iQOO Z10 5G First Impressions, Is It the Best 5G Phone Under ₹15,000?

Md karim Didar
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Even as the Indian smartphone segment remains abuzz with constant launches, this time iQOO has unveiled a new 5G device that promises top performance for a mid-range price point. With the official launch behind us, the iQOO Z10 5G is swiftly gathering acclaim among tech enthusiasts its main fans being young gamers and content creators.


Throughout this article, we will examine the iQOO Z10 5G from every angle its design, performance, display, camera, battery life, software, and most importantly, whether you get decent value for its price in India. If a future-proof 5G device on a budget is on your radar, this guide will steer you to a well-informed purchase decision.



What is iQOO Z10 5G?

The iQOO Z10 5G marks the recently launched mid-range release from iQOO, the sub-brand of Vivo. Praised for its first-rate performance and dedicated gaming-oriented features, iQOO now strives to carve a niche within the affordable flagship segment. Upping the ante is the Z10 5G, which maintains this winning streak with a powerful processor, sufficient battery life, rapid fast-charging, and support for 5G connectivity.


Priced in the less than 20,000-rupee bracket, this smartphone targets users looking for smooth, all-day performance together with premium perks like a fast refresh rate, sleek design, and robust multitasking support.



Headline Features of the iQOO Z10 5G

5G Connectivity

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1

FHD+ 120 Hz AMOLED Display

While on the rear, a 50MP dual-camera setup is featured.

5000mAh battery with 44 watt fast charging


Riding on Android 14, this phone is powered by Funtouch OS.

Fast app loading is enabled by UFS 2.2 storage.


Design and Build

Sporting a contemporary, aesthetic style, the iQOO Z10 5G sports a flat-framed body that fits comfortably in hand. Constructed from polycarbonate and decked in a matte finish, the chassis delivers an upscale tactile feel even while keeping the device's weight minimal. It is available in vivid colors designed to appeal to the younger audience.


For a mid-range priced device, the Z10 5G certainly feels sturdy. The back sports a muted gradient that catches the light and reIlluminates it in distinctive patterns. The camera array is a rectangular piece that sits slightly above the body, yet it still stays firm when the phone is set down on a flat surface.


Tipping the scales at roughly 190 grams and measuring merely 8.1 mm, the phone feels light and comfortable to hold and transport all day long.



Display

The iQOO Z10 5G packs a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel that runs at 120 Hz and offers 2400×1080 resolution. Supported by this elevated refresh rate, scrolling and animation are both smoother when gaming or navigating through apps.


Hues are vivid, the contrast is high, and a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits guarantees excellent visibility even when the screen is exposed to blinding sunlight. The borders are narrow, while the punch-hole for the front camera delivers a contemporary aesthetic.


For content watching, going through videos on YouTube or OTT services, or surfing Instagram reels brings a genuinely enjoyable experience. The dual stereo speakers boost the multimedia immersion, producing sound that is both clear and adequately loud.


In terms of performance, the smartphone is driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.

Lying at its core, the iQOO Z10 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset fabricated on a 4nm process. It is a potent mid-range chipset that efficiently harmonizes performance and power efficiency. It is accompanied by up to 8GB of RAM alongside 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.


Be it gaming, web browsing, multitasking, or editing videos, the Z10 5G runs effortlessly. Games such as Call of Duty Mobile, BGMI, and Asphalt 9 perform smoothly even when set to medium to high settings, with very few frame drops in sight.


Supported by extended RAM technology, the device can tap up to 8GB of storage and deploy it as supplementary RAM, greatly improving multitasking performance.


Benchmark enthusiasts will be impressed to see the iQOO Z10 5G collect about 560,000 points on AnTuTu, an impressive performance for its budget.


With regard to software and the user interface, the phone runs FuntouchOS 14 on top of Android 14 out of the box.


By default, it is shipped with Android 14 coupled with FuntouchOS 14. Over the past few years, FuntouchOS has undergone substantial enhancements and now supplies a UI that is sleeker and conveyed with greater refinement.


Although there are still several pre-installed apps, most of them can be uninstalled. Among the integrated features are dynamic themes, a privacy dashboard, an App locker, a dual apps mode, and a built-in screen recorder.


iQOO has guaranteed users at least two years of Android updates, together with three years of security patches, a combination that secures its long-term viability.



Camera Performance

This smartphone sports a dual rear camera setup.

Primary sensor measuring 50MP

In daylight, the 50MP camera delivers accurate detail and an overall natural color tone. Autofocus is quick, enabling images that turn out sharp with decent dynamic range. The portraits offer satisfactory edge detection and their skin tones remain well balanced.


When the light is dim, the dedicated night mode assists in brightening the shot and lessening noise. Nevertheless, you cannot anticipate flagship-grade night photography within this price bracket.


The front camera functions as a 16MP sensor and offers an ideal setup for selfies and video calls. By offering beauty filters and portrait mode, it equips social media users with all the essential tools.


For video capture, the device supports resolution up to 1080p at 60fps, and electronic image stabilization (EIS) minimizes shakes while the clip is being taken.


Battery life and Charging

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the iQOO Z10 5G keeps going for more than a full day even with sustained moderate to heavy use. Be it watching videos, gaming, or merely scrolling through social media, the phone performs well.


The bundled 44W fast charger tops the phone from 0 to 50 percent in roughly twenty-five minutes. A full charge takes roughly an hour, a notion that is aptly impressive for its price segment.


The battery-saving enhancements built into Funtouch OS likewise guarantee that idle apps don’t consume excessive power.


Made for connectivity, the device offers 5G support.

Live up to its name, the iQOO Z10 sports 5G support and works with most Indian 5G bands, namely n28, n77, and n78. Consequently, you can take advantage of fast internet connections on operators such as Jio and Airtel.


In addition, connectivity features comprise

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Bluetooth 5.2

GPS, along with Glonass.

USB Type-C

3.5 mm headphone jack

Voice calls sound clear, and network receptions remains robust, even in spots where signal is weak.


Storing and variant details

In India, the iQOO Z10 5G comes in only two distinct models:


6GB of RAM coupled with 128 GB of internal storage.

8GB RAM with 128 GB storage


The two variants can be expanded up to 1TB through a microSD card slot that doubles as a hybrid SIM tray.


Pricing and availability in India

iQOO has priced the iQOO Z10 5G competitively to lure buyers on budgets and within the mid-range segment. By June 2025, the price tags are the following:


Base price: Rs. 14,999

Featuring 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage, its price comes in at Rs. 16,499.


The phone is likewise accessible on prominent online portals and through a select array of offline retail outlets. Promotional offers could encompass instant discounts, EMI without any extra cost, and exchange bonuses.


iQOO Z10 5G vs its Competitors

See how the iQOO Z10 5G fairs against several of its main competitors


iQOO Z10 5G Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 120Hz AMOLED 50 MP 5000mAh Rs. 14,999


Redmi Note 13 5G

Realme Narzo 70 5GDimensity 7050

Motorola G73 5G Dimensity 930


The Z10 differentiates itself thanks to its Snapdragon chipset and AMOLED panel, which ensure improved efficiency along with an enhanced visual experience.


Pros and cons

Pros

Fantastic AMOLED panel running at 120 Hz refresh

Satisfactory performance courtesy of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1

Operates for a prolonged duration and refills quickly

A clean, well-polished UI running on Android 14.

5G connectivity with wide band coverage


Cons

There is no ultrawide camera.

Hybrid Sim Slot

It still holds a small amount of pre-installed bloatware.


Ultimately, Is the iQOO Z10 5G worth buying?

Should you be seeking a future-proof 5G smartphone below Rs. 16,000 for solid performance, a remarkable display, and enduring battery life, the iQOO Z10 5G emerges as a formidable choice. It delivers a balanced package for students, casual gamers, and content creators who don’t intend to spend much.


Powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, it delivers resistance performance, while the AMOLED display is great for entertainment. Even without an ultrawide camera, the imaging performance still remains adequate for the price.


To sum up, iQOO Z10 5G delivers excellent value for money and stands shoulder to shoulder with other mid-range smartphones available in the Indian market.


FAQs

Q. Is iQOO Z10 5G suitable for gaming?

Indeed, powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and a 120Hz panel, it delivers fluid gaming on settings ranging from mid to high.


Q. Does it accommodate 5G in India?

Indeed, it covers all the primary 5G spectrum bands utilized by Indian carriers such as Jio and Airtel.


Q. For me, the unit comes with a charger inside the box.

Of course, it comes bundled with a 44W fast charger.


Q. Can the storage be expanded?

Yes, the handset is capable of accommodating a microSD card of up to 1TB within its hybrid SIM slot.


Q. What is it like to use the software?

FuntouchOS 14 is friendly, zippy, and assured by steady software updates, all while keeping bloatware at a minimum.

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