iQOO Z9x 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the iQOO Z9x 5G has emerged as a formidable contender in the mid-range segment.
This latest offering from iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, promises to deliver high-end features at an accessible price point. Let’s dive deep into what makes the iQOO Z9x 5G a compelling choice for smartphone enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
iQOO Z9x 5G Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z9x 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its mid-range status. Available in eye-catching colors like Tornado Green and Storm Grey, the device features a plastic frame and back panel.
While this might not feel as premium as glass or metal, it contributes to the phone’s lightweight nature, tipping the scales at just 199 grams.
One of the standout features in the design department is the phone’s slim profile. At just 7.99mm thick, the iQOO Z9x 5G is remarkably thin, especially considering it houses a massive 6000mAh battery.
This svelte design makes the phone comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket or purse.
The device also boasts an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind for users who might encounter the occasional splash or dusty environment.
This level of protection is not always a given in the mid-range segment, making it a welcome addition to the iQOO Z9x 5G’s feature set.
iQOO Z9x 5G Display
The iQOO Z9x 5G features a large 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels.
This translates to a crisp 393 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp text and detailed images.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be dynamically adjusted based on the content being displayed, helping to balance smooth scrolling with battery efficiency.
One of the highlights of this display is its brightness capabilities. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits, the screen remains legible even under direct sunlight.
This high brightness, combined with the phone’s support for the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction across various content types.
The display also features a 300Hz touch sampling rate, which contributes to the phone’s responsiveness, particularly during gaming sessions.
While it may not match the deep blacks and contrast ratios of OLED panels, the IPS LCD on the iQOO Z9x 5G holds its own, offering a quality viewing experience for its price point.
iQOO Z9x 5G Performance
At the heart of the iQOO Z9x 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. This 4nm processor is a significant step up from its predecessors, offering a balance of performance and efficiency that’s well-suited to a mid-range device.
The chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for performance tasks and four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz for efficiency.
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is paired with the Adreno 710 GPU, which, while not top-of-the-line, is more than capable of handling most mobile games and graphically intensive applications.
In benchmark tests, the iQOO Z9x 5G has shown impressive results, with an AnTuTu score exceeding 560,000 points.
This places it firmly in the upper echelons of mid-range devices in terms of raw performance.
The device comes in two memory configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage.
The use of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage ensures snappy performance in day-to-day tasks and quick app launches.
iQOO Z9x 5G Camera System
The camera setup on the iQOO Z9x 5G, while not groundbreaking, offers a versatile photography experience.
The main camera boasts a 50MP sensor, which uses pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 12.5MP images in most lighting conditions.
This is accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor, which aids in creating more natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode shots.
On the front, users will find a 16MP selfie camera housed in a centered punch-hole cutout.
This camera performs well in good lighting conditions and offers various AI-enhanced beautification features for those who enjoy tweaking their self-portraits.
While the camera system may not compete with flagship devices, it performs admirably for its price range.
The inclusion of features like night mode, AI scene recognition, and 4K video recording at 30fps adds to the overall versatility of the camera setup.
iQOO Z9x 5G Battery Life and Charging
One of the most impressive features of the iQOO Z9x 5G is its massive 6000mAh battery. This large capacity, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, translates to exceptional battery life.
Many users report easily getting through two full days of moderate use on a single charge.
When it comes time to recharge, the iQOO Z9x 5G supports 44W FlashCharge technology. This fast-charging capability can replenish the battery from 0 to 50% in just about 30 minutes, with a full charge taking around an hour and a half.
The combination of long battery life and fast charging makes the iQOO Z9x 5G an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery performance.
iQOO Z9x 5G Software and User Experience
The iQOO Z9x 5G runs on Funtouch OS 14, which is based on Android 14. This custom skin from iQOO offers a clean and intuitive user interface with a host of customization options.
The software includes features like Ultra Game Mode for enhanced gaming performance, Multi-Turbo for system optimization, and various gesture controls for easier navigation.
iQOO has committed to providing two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the Z9x 5G.
This commitment to long-term software support is commendable and adds to the overall value proposition of the device.
iQOO Z9x 5G Connectivity and Additional Features
As its name suggests, the iQOO Z9x 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring users are ready for the next generation of mobile networks.
The device also includes Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for contactless payments.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of dual stereo speakers, which provide a more immersive sound experience when watching videos or playing games.
The device also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button on the side of the device, offering quick and reliable biometric authentication. Face unlock is also available as an alternative unlocking method.
iQOO Z9x 5G Price and Value Proposition
The iQOO Z9x 5G is priced competitively, with the 6GB/128GB variant starting at around ₹15,499 (prices may vary by region and promotions).
This pricing places it squarely in the mid-range segment, competing with devices from brands like Redmi, Realme, and Motorola.
When considering the overall package – the capable processor, large battery, fast charging, and 5G support – the iQOO Z9x 5G offers excellent value for money.
It manages to strike a balance between performance, features, and affordability that should appeal to a wide range of users.
iQOO Z9x 5G Conclusion
The iQOO Z9x 5G is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight in several key areas.
Its standout features include the long-lasting 6000mAh battery, the capable Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, and the smooth 120Hz display.
While it may not excel in any single area compared to more expensive flagships, it offers a balanced and compelling package at its price point.
For users looking for a reliable daily driver with 5G capabilities, strong battery life, and smooth performance, the iQOO Z9x 5G is certainly worth considering.
It represents the continuing trend of mid-range devices offering increasingly premium features, blurring the lines between mid-range and flagship smartphones.
As with any smartphone purchase, potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences.
While the iQOO Z9x 5G offers a lot, those prioritizing camera performance or desiring a more premium build might want to explore other options.
However, for the majority of users seeking a capable, long-lasting, and future-proof device without breaking the bank, the iQOO Z9x 5G stands as a strong contender in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.