The iQOO Z9X is making waves in the budget smartphone segment, and it’s easy to see why. If you are searching for a phone under Rs 10-15K that combines great performance, a premium design, and a good display, the iQOO Z9X is one of the better phones to consider.
Unboxing the iQOO Z9X
The unboxing experience of the iQOO Z9X is simple yet satisfying. The phone comes in a black box with silver lettering. Inside, you get the phone, a TPU protective case, a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable with 44W flash charging, and basic documentation including a SIM ejector tool.
Even at the base variant priced at Rs 12K with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, the inclusion of 44W fast charging makes it a strong contender in its segment.
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z9X has a premium look despite being a budget phone. Its design is inspired by higher-end iQOO models with a circular and square camera module. The phone feels solid in hand, with flat sides and the iQOO branding giving it a sleek appearance.
Weighing around 199 grams, the phone manages to accommodate a 6000mAh battery without feeling excessively heavy. Build quality is impressive with the device holding up well under minor drops.
Ports and Buttons
The iQOO Z9X comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C port, side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated with the power button, volume rocker, and a hybrid SIM card slot that supports expandable storage. Stereo speakers are present on both sides, enhancing the multimedia experience.
Display Features
The iQOO Z9X has a 6.72-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. With 1000 nits of brightness, the display is excellent for outdoor visibility, and the 91% screen-to-body ratio ensures a modern look. Thin bezels and good viewing angles make it one of the best displays in the sub-Rs 15K segment.
Specifications
Powered by the 6th Gen MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor built on a 4nm process, the iQOO Z9X is energy-efficient yet performs smoothly. It comes in three variants: 4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/128GB, with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage for better app performance.
The large 6000mAh battery combined with 44W fast charging ensures 1.5-2 days of battery life with moderate use.
Performance and Gaming
The iQOO Z9X performs well in everyday tasks and light to medium gaming. Games like PUBG and COD Mobile run at 40FPS on medium settings. The large display, stereo speakers, and 120Hz refresh rate enhance both gaming and multimedia experiences.
Software and Features
The iQOO Z9X runs on Android 14 with Funtouch OS features. You get a smart sidebar for quick access to apps, an app retainer for keeping important apps in the background, and a hidden album for privacy. The software is clean, with options to uninstall unnecessary apps and turn off notifications.
Security features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Connectivity options include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, 85G bands, and dual 4G VoLTE.
Gaming and Multimedia Features
Gaming features include 4D game vibration, motion control, Ultra Game Mode, and Monster Mode. Multimedia certification from TUV Rheinland ensures a good video and audio experience. The IP64 rating protects against minor water exposure.
Camera Performance
The iQOO Z9X has a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP secondary sensor. An 8MP punch-hole selfie camera is placed centrally. Night mode, portrait mode, slow motion, time-lapse, and 50MP native mode are included. Video recording in 4K at 30FPS is available for the 8GB variant.
Camera performance is strong for the price, delivering detailed photos with good color and contrast. Selfies are sharp and clear, making it a reliable device for photography enthusiasts in this segment.
Pricing and Verdict
Priced from Rs 12,000, the iQOO Z9X offers one of the best combinations of display, performance, and battery life in the sub-Rs 15K category. With smooth software, a solid build, and a large battery, it is definitely one of the better phones in its price range.
For those looking for a budget phone without compromise, the iQOO Z9X is worth considering.
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