iQOO Z10 Review: A Power-Packed Mid-Range Contender

 iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, is fast gaining attention for delivering high-performance smartphones at mid-range prices. With the launch of the iQOO Z10, the brand promises to elevate the budget smartphone experience. This review dives deep into every aspect of the Z10—from design and display to real-world performance—so you can make an informed buying decision. Whether you're a gamer, student, or everyday smartphone user, this article covers everything you need to know about the iQOO Z10.

1. First Impressions & Unboxing Experience

What’s Included?
Inside the neatly designed box, you'll find the iQOO Z10 handset, a 44W FlashCharge adapter, a USB Type-C cable, a SIM ejector pin, a transparent TPU case, and documentation. Unlike many brands that skip out on chargers, iQOO delivers a complete package.

Initial Look and Feel
The iQOO Z10 feels premium right out of the box. It features a minimalist design with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The phone comes in eye-catching shades like Cyber Blue and Alpha Black.

Expert Insight: "Mid-range phones are redefining the user experience, and iQOO is leading that charge with competitive features at affordable pricing." — Ankit Vengurlekar, Tech Reviewer at Tech2

FAQs: Unboxing & Design

• What accessories come with the iQOO Z10?
  The box includes the phone, a 44W charger, USB Type-C cable, SIM ejector tool, TPU case, and manuals.

• Does the iQOO Z10 include a charger in the box?
  Yes, iQOO includes a 44W FlashCharge adapter.

2. Design & Durability: Built to Impress

Material and Build Quality
The Z10 is built with a polycarbonate back and a plastic frame, but don’t let that fool you. It feels sturdy in hand and doesn’t flex under pressure.

Ergonomics
The device is slim and lightweight (about 190g), making it suitable for prolonged use. Rounded corners and button placements ensure an easy grip and accessibility.

Port & Layout
Equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, volume rockers, USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack—the phone covers all basics.

Splash Resistance
While there's no official IP rating, the phone has basic water-resistance features like a sealed SIM tray.

FAQs: Design & Durability

• Is the iQOO Z10 waterproof?
  No, the Z10 does not have an official IP rating, but it has minimal splash resistance.

• How durable is the iQOO Z10?
  It offers solid durability thanks to its build quality and rigid frame.

3. Display Dynamics: Visual Delight on a Budget

Screen Technology
The Z10 sports a 6.64-inch Full HD+ LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling. Despite lacking AMOLED, the screen delivers bright and punchy visuals.

Brightness & Outdoor Use
With a peak brightness of 650 nits, it's sufficiently viewable under sunlight.

Eye Comfort
The phone includes Eye Protection Mode and Reading Mode to reduce blue light exposure.

Case Study: A user reported improved gaming performance thanks to the high refresh rate while playing Genshin Impact and Asphalt 9.

FAQs: Display

• Does iQOO Z10 have AMOLED display?
  No, it features a high-quality LCD panel with 120Hz refresh rate.

• Is the screen suitable for outdoor use?
  Yes, the 650 nits brightness ensures visibility in bright sunlight.

4. Camera Realism: More Than Just Numbers

Rear Camera
The Z10 boasts a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Daylight shots are sharp with natural colors.

Front Camera
The 16MP front shooter is good for selfies and video calls.

Video Capabilities
Supports 1080p video at 30fps with basic stabilization.

AI & Filters
Features include AI Scene Recognition, Beautification, and Pro Mode.

FAQs: Camera

• How good is the iQOO Z10’s camera for photography?
  The rear 50MP camera captures detailed images in daylight, though low-light performance is average.

• Can iQOO Z10 shoot 4K videos?
  No, it maxes out at 1080p at 30fps.

5. Performance Breakdown: Speed Where It Matters

Processor & Benchmarks
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, the Z10 scores around 400,000 on AnTuTu. Smooth for multitasking and gaming.

Storage & RAM
Available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB options with UFS 2.2 storage.

Gaming Experience
Handles COD Mobile and BGMI on high settings smoothly.

Daily Use Case
Can manage multiple apps, browser tabs, and YouTube simultaneously.

FAQs: Performance

• Is Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 good for gaming?
  Yes, it offers solid performance for most mid-range games without lag.

• Does the Z10 overheat with prolonged use?
  No major overheating reported under typical usage.

6. Battery & Charging: Power That Lasts

Battery Capacity
The 5000mAh battery lasts over a day on average use.

Charging Time
The 44W FlashCharge powers up to 100% in under an hour.

Smart Charging Features
AI learns user habits to enhance charging safety.

Efficiency
Power-saving modes and adaptive features stretch usage further.

FAQs: Battery & Charging

• How fast does the Z10 charge?
  From 0 to 100% in approximately 58 minutes with the 44W charger.

• Is the battery removable?
  No, it has a non-removable battery.

7. Software & User Experience

Operating System
Runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 13. Clean and smooth experience.

Customizations
Includes Always-On Display (LCD-limited), game mode, and themes.

Software Support
2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.

Expert Insight: "Funtouch OS now rivals stock Android in performance and fluidity." — Rohit Arora, Senior Editor, Gadgets360

FAQs: Software

• Does the Z10 receive Android updates?
  Yes, it is expected to receive two major OS updates.

• Can bloatware be removed from Funtouch OS?
  Most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled or disabled.

8. Connectivity & Essentials

Network & 5G
Supports multiple 5G bands, stable connections, good call clarity.

Audio & Sensors
Loud mono speaker, accurate sensors, clear headphone audio.

Biometric Security
Side-mounted fingerprint and face unlock included.

FAQs: Connectivity

• Is iQOO Z10 dual SIM?
  Yes, it supports dual nano SIM cards.

• Does it support VoWiFi and VoLTE?
  Yes, it supports both VoWiFi and VoLTE for enhanced call quality.

9. Value & Market Positioning

Pricing
The 6GB/128GB model is priced around $230.

Comparison with Competitors
Beats Redmi Note 13 and Realme Narzo 60x in gaming and UI.

User Fit
Perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users.

FAQs: Value

• Is iQOO Z10 worth the price?
  Yes, it offers excellent specs and performance for its price range.

• How does it compare with other phones in the $200-$250 range?
  It holds its own against competition with superior gaming and battery performance.

Conclusion

The iQOO Z10 is an all-rounder that hits the sweet spot between price and performance. It excels in key areas like display responsiveness, gaming, and software fluidity. While an AMOLED screen would have been a nice touch, the overall package is more than justified for its price. If you're after a mid-range smartphone that performs like a flagship in real-world scenarios, the iQOO Z10 deserves a spot on your shortlist.