In a market saturated with iterative upgrades, iQoo has raised the bar with the launch of its latest budget-friendly contenders: the iQoo Z10 and Z10x. Packed with massive batteries, sleek flat displays, and performance-driven hardware, these devices aim to disrupt the sub-₹20,000 segment in India. Let’s dive into what makes these phones stand out.
Design and Display: Flat Screens Take Center Stage
Both models feature 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED displays with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a rarity in their price range. The flat-edge design not only looks modern but also minimizes accidental touches—a win for gamers and multitaskers. iQoo claims the panels deliver 1,300 nits peak brightness, ensuring readability under harsh sunlight. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection adds durability, while the slim bezels and centered punch-hole camera lend a premium aesthetic.
Battery Life That Lasts Days, Not Hours
The headline feature is undoubtedly the battery capacity. The Z10x boasts a 6,000mAh battery, while the standard Z10 packs a still-impressive 5,500mAh cell. According to iQoo, the Z10x can deliver up to 18 hours of video playback or 10 hours of gaming on a single charge, making it a marathon device for heavy users. Both models support 44W fast charging, with the Z10x refilling 50% in just 22 minutes. For context, competitors in this segment often cap out at 5,000mAh and 33W charging.
Performance: Snapdragon Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Z10 series debuts the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite processor, a surprising inclusion given its budget positioning. This 4nm chipset, recently unveiled as a powerhouse for mid-range devices, promises flagship-level multitasking and gaming performance. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and iQoo’s proprietary liquid cooling system, the phones handle demanding titles like Genshin Impact at medium settings without throttling. The Z10x also features expandable storage up to 1TB, a nod to media hoarders.
Camera Capabilities: More Than Just Numbers
The Z10 duo sports a 64MP primary camera with OIS, a first for iQoo’s Z-series. Low-light performance sees notable improvements thanks to larger pixel sensors and AI-enhanced night mode. The 16MP front camera supports 4K video recording, ideal for content creators. While the 2MP depth and macro sensors feel like filler, the primary shooter’s versatility—coupled with features like dual-video mode and portrait video—offers solid value.
Software and Features: Clean and Customizable
Running on Funtouch OS 14 (based on Android 14), the phones promise two major OS updates and three years of security patches. The software is streamlined, with bloatware kept to a minimum. Gamers will appreciate features like 4D vibration feedback and customizable touch sampling rates, while the Z10x’s stereo speakers enhance multimedia immersion.
Pricing and Availability
The iQoo Z10 starts at ₹15,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant, while the Z10x begins at ₹17,999 for 8GB+128GB. Both will be available exclusively on Amazon India starting July 25, with early-bird discounts bringing prices down by ₹1,000.
Competition and Alternatives
While the Z10 series excels in battery and display quality, rivals like the CMF Phone 1 offer unique advantages, including a user-repairable design and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 chip. However, iQoo’s aggressive pricing and software optimizations give it an edge for performance purists.
Conclusion
The iQoo Z10 and Z10x challenge the notion that budget phones must compromise on essentials. With best-in-class batteries, vibrant flat displays, and a surprisingly potent Snapdragon chipset, they cater to users craving longevity and smooth performance. If iQoo delivers on its software update promises, these devices could become the new benchmarks for value-driven smartphones in 2025.
