iQOO Z10x Review: In today’s crowded smartphone market, finding a device that balances affordability with powerful performance can be challenging. The iQOO Z10x enters this competitive landscape promising to deliver value beyond its price tag. As the latest addition to iQOO’s budget lineup, the new release builds upon its predecessor with several noteworthy upgrades. But does it truly stand out in the fiercely competitive sub-₹15,000 segment? Let’s dive into our comprehensive review of the iQOO Z10x.
Design: Premium Aesthetics on a Budget
The iQOO Z10x impresses right out of the box with its refined design language. We tested the Ultramarine color variant, which features a tasteful matte-glitter finish complemented by a glossy camera island. This combination gives the device a subtle premium aesthetic that belies its budget positioning.
What truly sets the Z10x apart from its competitors is its durability credentials. The phone boasts an IP64 rating and military-grade durability—features rarely found in this price segment. While the front bezels are slightly thick and the punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera is noticeable, these design compromises are entirely acceptable given the price point. Overall, the symmetrical camera layout and clean design give the smartphone a balanced and modern appearance.
Display: Bright and Smooth, If Not OLED
The iQOO Z10x comes equipped with a 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD display featuring a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While it doesn’t offer the deep blacks and vibrant colors of an OLED panel, the display performs admirably with bright, accurate colors and responsive touch input that works well for both gaming and everyday use.
In our Calman display test, the Z10x recorded an average DeltaE of 1.7, indicating respectable color accuracy when streaming videos or watching movies. The screen also achieved an impressive 904 nits of brightness in auto mode, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight—a common pain point for budget phones.
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Performance: Punching Above Its Weight Class
Under the hood, the iQOO Z10x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC with a peak clock speed of 2.5GHz. This chipset helps the Z10x deliver performance that exceeds expectations for its price range. In our benchmarks, the device scored an impressive 688,475 on AnTuTu, slightly edging out competitors like the Vivo T4x and CMF Phone 1.
The iQOO Z10x continued its strong showing in Geekbench tests, scoring 1,028 in single-core and 2,816 in multi-core performance. Perhaps most impressively, our CPU throttling test revealed 91% stability, indicating excellent sustained performance under heavy loads. The inclusion of UFS 3.1 storage—an upgrade from the previous model—further enhances the Z10x with faster app loading times and smoother multitasking capabilities.
On the software front, the Z10x runs FunTouchOS 15, which brings several AI-powered features including AI Eraser and screen translation. However, the experience is somewhat marred by bloatware and persistent spam notifications. On the positive side, iQOO commits to 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches for the iQOO Z10x.
Battery Life: A True Endurance Champion
Battery performance is where the iQOO Z10x truly shines. The device houses a massive 6,500 mAh battery—a significant 500 mAh upgrade from its predecessor—while maintaining 44W fast charging support. This combination delivers exceptional battery life in real-world usage scenarios.
In our PCMark battery test, the iQOO Z10x recorded an outstanding 28 hours and 7 minutes at 50% brightness. This translates to roughly two full days of usage on a single charge with average use patterns. While the charging speed is respectable, taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach full capacity from empty, it falls slightly behind some competitors in this segment.
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Camera Performance: Capable But Not Class-Leading
The camera system on the iQOO Z10x consists of a 50MP main rear camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies. In good lighting conditions, the iQOO Z10x produces acceptable photos with fair detail and reasonably accurate colors. However, portrait shots struggle with edge detection, and the processing tends to create unnaturally bright and contrasty images.
Surprisingly, the iQOO Z10x performs decently in low-light scenarios, capturing passable detail and exposure where many budget phones fail completely. Selfies are usable for social media, though they lack the refinement found in more expensive devices. While the camera system is adequate for casual photography, it falls short of being best-in-class for this price segment.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Budget Segment
The iQOO Z10x presents a compelling package for budget-conscious consumers looking for performance, battery life, and decent build quality. With its Dimensity 7300 chipset, UFS 3.1 storage, and massive 6,500 mAh battery, the iQOO Z10x delivers exceptional value under ₹15,000.
While the iQOO Z10x doesn’t offer an OLED display, its 120Hz LCD panel provides respectable brightness and color accuracy without excessive battery drain. Although the camera system and software experience have room for improvement, the iQOO Z10x remains a reliable and capable 5G device that offers more than its price tag suggests.
If you prioritize long battery life, solid performance, and durability over camera quality and software experience, the iQOO Z10x deserves a spot on your shortlist. In a segment where compromises are inevitable, the iQOO Z10x makes the right ones for users who value practicality and endurance.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life with 6,500 mAh capacity
- Strong performance from the Dimensity 7300 chipset
- UFS 3.1 storage for faster app loading
- IP64 rating and military-grade durability
- Good display brightness and color accuracy
Cons:
- Camera quality lags behind some competitors
- Bloatware and spam notifications affect software experience
- No OLED display
- Charging speed could be faster
The iQOO Z10x proves that affordable smartphones can deliver premium experiences where it matters most. With its focus on performance and battery life, this device is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who need their phone to keep up with their demanding lifestyle.
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