Looking for a phone that punches above its weight in the sub-Rs. 20,000 segment? The iQOO Z9 5G might be the answer you’ve been waiting for. This feature-packed smartphone boasts a stunning display, a capable processor, a versatile camera system, and a long-lasting battery – all at a competitive price point. But is it enough to dethrone the current mid-range champions? Let’s delve deeper into this comprehensive review to find out.
Box Packing Like a Pro
The iQOO Z9 5G arrives in a sleek box that houses everything you need to get started. You’ll find the phone itself (in the stunning Graphene Blue color), a transparent protective case, a USB Type-C cable, a powerful 44W Super FlashCharge wall adapter, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual quick start guide and warranty information.
A Display That’s a Feast for the Eyes
The iQOO Z9 5G boasts a gorgeous 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and a sleek 20:9 aspect ratio. Say goodbye to squinting under the sun – this display offers exceptional brightness, reaching a peak of 1800 nits, making it a clear improvement over the Z7 5G’s smaller AMOLED screen with a notch.
But it’s not just about the raw numbers. The display offers stunning visuals with rich colors, deep blacks, and sharp details. You can personalize your viewing experience by choosing from three color modes – standard (default), professional, and bright. There’s also a smart switch option that lets the phone dynamically adjust the refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz, or you can lock it to your preference. Gamers will appreciate the phone’s incredibly responsive 360Hz touch sampling rate, which further enhances the smooth scrolling and gameplay experience.
To top it all off, the display supports HDR 10+, ensuring you get the most out of your favorite streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix. While the phone misses out on a notification LED, it compensates with an always-on display that keeps you informed about the time, notifications, and other contextual information.
Aesthetics That Impress
The iQOO Z9 5G isn’t just about the internal specs; it looks the part too. The phone features a sleek and modern design with a slim profile that feels comfortable to hold. The punch-hole housing the 16MP front camera sits discreetly on the top of the display, maximizing screen real estate. The earpiece doubles as a secondary speaker, delivering a stereo sound experience.
The bottom of the phone houses a hybrid dual SIM slot, a primary microphone, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grill. The power button and volume rockers reside on the right side for easy access. Unfortunately, the phone ditches the 3.5mm headphone jack that was present in its predecessor, the Z7 5G. This might be a dealbreaker for some users who prefer wired headphones.
Unveiling the Power Within
Under the hood, the iQOO Z9 5G packs a punch with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC. This processor is known for its efficient performance and is well-suited for everyday tasks, multitasking, and even casual gaming. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the Z9 5G handles it all with ease. We’ll delve deeper into the phone’s performance in the benchmarks section later.
A Camera System That Captures Life’s Moments
The iQOO Z9 5G boasts a versatile triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a primary sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization), an ultrawide sensor, and a macro sensor. The primary sensor captures crisp and detailed photos in good lighting conditions, and the OIS helps to minimize blur in low-light shots. The ultrawide sensor allows you to capture expansive landscapes and group photos, while the macro sensor is perfect for getting up close and personal with small objects.
The front-facing 16MP camera takes decent selfies and facilitates clear video calls. The camera app offers a variety of shooting modes, including portrait, night mode, and slow motion, to help you capture your creative vision.
