Hey tech lovers! If you're looking for a solid 5G smartphone under ₹20,000, the IQOO Z9 5G might just be your perfect match. Packed with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor, a stunning AMOLED display, and a clean design, it's been making waves in the mid-range market this year.
In this full review, I’ll walk you through my experience with the iQOO Z9 5G — covering everything from daily usage and performance to camera tests, pros & cons, and whether it’s worth buying in 2025. Let's dive in!
📦 Unboxing Experience
The box comes with the phone itself, a 44W fast charger, a USB-C cable, SIM ejector tool, transparent case, and documentation. Honestly, I appreciate brands that still include chargers in the box.
⚙️ iQOO Z9 5G Full Specifications
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 (4nm)
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Resolution: 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Camera (Rear): 64MP (OIS) + 2MP depth sensor
- Camera (Front): 16MP
- Battery: 5000mAh with 44W FlashCharge
- OS: Funtouch OS 14 (based on Android 14)
- RAM & Storage: 8GB + 128GB (expandable)
- Build: Plastic frame, flat design
- Weight: Approx. 188g
- 5G Bands: Multiple SA/NSA support
- Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP54 rating
💻 Performance & Software
Let me just say this straight: the iQOO Z9 5G is a beast in performance for its price. Whether you're gaming, scrolling through Instagram, or switching between multiple apps, everything feels buttery smooth thanks to the Dimensity 7200 chip and 120Hz AMOLED display.
In my use, there were zero lags—even in BGMI on high graphics or multitasking between YouTube, Chrome, and Gmail. It’s also one of the few phones under ₹20K to use a 4nm chipset, which really shows in both performance and battery efficiency.
The Funtouch OS is still a bit bloated with pre-installed apps, but you can uninstall most of them. Software updates are decent; iQOO promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches.
📸 Camera Performance
The 64MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is surprisingly good for this price. Daylight shots are sharp, vibrant, and well-detailed. The OIS helps a lot in reducing blur, especially for night shots or shaky hands.
Portrait mode separates background quite well, though edge detection struggles occasionally. The 16MP front camera is okay-ish — not the best in low light but great for daylight selfies and video calls.
Camera Samples (My Experience)
- 📷 Daylight – Sharp, bright, almost flagship-level colors.
- 🌙 Low-light – Decent, thanks to OIS, but sometimes grainy.
- 🤳 Selfies – Natural skin tones but a bit soft in dim light.
- 🎥 Video – 4K at 30fps is smooth, though stabilization could be better.
🔋 Battery Life
iQOO Z9 5G comes with a 5000mAh battery, and honestly? It lasts more than a day on moderate use. I used it for calls, emails, camera, and some Netflix binging — and still had juice left by bedtime.
The 44W charger tops up the battery from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes. It’s not blazing fast like 80W chargers, but still very practical and safe for long-term use.
🎮 Gaming Review
Played Call of Duty, BGMI, and Genshin Impact. All ran smoothly on medium-high settings without major heating. The phone gets slightly warm during long sessions, but nothing uncomfortable.
The touch response and 120Hz screen refresh rate help a lot in fast-paced games. Plus, the stereo speakers add to the immersive feel — although they could’ve been louder.
📶 Connectivity & Sensors
- ✔️ 5G support with multiple bands
- ✔️ Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.3
- ✔️ In-display fingerprint scanner – quick & reliable
- ✔️ Dual SIM + microSD (hybrid slot)
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
👍 Pros
- Flagship-level 4nm processor at mid-range price
- Bright and vivid AMOLED 120Hz display
- OIS in camera – rare in this segment
- Good battery life + fast charging
- Lightweight and sleek flat design
👎 Cons
- Only one usable camera (depth sensor is useless)
- No ultra-wide camera
- Funtouch OS still has bloatware
- No stereo speakers
🛒 Pricing & Availability
The iQOO Z9 5G is currently available on Amazon India and iQOO’s official website. It’s priced around ₹19,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant (prices may vary during sales).
You’ll find color options like Brushed Green and Graphene Blue, both with matte finishes that resist fingerprints quite well.
🙋♀️ Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
To be honest, the iQOO Z9 5G is one of the best value-for-money smartphones in India under ₹20,000 right now. It delivers performance that rivals ₹25K phones, has a gorgeous display, solid battery, and a decent camera — especially with OIS.
If you can live without an ultra-wide lens or stereo speakers, this phone gives you flagship-level performance without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or content lover — this one won’t disappoint!
❓ FAQs – iQOO Z9 5G
Q1: Is iQOO Z9 5G good for gaming?
A: Absolutely! The Dimensity 7200 chip and 120Hz screen make it great for BGMI, COD, and more.
Q2: How is the camera quality?
A: The 64MP main camera with OIS performs very well in daylight and okay in low light. No ultra-wide though.
Q3: Does it support 5G in India?
A: Yes! It supports multiple 5G bands including n1, n3, n78, etc., and works with Jio, Airtel, and Vi 5G networks.
Q4: How long does the battery last?
A: With regular use, the battery easily lasts a full day and charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Q5: Is iQOO a reliable brand?
A: iQOO is a sub-brand of Vivo, and it’s been doing well in India with solid build quality and support.
That’s it for today’s review! If you found this helpful, feel free to leave a comment or share it with someone looking to buy a new phone.
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