iQOO has quickly become one of the most talked-about smartphone brands in India, especially among young users and gaming enthusiasts. Known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices, iQOO has expanded its lineup with the launch of the iQOO Z9x 5G. This phone is designed to attract budget-conscious buyers who do not want to compromise on speed, gaming, or battery life.
The iQOO Z9x 5G promises to be a complete package with a Snapdragon chipset, a massive 6000mAh battery, and smooth display performance. It positions itself as a smartphone that balances power with affordability, making it an appealing option in the highly competitive mid-range segment.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the iQOO Z9x follows the brand’s modern and practical approach. The phone comes with a slim profile considering the large battery it packs, and it features curved edges for better grip. The rear panel has a glossy finish with subtle patterns that catch the light, giving it a premium appearance.
The camera module is neatly arranged in a rectangular housing on the top left, while the brand logo is placed at the bottom, keeping the design minimal yet attractive. The phone is expected to come in stylish color variants like Midnight Black, Glacier Blue, and possibly a gradient option for users who love vibrant finishes.
The build is solid and durable, ensuring the phone can handle everyday use. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated with the power button provides quick and secure unlocking.
Display Experience
The iQOO Z9x 5G is equipped with a large 6.6-inch display that offers Full HD+ resolution. This ensures sharp images, vibrant colors, and smooth video playback. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which enhances scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences, making the phone feel faster and more responsive.
The brightness levels are sufficient for outdoor usage, while the contrast and color reproduction make it suitable for binge-watching shows or playing games. Although it is not an AMOLED panel, the LCD display has been optimized for clarity and performance, offering great value at this price point.
Performance and Hardware
Performance is one of the main highlights of the iQOO Z9x. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6-series or 7-series processor, the phone ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and app usage. The processor is supported by up to 8GB of RAM, which can be virtually extended for better performance, and internal storage options of up to 128GB or 256GB. A microSD slot allows for additional expansion if needed.
The Snapdragon processor is particularly well-optimized for gaming, meaning popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 can run smoothly with medium to high graphics settings. The phone also uses iQOO’s performance tuning features, such as Ultra Game Mode, which optimizes CPU and GPU usage for a better gaming experience.
Software and User Interface
The iQOO Z9x runs on FunTouch OS based on Android 14. This interface offers customization options and smooth animations, though it may include some pre-installed apps. Fortunately, most of them can be uninstalled if not needed.
The UI includes useful features such as app cloning, smart split-screen multitasking, gesture navigation, and game-specific optimizations. Regular security patches and system updates are expected, ensuring the phone stays updated for at least two years.
Camera Setup
In terms of photography, the iQOO Z9x 5G comes with a versatile dual or triple rear camera setup. The primary sensor is expected to be 64MP, designed to capture detailed photos in daylight. Accompanying sensors include a wide-angle or depth lens, which enhances versatility by allowing group shots and portrait photography.
The front camera, placed in a punch-hole or notch, is around 16MP, providing clear selfies and video calling support. AI-based features like night mode, portrait mode, HDR, and beauty filters enhance the overall photography experience. While the phone may not compete with flagship devices in terms of camera quality, it offers more than enough for casual and social media users.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the most attractive features of the iQOO Z9x 5G is its huge 6000mAh battery. This large capacity ensures that users can comfortably use the phone for more than a day with moderate to heavy usage. Whether you are streaming videos, gaming, or browsing social media, the battery is unlikely to run out quickly.
To complement the battery, the phone supports fast charging, likely in the range of 33W to 44W. This helps refill the massive battery in a reasonable time, ensuring users spend less time plugged in and more time on the go. The combination of a power-efficient Snapdragon chipset and a big battery makes this phone an excellent choice for people who prioritize long-lasting performance.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, 5G connectivity is the highlight of the iQOO Z9x. With multiple 5G band support, the phone ensures users are future-ready as telecom operators expand their 5G networks. Alongside 5G, the phone also includes 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and USB Type-C.
The audio experience is enhanced by a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is still appreciated by budget users. Stereo speakers or a powerful single bottom-firing speaker make gaming and media consumption more immersive. Face unlock, along with the side fingerprint sensor, ensures fast and secure access.
Price and Availability
iQOO has always positioned its smartphones aggressively in terms of pricing, and the Z9x 5G is no different. It is expected to be launched in India within the price range of ₹12,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the variant. This makes it one of the most powerful smartphones in this price bracket, directly competing with models from Realme, Redmi, Infinix, and Samsung’s Galaxy M series.
The phone will be available through online platforms like Amazon and iQOO’s official store, as well as offline retail outlets. Early launch offers and bank discounts may further reduce the effective price, making it an even more attractive deal.
Final Verdict
The iQOO Z9x 5G is a strong addition to the brand’s lineup, offering a combination of performance, battery life, and modern design at an affordable price. With a Snapdragon chipset, smooth display, and a massive 6000mAh battery, it is a phone that appeals to gamers, students, and everyday users alike.
While it may not deliver flagship-level camera performance or AMOLED display quality, it provides excellent value for money in the sub-₹15,000 range. If you are looking for a budget 5G smartphone that does not compromise on performance or battery backup, the iQOO Z9x 5G is definitely worth considering.
Disclaimer
The details mentioned in this article are based on available information, early leaks, and official announcements at the time of writing. Specifications, features, and pricing may vary depending on region and final retail release. Readers are advised to verify details from the official iQOO website or authorized retailers before making a purchase decision.
