Introduction
Looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone that doesn’t skimp on performance, battery life, or features? The iQOO Z9x 5G might just be the answer. In a crowded market of budget smartphones, the iQOO Z9x 5G stands out with its robust Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, massive 6,000mAh battery, and a sleek design that punches above its price point. At Speed Guru, we’ve put this device through its paces to bring you a comprehensive iQOO Z9x 5G review that dives deep into its real-world performance, camera capabilities, and overall value. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just need a reliable daily driver, this article will help you decide if the iQOO Z9x 5G is right for you. Curious about how it stacks up in 2025? Let’s explore.
What is the iQOO Z9x 5G?
The iQOO Z9x 5G is a budget-oriented smartphone launched by iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, known for delivering high-performance devices at competitive prices. Priced starting at ₹12,999 in India, this phone targets budget-conscious consumers who want 5G connectivity, solid performance, and long-lasting battery life without breaking the bank. Available in Tornado Green and Storm Grey, the iQOO Z9x 5G combines a modern design with practical features like an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, a rare inclusion in this price segment.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB/6GB/8GB RAM + 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD) |
| Display | 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits peak brightness |
| Battery | 6,000mAh with 44W FlashCharge |
| Camera | 50MP primary + 2MP bokeh (rear), 8MP front |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14 |
| Other Features | IP64 dust and water resistance, dual stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z9x 5G sports a sleek, minimalist design that feels premium despite its plastic construction. At just 7.99mm thick and 199 grams, it’s impressively slim for a phone with a 6,000mAh battery. The matte finish on the back panel resists smudges and fingerprints, making it practical for daily use. The Storm Grey variant we tested at Speed Guru exudes understated elegance, while the Tornado Green option adds a vibrant flair.
The phone’s flat-edged design and subtle camera module draw inspiration from iQOO’s flagship iQOO 12, giving it a modern aesthetic. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio. Additionally, the IP64 rating ensures protection against dust and water splashes, making it suitable for light outdoor use, such as taking calls in the rain. However, iQOO notes that liquid damage isn’t covered under warranty, so caution is advised.
For more insights into our testing process, check out our About Us page to learn how Speed Guru evaluates tech products
Display: Bright and Smooth
The iQOO Z9x 5G features a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a resolution of 2408×1080 pixels. While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the display impresses with its 120etches per second, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits, it performs well in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. During our tests, streaming videos on platforms like YouTube and Netflix was enjoyable, though the LCD panel doesn’t deliver the deep blacks of AMOLED displays found in competitors like the Realme P1 5G.
The display’s 7-level adaptive refresh rate optimizes battery life by adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz based on the task. For instance, it drops to 60Hz for static content like emails, ensuring efficiency without compromising smoothness during gaming or scrolling.
Performance: Power-Packed for the Price
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the iQOO Z9x 5G delivers robust performance for its price range. Available in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM variants, all paired with 128GB of storage, the phone handles everyday tasks like social media browsing, video streaming, and multitasking with ease. In our tests, the 8GB RAM variant scored an impressive 936 in single-core and 2812 in multi-core Geekbench tests, showcasing its ability to tackle demanding workloads.
For gamers, the iQOO Z9x 5G is a standout. It can run popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI at high graphics settings with minimal lag. However, some users on platforms like Amazon have reported performance issues after updating to Android 15, particularly with heavy games, citing heating and RAM management problems. Our testing with Android 14 and Funtouch OS 14 showed no such issues, suggesting software updates may need optimization.
Real-World Performance Example
During a week-long test at Speed Guru, we used the iQOO Z9x 5G as a primary device for tasks like:
- Streaming 4K YouTube videos for 2 hours daily.
- Playing Asphalt 9 for 30-minute sessions.
- Multitasking between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Chrome with 10+ tabs open.
The phone remained responsive, with only slight warmth after extended gaming sessions, thanks to its thermal management system.
Battery Life: A True Marathon Runner
The iQOO Z9x 5G boasts a massive 6,000mAh battery, one of the largest in its segment. In real-world use, it easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and browsing. Moderate users can expect up to two days on a single charge. In our PCMark battery test, the phone lasted 16 hours and 11 minutes, outperforming competitors like the Moto G64.
The 44W FlashCharge support is a highlight, charging the device from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. A full charge takes just over an hour, and the charger is included in the box, unlike some competitors. Battery health monitoring features further enhance longevity, with iQOO claiming the battery retains 80% capacity after 1600 charge cycles (approximately 4 years).
Camera: Decent but Not a Showstopper
The iQOO Z9x 5G features a dual-camera setup:
- 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8) with AI enhancements.
- 2MP bokeh sensor for portrait shots.
- 8MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
In daylight, the primary camera captures detailed images with good color reproduction. The AI Photo Enhance feature improves lighting and sharpness, making shots Instagram-ready. Portrait mode performs well at 1x and 2x zoom, though the bokeh sensor adds little value beyond depth effects. Low-light photography is acceptable in Night mode but struggles with noise and overexposure in challenging conditions.
The 8MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls but lacks the sharpness of higher-end models. The phone supports 4K video recording at 30fps on the 8GB RAM variant, with decent stabilization for casual videography.
Camera Performance Example
We tested the camera in various scenarios:
- Daylight: A photo of a vibrant market scene showed accurate colors and sharp details.
- Low Light: Night mode shots of a cityscape were usable but had noticeable noise.
- Portrait: The bokeh effect worked well for close-up shots but struggled with edge detection in complex backgrounds.
For professional photographers, the camera may feel limiting, but for casual users, it’s more than serviceable. For tips on maximizing smartphone photography, check out this guide from Digital Photography School.
Software: Funtouch OS 14
The iQOO Z9x 5G runs Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, offering a smooth and customizable experience. Features like the smart sidebar, split-screen multitasking, and small windows enhance productivity. However, the OS comes with pre-installed bloatware, which can be uninstalled. iQOO promises two years of major OS updates and three years of security patches, ensuring the device stays relevant until 2027.
Some users have reported bugs with Funtouch OS, particularly after updating to Android 15, including issues with app retention in RAM. Our experience with Android 14 was largely positive, with no significant lag or crashes.
Audio and Connectivity
The iQOO Z9x 5G features dual stereo speakers with a 300% audio booster, delivering loud and immersive sound for gaming and media consumption. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a bonus for wired audio enthusiasts. Connectivity options include 5G (supporting Jio and Airtel networks), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS. The phone lacks NFC, which may disappoint users relying on contactless payments.
What’s New in 2025?
In 2025, the budget smartphone market is more competitive than ever, with brands like Realme, Motorola, and Poco pushing AMOLED displays and faster chipsets. The iQOO Z9x 5G holds its own with its massive battery and IP64 rating, but the LCD display and average camera performance put it slightly behind competitors like the Realme P1 5G, which offers an AMOLED panel. iQOO’s focus on performance and battery life makes it a strong choice for gamers and heavy users, but software optimization remains a concern based on user feedback.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive 6,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging | LCD display instead of AMOLED |
| Smooth performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Average camera performance, especially in low light |
| IP64 dust and water resistance | Bloatware in Funtouch OS |
| Dual stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack | No NFC for contactless payments |
| Affordable price starting at ₹12,999 | Software issues reported with Android 15 update |
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | iQOO Z9x 5G | Realme P1 5G | Moto G64 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | ₹12,999 | ₹14,999 | ₹13,999 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Dimensity 7050 | Dimensity 7020 |
| Display | 6.72-inch LCD, 120Hz | 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.5-inch LCD, 120Hz |
| Battery | 6,000mAh, 44W charging | 5,000mAh, 45W charging | 6,000mAh, 33W charging |
| Camera | 50MP + 2MP, 8MP front | 50MP + 2MP, 16MP front | 50MP + 8MP, 16MP front |
| IP Rating | IP64 | IP54 | IP52 |
The iQOO Z9x 5G excels in battery life and durability, while the Realme P1 5G offers a superior AMOLED display. The Moto G64 provides a cleaner Android experience but lacks the same level of water resistance.
Who Should Buy the iQOO Z9x 5G?
The iQOO Z9x 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users seeking 5G connectivity.
- Gamers who want smooth performance for titles like BGMI and COD: Mobile.
- Users prioritizing battery life and durability for daily use.
- Those who value features like a headphone jack and expandable storage.
It may not suit:
- Photography enthusiasts looking for versatile camera systems.
- Users who prefer AMOLED displays for deeper blacks and vibrant colors.
- Those sensitive to bloatware or seeking a stock Android experience.
FAQ Section
1. Is the iQOO Z9x 5G worth buying in 2025?
The iQOO Z9x 5G is a great value-for-money option for budget users. Its 6,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and IP64 rating make it a strong contender under ₹15,000. However, its LCD display and average camera may not appeal to everyone. Consider your priorities before purchasing.
2. How is the iQOO Z9x 5G’s battery life?
The iQOO Z9x 5G’s 6,000mAh battery lasts up to two days for moderate users and a full day for heavy users. With 44W FlashCharge, it reaches 50% in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for users needing long-lasting power.
3. Can the iQOO Z9x 5G handle gaming?
Yes, the iQOO Z9x 5G handles casual and moderate gaming well, running titles like BGMI and COD: Mobile at high settings with minimal lag. However, some users report performance issues with heavy games after software updates.
4. Does the iQOO Z9x 5G support 5G in India?
Yes, the iQOO Z9x 5G supports 5G bands compatible with Jio and Airtel networks in India. Ensure your carrier and plan support 5G for optimal connectivity.
5. How durable is the iQOO Z9x 5G?
The iQOO Z9x 5G has an IP64 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. Its plastic build is sturdy, and a pre-installed screen protector adds scratch resistance, though it’s not immune to accidental drops.
6. What are the main drawbacks of the iQOO Z9x 5G?
The main drawbacks include its LCD display, average low-light camera performance, bloatware in Funtouch OS, and lack of NFC. Software issues with Android 15 updates have also been reported by some users.
Conclusion
The iQOO Z9x 5G is a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers in 2025, offering a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, exceptional battery life, and rare features like an IP64 rating and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While its LCD display and average camera hold it back against competitors like the Realme P1 5G, its performance and durability make it a standout for gamers and heavy users. At Speed Guru, we believe it’s a solid pick for those prioritizing value and longevity. Have you tried the iQOO Z9x 5G? Share your thoughts in the comments or sign up for our newsletter for more tech reviews! For any queries, visit our Contact Us page.
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