IQOO Z9 5G: The Ultimate Budget Gaming Phone?

In the fiercely competitive world of budget smartphones, the IQOO Z9 5G has quickly emerged as a strong contender. With its promising specs and performance capabilities, it aims to cater to gamers and general users alike. After using this device extensively for 90 days, here’s an in-depth review of its design, display, performance, battery life, camera, and software.

Design: A Practical Approach

The IQOO Z9 5G strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Here’s a detailed look at its design elements:

Back Panel

• Material: The back panel is made from high polycarbonate with a matte finish, providing a sturdy yet stylish look.
• Feel: Despite being plastic, it does not feel cheap. The matte finish gives it a premium touch, preventing fingerprints and smudges.

Camera Module

• Design Flaw: The camera module is glossy, which attracts fingerprints and scratches.
• Recommendation: It’s advisable to use a case to protect the camera module from scratches, ensuring it remains pristine.

Side Frame

• Material: The side frame is also polycarbonate, designed in a box style.
• Ergonomics: The edges are blended into the frame, making it comfortable to hold without any sharpness.
• Weight: At 189 grams, the phone feels light and manageable in one hand.

Bezels and Water Resistance

• Bezels: The top and side bezels are minimal, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker.
• IP Rating: With an IP54 rating, the phone can handle light splashes but is not suitable for submersion in water.

Key Highlights

• Matte finish prevents fingerprints
• Comfortable one-handed use
• Lightweight and well-balanced
• Slightly thicker bottom bezel
• IP54 rating for light splashes

Display: Bright and Smooth

The IQOO Z9 5G boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which is one of its standout features.

Specifications

• Size: 6.67 inches
• Type: AMOLED
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Brightness: Extremely bright and clear, even in harsh lighting conditions

Performance

• Indoor and Outdoor Visibility: The display remains highly visible both indoors and outdoors, including during bright, sunny conditions.
• Always-On Display: This feature works well, with medium-speed unlocking.
• Haptics: Provides medium-level haptic feedback, though not the top-tier in its price range.

Color Accuracy and Contrast

• Color Accuracy: The AMOLED panel provides vivid and accurate colors, making media consumption a delight.
• Contrast: The high contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Eye Comfort

• Blue Light Filter: Includes a blue light filter mode to reduce eye strain during prolonged usage.
• Reading Mode: A dedicated reading mode adjusts the color temperature for a more comfortable reading experience.

Key Highlights

• Large, bright AMOLED display
• Smooth 120Hz refresh rate
• Excellent visibility in all lighting conditions
• Vivid colors and high contrast
• Decent haptic feedback
• Blue light filter and reading mode

Performance: Power-Packed for Gamers

The performance of the IQOO Z9 5G is one of its strongest suits, especially considering its price range.

Processor and Benchmarks

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200
• AnTuTu Scores: Between 720,000 and 740,000
• CPU Throttling: Maintains 90-95% performance under load

Storage and Speed

• Storage Type: UFS 2.2
• App Opening Speed: Medium; not the fastest but adequate for everyday use

Gaming Performance

• Supported Settings: Smooth + Extreme in BGMI, supporting up to 60fps
• Average FPS: Between 55-60 FPS during gaming sessions
• Experience: Suitable for moderate to high gaming, providing a stable and smooth experience

Heat Management

• Thermal Efficiency: Effective heat management ensures the device remains cool during extended gaming sessions.
• Cooling System: Features a liquid cooling system that helps dissipate heat efficiently.

Multi-Tasking

• RAM Management: Efficient RAM management allows for smooth multi-tasking, with minimal app reloads.
• Split-Screen Mode: Supports split-screen mode for enhanced productivity.

Key Highlights

• MediaTek Dimensity 7200 offers strong performance
• High AnTuTu scores and stable CPU performance
• Good gaming capabilities with stable FPS
• Effective heat management with liquid cooling
• Efficient RAM management and split-screen mode

5G Connectivity: Ready for the Future

With the rollout of 5G networks, the IQOO Z9 5G is equipped to take full advantage of the new technology.

Connectivity

• 5G Bands: Supports 8 bands
• Performance: Reliable with no call drops; maintains high speeds around 300-400 Mbps

Data Speeds

• Download Speeds: Consistently high download speeds, ideal for streaming and online gaming.
• Upload Speeds: Quick upload speeds ensure smooth video calls and live streaming.

Call Quality

• Voice Clarity: Excellent voice clarity during calls, with minimal background noise.
• Network Stability: Stable network connection even in areas with weak signal strength.

Key Highlights

• Supports multiple 5G bands
• Reliable connectivity with high speeds
• Smooth transition between 4G and 5G during calls
• High download and upload speeds
• Excellent voice clarity and network stability

Software: A Mixed Bag

The software experience on the IQOO Z9 5G is a blend of strengths and areas needing improvement.

Updates and Bloatware

• Updates: Frequent updates improve the experience over time.
• Bloatware: Contains some ads and pre-installed apps, which can be uninstalled or disabled.

Features and Customization

• Customizable Features: Includes options like Always-On Display, edge lighting, and customizable finger animations.
• Dialer: Comes with its own dialer that allows for easy call recording.

Optimization

• Animation Jitters: Occasionally experiences minor jitters in animations, indicating a need for further optimization.
• Setup: Initial setup requires cleaning up bloatware for a smoother experience.

User Interface

• UI Design: Clean and intuitive user interface with minimal clutter.
• Themes: Supports a variety of themes and icon packs for personalized customization.

Security

• Updates: Regular security updates ensure the device remains protected against the latest threats.
• Privacy Features: Includes privacy-focused features such as app permissions and data protection.

Key Highlights

• Frequent software updates
• Customizable features
• Some bloatware and ads
• Minor animation jitters
• Clean and intuitive UI design
• Regular security updates and privacy features

Battery Life: Reliable but Inconsistent

The battery life on the IQOO Z9 5G is generally reliable but shows some inconsistencies based on usage and updates.

Capacity and Charging

• Battery: 5000mAh
• Charger: 44W

Screen-On Time

• Range: Between 5.5 to 8 hours depending on usage
• Usage Patterns: Continuous usage provides consistent performance, though updates have slightly reduced initial battery life

Charging Speed

• Fast Charging: The 44W fast charger can recharge the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 60 minutes.
• Battery Optimization: Includes battery optimization features that extend battery life by managing background processes.

Usage Scenarios

• Gaming: Heavy gaming sessions reduce battery life to around 5.5 hours of screen-on time.
• Media Consumption: Watching videos and streaming music can extend battery life to about 7-8 hours of screen-on time.

Key Highlights

• Large 5000mAh battery
• 44W fast charging
• Screen-on time between 5.5 to 8 hours
• Slight inconsistencies post updates
• Battery optimization features for extended battery life

Camera: Surprisingly Good

Despite its budget-friendly price, the IQOO Z9 5G offers a commendable camera experience.

Main Camera

• Performance: Good HDR processing and detail in photos
• Shortcoming: No ultra-wide lens

Low Light and Portrait Mode

• Low Light: Decent performance in low light conditions
• Portrait Mode: Accurate edge detection and background blur

Selfies and Video Recording

• Selfies: Natural tones with good edge detection in portrait mode
• Video Recording:
  • 4K at 30fps with stabilization
  • 1080p at 60fps without stabilization

Additional Features

• AI Enhancements: AI-powered enhancements for better color accuracy and scene detection.
• Pro Mode: Manual controls for photography enthusiasts, allowing adjustments to ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

Software Features

• Night Mode: Improves low light photography by enhancing details and reducing noise.
• Beauty Mode: Customizable beauty mode for selfies, allowing users to adjust skin smoothness and other features.

Key Highlights

• Good main camera performance
• Decent low light capabilities
• Accurate portrait mode
• Lacks ultra-wide lens
• 4K video recording with stabilization
• AI enhancements and Pro mode for manual controls
• Night mode for improved low light photography

Final Verdict: A Well-Balanced Budget Phone

The IQOO Z9 5G is a well-rounded phone that offers a lot of value for its price, especially for gamers and users looking for a balanced performance.

Strengths

• Gaming Performance: Strong performance with stable FPS and good graphics settings.
• Display: Bright, clear, and smooth display.
• Design: Practical design with comfortable ergonomics and light weight.
• Camera: Surprisingly good camera performance for the price.

Weaknesses

• Software: Contains some bloatware and ads; minor animation jitters.
• Battery: Slight inconsistencies in battery performance post updates.
• Camera: Lacks an ultra-wide lens.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly phone that excels in gaming, display quality, and overall performance, the IQOO Z9 5G is an excellent choice. Despite minor drawbacks, it offers a balanced experience that is hard to beat in its price range.

Additional Considerations

To provide a holistic view, let’s delve into some additional aspects that might influence your decision to purchase the IQOO Z9 5G:

Audio Quality: Immersive and Clear

The audio quality of the IQOO Z9 5G complements its overall multimedia experience.

Speaker Performance

• Stereo Speakers: Dual stereo speakers provide a rich and immersive sound experience.
• Volume: Loud and clear audio output, suitable for gaming and media consumption.

Headphone Experience

• Headphone Jack: Retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature often missing in modern smartphones.
• Audio Enhancements: Supports various audio enhancements, including DTS3D surround sound.

Call Quality

• Microphones: Multiple microphones ensure clear voice transmission during calls.
• Noise Cancellation: Effective noise cancellation during calls, providing a disturbance-free experience.

Key Highlights

• Dual stereo speakers for rich sound
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• DTS3D surround sound
• Clear call quality with noise cancellation

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the IQOO Z9 5G ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Material and Finish

• Polycarbonate Build: Durable polycarbonate construction with a matte finish.
• Scratch Resistance: Reasonably resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Durability Tests

• Drop Test: Survives minor drops without significant damage.
• Water Resistance: IP54 rating protects against light splashes, though not suitable for full submersion.

Accessories

• Included Case: Comes with a protective case that enhances grip and provides additional protection.
• Screen Protector: Pre-installed screen protector to guard against scratches.

Key Highlights

• Durable polycarbonate build
• Scratch and impact resistance
• IP54 rating for splash protection
• Included protective case and screen protector

Additional Features and Usability

Several additional features enhance the overall usability of the IQOO Z9 5G.

Fingerprint Sensor

• Location: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and easy access.
• Accuracy: High accuracy and fast response time.

Face Unlock

• Speed: Rapid face unlock feature that works well in various lighting conditions.
• Security: Less secure than fingerprint unlocking but convenient for everyday use.

User Experience

• One-Handed Mode: One-handed mode for easier use, especially on the large display.
• Navigation Gestures: Smooth and intuitive navigation gestures for a seamless experience.

Key Highlights

• Fast and accurate side-mounted fingerprint sensor
• Rapid face unlock feature
• One-handed mode for easier use
• Intuitive navigation gestures

Final Verdict: A Well-Balanced Budget Phone

The IQOO Z9 5G is a well-rounded phone that offers a lot of value for its price, especially for gamers and users looking for a balanced performance.

Strengths

• Gaming Performance: Strong performance with stable FPS and good graphics settings.
• Display: Bright, clear, and smooth display.
• Design: Practical design with comfortable ergonomics and light weight.
• Camera: Surprisingly good camera performance for the price.

Weaknesses

• Software: Contains some bloatware and ads; minor animation jitters.
• Battery: Slight inconsistencies in battery performance post updates.
• Camera: Lacks an ultra-wide lens.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly phone that excels in gaming, display quality, and overall performance, the IQOO Z9 5G is an excellent choice. Despite minor drawbacks, it offers a balanced experience that is hard to beat in its price range.

In conclusion, the IQOO Z9 5G stands out as a top contender in the budget segment, providing a comprehensive package that caters to both gamers and everyday users. Its blend of design, performance, and features makes it a worthy consideration for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful smartphone.