The mid-range smartphone market in India is fiercely competitive, especially in the sub-₹20,000 price bracket. While many devices promise high performance and premium design, very few manage to deliver consistent, all-day usage. The iQOO Z10 is a refreshing exception. With a massive 7,300 mAh battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and a premium-looking design, this phone aims to offer a flagship-like experience at a budget-friendly price.
I’ve spent over two weeks using the iQOO Z10 as my primary device, testing everything from battery life to display quality and camera performance. Here’s my full review.
Sleek and Stylish Design That Defies Expectations
At first glance, the iQOO Z10 may not appear radically different from its rivals, but it brings a unique charm—especially the white color variant. The matte-finished back panel feels smooth to the touch and resists fingerprints well. The dual-camera island, though reminiscent of premium models, adds a modern aesthetic to the phone.
Despite the enormous 7,300 mAh battery, the Z10 is surprisingly lightweight at just 199 grams. It doesn’t feel bulky, and the phone maintains a sleek profile that’s easy to grip and carry in your pocket or bag.
Display: A Visual Treat for Entertainment Lovers
One of the highlights of the iQOO Z10 is its 6.77-inch quad-curved display. With a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, the screen offers a smooth, immersive experience whether you’re scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows on Netflix.
The panel has minimal bezels, providing a high screen-to-body ratio that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Colors are vibrant, contrast levels are solid, and brightness is decent enough for outdoor viewing. The in-display optical fingerprint sensor is responsive and accurate, and the pre-installed screen protector is a welcome touch.
Performance: Smooth and Lag-Free Everyday Use
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, the iQOO Z10 is well-equipped for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multitasking. Apps launch quickly, and there’s minimal lag even when switching between multiple applications.
I tested games like Asphalt Legends, BGMI, and Candy Crush Saga, and all ran smoothly at medium to high settings. For a phone under ₹20,000, this is impressive. Coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, the Z10 ensures a seamless user experience for the majority of users.
Camera: Decent for Daylight, Average in Low Light
The iQOO Z10 features a dual-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 32 MP selfie shooter.
In daylight conditions, the primary camera captures crisp and well-detailed images with accurate color reproduction. Portrait shots come out nicely with decent edge detection. However, in low-light or night scenarios, the camera struggles with noise and lack of detail. The front camera performs well for selfies and video calls, especially under good lighting.
While the camera setup isn’t revolutionary, it’s more than enough for casual users and those upgrading from an entry-level smartphone.
Battery Life: The iQOO Z10’s Star Feature
Let’s talk about the main event—the battery. The iQOO Z10 packs a massive 7,300 mAh battery, which is one of the biggest in this price segment. During my usage, I consistently got two full days of battery life on a single charge with moderate use. Even with heavy gaming and streaming, it easily lasted a full day with room to spare.
Whether you’re a student attending online classes, a content consumer who streams non-stop, or someone who travels frequently, the Z10 won’t leave you hunting for a charger halfway through the day.
It also supports fast charging, which helps juice up the massive battery in a reasonable amount of time, though it’s not the fastest in the segment.
Final Verdict: Is the iQOO Z10 Worth Buying?
For a starting price under ₹20,000, the iQOO Z10 offers a compelling mix of style, performance, and endurance. Here’s a quick summary:
Pros:
- Massive 7,300 mAh battery with excellent backup
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Good performance for daily tasks and gaming
- Reliable fingerprint sensor
Cons:
- Camera struggles in low light
- No ultra-wide or macro lens
- Charging speed could be better
If your priority is battery life, a good display, and reliable performance for everyday use, the iQOO Z10 is one of the best choices in its price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the battery capacity of the iQOO Z10?
The iQOO Z10 comes with a massive 7,300 mAh battery, offering up to two days of usage on a single charge.
2. Is the iQOO Z10 good for gaming?
Yes, the Z10 is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor and performs well for mid-level gaming like BGMI, Asphalt Legends, and more.
3. Does the iQOO Z10 support fast charging?
Yes, it supports fast charging, though not as fast as some competitors. Still, it charges the large battery in a decent amount of time.
4. How is the camera performance of the iQOO Z10?
The 50 MP main camera performs well in daylight, but low-light photography is average. The 32 MP front camera is great for selfies.
5. Is the iQOO Z10 worth buying under ₹20,000?
Absolutely! With its excellent battery life, smooth display, and solid performance, the iQOO Z10 offers great value for money.
