hz update rate, stereo speakers and IP64 waterproof resistance enhances the overall package.
