IQOO Z10 5g Full review | Best phone Under 20k

The iQOO Z10 5G is a compelling mid-range smartphone launched in 2025, aimed at users who prioritise battery life, balanced performance, and modern features without going into flagship territory. iQOO positions it as a “battery beast” in its class, and many of its specs support that claim. 

However, like any device, it has trade-offs. In this review, I’ll dig into how it fares in real use, not just on paper.

Key specifications (summary):

• Chipset: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

• RAM / Storage: 8 / 12 GB LPDDR4X + 128 / 256 GB UFS 2.2

• Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz, peak brightness ~5000 nits 

• Rear camera: 50 MP (OIS) + 2 MP depth / auxiliary sensor 

• Front camera: variant dependent (often 8 MP or 32 MP) 

• Battery: 7300 mAh, 90 W wired fast charging, reverse wired charging support 

• Other: In-display fingerprint, stereo speakers, IP65 rating, MIL-STD durability claims 

Let’s dive deeper into each aspect.

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Design & Build

Look & feel
The Z10 leans more on practicality than premium materials. The frame is plastic (polycarbonate) with a matte or semi-matte finish, which helps reduce fingerprints compared to glossy glass backs. It has curved edges which aid grip and comfort in hand. Some users describe it as having “sleek design” in this category. 

At ~199 g, it is on the heavier side, but that is unsurprising given its massive battery inside. 

Durability & resistance
One standout is the IP65 dust and water resistance rating, meaning it can handle low-pressure water jets and dust — not full immersion, but sufficient for splashes and rain. 

Moreover, iQOO also claims MIL-STD-810H compliance (military standard shock, drop, vibration etc) to reassure buyers of durability. 

Given the size, weight, and plastic frame, the build does not feel “premium glass & metal,” but it is practical, solid, and built for longevity rather than glamour.

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Display

Specs & features

• Size & type: 6.77-inch AMOLED (probably E4 or equivalent) 

• Refresh rate: 120 Hz for smoother UI, animations, and gaming responsiveness 

• Brightness: iQOO advertises peak brightness of up to ~5000 nits (useful for strong daylight legibility) 

• Protection: Uses Schott Xensation Alpha glass (as per iQOO’s site) 

• Other: High PWM dimming rates and adaptive brightness help usability in low light.

Real-world experience
In everyday use, the display is vivid, with punchy colours, deep blacks, good contrast (as expected from AMOLED). The 120 Hz makes animations and scrolling feel fluid — especially noticeable when browsing long pages or in-game menus. Under bright sunlight, the display holds up well due to high peak brightness, though reflections remain a challenge as with all glossy screens.

The curves on the edges look premium, but they invite occasional accidental touches; some users may prefer a flat display. Also, finding screen protectors for curved edges may be harder, so users should check compatibility. (Though I did not see a specific report on that yet.)

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Performance

Chipset & hardware
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is the brain here — a mid-tier 4nm chip that balances power efficiency and performance. Paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, the hardware is solid for the segment. 

In benchmarks and real use, the phone handles day-to-day tasks, multitasking, web browsing, social apps, and moderate gaming without stutter or major slowdowns. According to reviews, it remains smooth under moderate load. 

One caveat: under sustained heavy gaming, there may be thermal throttling, as is typical in this segment. Some frames drops may occur in graphically intensive games, especially under long sessions. The large battery helps reduce stress from overheating by allowing for more headroom, but it’s not a gaming flagship. Reviews mention it's “in it for the longest days” more than pushing max FPS in every title. 

Gaming & features
iQOO includes features like a “gaming mode” or performance mode, which optimizes CPU/GPU resources, disables background tasks, and gives a smoother experience when gaming.
Also, features like AI voice changer (for in-game chat) are present as marketing additions. 

In summary: performance is very good for the price, with occasional limitations under the heaviest loads.

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Camera System

Rear cameras

• Main: 50 MP with OIS (optical image stabilization) 

• Secondary: 2 MP depth / auxiliary sensor (often used for portrait / auxiliary data)

Front / selfie camera
Variants exist. Some models have an 8 MP front camera, others 32 MP depending on region. 

Image & video output

• In good lighting, the main camera captures decent, usable shots — good detail, colour, and dynamic range in many cases. Low light performance is acceptable thanks to OIS, though noise can creep in.

• Portrait / depth effects are average; the 2 MP depth sensor helps but is not perfect in edge detection in complicated scenes.

• The front camera is serviceable for social media selfies and video calls, though it won’t compete with high-end selfie specialists.

• Video recording from the rear sensor can go up to 4K, though stabilization and motion handling will depend on conditions.

Overall, the camera setup is functional and fine for general users; it’s not a standout or ultra-premium system, but it gets the job done in most everyday shooting scenarios.

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Battery & Charging

This is where the iQOO Z10 truly shines, and where it may justify its existence in many users’ eyes.

Battery capacity & usage
With its 7300 mAh battery — one of the largest in this price category — the Z10 delivers excellent battery life.  Multiple reviews say it can last through even heavy days (gaming, video, multitask) without anxiety. 

In lighter to moderate usage (calls, social media, video viewing, web), it can comfortably last one and a half to two days (or more) — making it appealing to those who hate carrying chargers. Many reviews highlight this as the device’s strongest point. 

Charging
It supports 90 W wired fast charging, which is quite fast considering the battery’s size. 
In tests, it can charge fairly quickly — maybe 0–50 % in a relatively short time, though full charging may take longer due to the sheer capacity. Reviews mention the “exceptional 7300 mAh battery with 90W charging” as a highlight. 

Also, reverse wired charging (i.e. use the phone as a power bank) is supported, which is a nice bonus for emergencies. 

One limitation: no wireless charging is offered, which is understandable at this price point but a missing “luxury” feature.

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Software & Features

Operating System & UI
The phone ships with Android 15, layered with iQOO’s Funtouch OS 15 (or variant) with customizations. 

The UI is feature-rich, with gaming enhancements, performance modes, RAM expansion (virtual RAM), and optimizations for battery life. The skin is not extremely heavy; many users find it acceptable.

Updates & support
I did not uncover a strong guarantee of long-term OS version updates in all markets. That said, for midrange devices, 2–3 years of support is often expected. Be sure to check local (India) iQOO policy.

Extras & connectivity

• Dual SIM with 5G support on both slots (or at least one, depending on region) 

• WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C (OTG) support 

• In-display (optical) fingerprint sensor — typical for AMOLED phones.

• No NFC is reported (or at least not emphasized in spec sheets) — this may limit usage for contactless payments, depending on your market (check your variant).

• Stereo speakers deliver acceptable audio output; audio is punchy but not flagship grade.

One marketing claim from iQOO: the device survived a “12-hour rain test.” While it sounds impressive, real-life exposure to water/dust will vary, so don’t treat it as full waterproofing. 

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Pros & Cons

Below is a balanced list you can include (or adapt) in your review:

Pros

1. Outstanding battery life — 7300 mAh is rare at this price; you likely won’t need a charger midday.

2. Fast wired charging (90 W) helps reduce downtime when you do top up.

3. Smooth 120 Hz AMOLED display with high brightness offers solid visuals for most conditions.

4. Balanced midrange performance via Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 — handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming well.

5. Practical build and durability (IP65 + MIL-STD claims) — gives peace of mind against spills/dust.

6. Reverse wired charging adds flexibility in emergencies.

Cons / trade-offs

1. No wireless charging — a drawback if you prefer cable-free convenience.

2. Plastic frame / non-premium materials — less premium feel than glass/metal counterparts.

3. Weight / thickness — heavy due to battery, may feel bulky for some.

4. Camera isn’t class-leading — fine for general use, but won’t compete with flagship camera phones.

5. Potential thermal throttling under long heavy gaming — a limitation of midrange SoCs and chassis cooling.

6. Unclear long-term software support — one should verify update policy in one’s region.

7. Lack of NFC (if applicable in your market) — may hamper contactless payments or quick pairing in some cases.

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Verdict & Who Should Buy It

The iQOO Z10 5G is a standout “battery champion” in the midrange smartphone space. If your priorities are long battery life, reliable daily performance, and solid display experience, this device delivers real value. For users who game moderately, consume media, and need a device that survives heavy usage through the day, it’s a strong contender.

However, it is not for those desiring flagship-level camera quality, wireless charging, ultra premium build, or extensive long-term software upgrades. If those features matter more, you might have to spend more or opt for alternatives.

If I were to recommend it for a segment: it’s ideal for power users, travellers, or users in areas with unreliable charging access — anyone who values “a phone that lasts” more than “a camera that impresses.”