1. Why Should Indians Buy This Phone?
The iQOO Z10 5G is tailored to meet the demands of Indian consumers seeking a budget-friendly device with premium features. Its 7,300mAh battery—the largest in any smartphone globally—ensures extended usage, ideal for users prioritizing long screen time for streaming, gaming, or multitasking. Coupled with 90W fast charging, it minimizes downtime, a significant advantage in fast-paced lifestyles. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and 5G support future-proof the device, delivering smooth performance for apps, gaming, and connectivity.
Additionally, the 50MP OIS camera caters to photography enthusiasts, while the 120Hz AMOLED display enhances media consumption. Priced between ₹20,000–₹30,000, it offers exceptional value, competing with higher-priced models. For Indians seeking a reliable, feature-packed smartphone without overspending, the iQOO Z10 strikes a perfect balance between affordability and cutting-edge technology.
2. Does the Phone Have an Eye-Catching Design?
The iQOO Z10 boasts a sleek, modern design with a 6.67-inch quad-curved AMOLED display, offering a premium look uncommon in its price range. The curved edges and slim profile provide an ergonomic grip, while the minimal bezels maximize screen real estate. Available in multiple color options, the device combines aesthetics with practicality, appealing to users who value style.
The rear panel features a glossy finish with a subtle camera module, avoiding bulkiness. Despite the large battery, iQOO has maintained a relatively lightweight build, ensuring comfort during prolonged use. This design philosophy makes the Z10 stand out in the crowded budget segment, where aesthetics often take a backseat to specs.
3. Are Charger and SIM Pin Included in the Box?
Unlike many brands omitting chargers, the iQOO Z10 includes a 90W fast charger in the box, ensuring quick top-ups for its massive 7,300mAh battery. This is a major plus for users tired of purchasing accessories separately. The package also contains a SIM ejector pin, essential for setting up the device.
iQOO’s decision to include these accessories reflects an understanding of budget-conscious buyers. The charger supports the device’s ultra-fast charging capabilities, fully refueling the battery in under an hour. This user-friendly approach eliminates hidden costs and enhances the out-of-box experience.
4. Software Updates: How Many Years of Support?
The iQOO Z10 is expected to receive two major Android OS updates and three years of security patches, aligning with industry standards for mid-range devices. This ensures access to the latest features, bug fixes, and critical security enhancements, prolonging the phone’s usability.
Regular updates also optimize performance and camera capabilities over time. iQOO’s track record with timely updates for previous models adds credibility, making the Z10 a dependable choice for users wary of software obsolescence.
5. Rivals in the Market
The iQOO Z10 faces stiff competition from devices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro, Realme Narzo 60, and Poco X6. These phones offer similar specs, including AMOLED displays and 5G support, but the Z10’s larger battery gives it an edge.
Samsung’s Galaxy M55 and Nothing Phone (2a) are also contenders, though they often carry higher price tags. The Z10’s combination of a 7,300mAh battery, 90W charging, and Snapdragon chipset makes it a compelling alternative in the ₹20,000–₹30,000 segment.
6. Size and Display Quality
The iQOO Z10 features a 6.67-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with a 2400×1080 resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and responsive touch inputs, enhancing gaming and browsing experiences.
The curved edges reduce accidental touches while adding a premium feel. With slim bezels and a punch-hole front camera, the screen-to-body ratio is maximized, making it ideal for immersive content consumption.
7. Brightness Levels for Outdoor Use
The display peaks at 2,000 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. This is a significant upgrade over competitors, which often max out at 1,200–1,500 nits. Users can comfortably read texts, watch videos, or navigate maps outdoors without straining their eyes.
Auto-brightness adjustments are optimized for varying lighting conditions, balancing clarity and battery efficiency. This feature is particularly useful in India’s diverse climates, from bright sunny days to dim indoor environments.
8. Extra Features Enhancing Usability
Beyond core specs, the Z10 includes stereo speakers for immersive audio, a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained gaming performance, and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. These additions cater to gamers, multimedia users, and those in humid or dusty environments.
The device also supports 5G band aggregation for faster connectivity and has dedicated gaming modes to minimize distractions. Such features elevate the user experience, distinguishing it from one-dimensional budget phones.
9. AI Camera and Smart Features
The 50MP primary camera uses AI for scene recognition, automatically adjusting settings for food, portraits, or landscapes. Night mode leverages AI multi-frame processing to brighten low-light shots without noise. The 32MP front camera employs AI beautification for natural-looking selfies.
AI-backed video stabilization ensures smooth recordings, even during motion. These smart features democratize advanced photography, allowing amateurs to capture professional-grade images effortlessly.
10. New Features Introduced
The iQOO Z10 debuts as the first smartphone with a 7,300mAh battery, addressing a common pain point. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, new to the market, balances power efficiency and performance. Additionally, the quad-curved AMOLED display is a rarity in this segment.
iQOO has also integrated enhanced cooling solutions, ensuring the device remains cool during intensive tasks. These innovations position the Z10 as a trailblazer, setting benchmarks for future budget devices.
11. Underwater Photography Capabilities
The iQOO Z10 lacks an IP68 rating, making it unsuitable for underwater photography. While it has an IP54 rating for minor splashes, submerging the device is not advised. Users seeking aquatic photography should consider higher-end models or waterproof cases.
The camera hardware isn’t optimized for underwater conditions, and water damage won’t be covered under warranty. This limitation is expected in its price range, where durability often takes a backseat to cost-cutting.
12. Camera Zoom Capabilities
The primary 50MP camera supports up to 10x digital zoom, though quality degrades beyond 4x. A 2MP macro lens allows close-up shots, but the absence of a telephoto lens limits optical zoom capabilities.
For casual users, digital zoom suffices for social media posts, but enthusiasts might find it lacking. The OIS helps stabilize zoomed shots, reducing blur in handheld scenarios.
13. Flash Performance in Low Light
The Z10 includes a dual-tone LED flash, balancing warm and cool tones for natural-looking photos in darkness. It effectively illuminates subjects within 2–3 meters, though distant objects remain poorly lit.
The flash doubles as a fill light in backlit scenarios, preventing overexposed backgrounds. While not replacing dedicated lighting, it’s adequate for emergencies or casual nighttime snaps.
14. Wireless or Wired Charging Support
The phone supports 90W wired charging, refueling the 7,300mAh battery in approximately 45 minutes. Wireless charging is absent, a common omission in budget devices to keep costs low.
The included charger’s efficiency compensates for this, offering rapid power-ups. Users preferring wireless convenience may need to look elsewhere, but the Z10’s wired speeds are unmatched in its segment.
15. 3.5mm Headphone Jack Availability
The iQOO Z10 retains the 3.5mm audio jack, a boon for users relying on wired earphones or headphones. This feature is increasingly rare in modern smartphones, making the Z10 appealing to audiophiles and budget-conscious buyers.
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable wireless connectivity, but the jack’s presence offers flexibility. It’s ideal for users who prioritize audio reliability over wireless trends.
Final Thoughts
The iQOO Z10 5G is a promising contender in India’s budget smartphone market, blending a massive battery, sleek design, and robust performance. While it faces tough competition, its unique features and aggressive pricing could make it a crowd favorite. Official details are awaited, but early leaks suggest a device worth waiting for.