Is the iQOO Z10 a Budget Phone That Actually Rocks? My Honest Review
Okay, so you're on the hunt for a phone that doesn’t cost a fortune but still delivers the goods, right? I get it. We all are. The iQOO Z10, priced under Rs 20,000, promised just that. So, I put it through its paces to see if it lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but hey, that’s life, isn’t it?
Design and Feel: Surprisingly Sleek
First impressions? This phone is surprisingly slim for packing a 7,300mAh battery! Seriously, I was expecting a brick. It's under 200g and just 7.89mm thick – I could easily use it one-handed. The curved edges are comfy, even after hours of gaming. The back is plastic, no biggie, but the front’s got Schott Alpha Glass, which is nice. And get this – it even has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. Not bad for the price point!
The Screen and Speed: A Smooth Operator
The 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display is gorgeous. Seriously, it's bright, sharp, and the colors are vibrant. Watching videos on this thing was a treat. That 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset is a solid performer; day-to-day tasks were a breeze. AnTuTu scores above 800,000 show it's a powerhouse. Gaming at 60fps was smooth enough for me, but hardcore gamers might want something with a higher frame rate. The haptic feedback, though? A bit underwhelming, to be honest.
Camera Capabilities and Battery Life: Two Sides of the Coin
The camera is a bit of a mixed bag. Daytime photos from the main sensor are pretty decent—good colors and sharpness. Portraits turned out surprisingly well, too. But selfies? Not so much. Let’s just say they aren't its strong suit. Now, the real hero here is that 7,300mAh battery. Two days of use? Easily. I barely touched the charger. And when I did need a top-up, the 90W fast charging was a lifesaver.
Software and Final Thoughts: A Solid Contender
It runs on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15. It’s generally smooth, but the UI could use some refinement. And yeah, that average haptic feedback again. So, the overall verdict? The iQOO Z10 offers incredible value for the money. That battery life alone makes it a winner. The display is stunning. While it compromises a bit on gaming frame rates, haptics, and camera quality, if you can live with those trade-offs, this phone is a total steal. It’s a reliable, long-lasting, and surprisingly fast mid-range device.
