The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G aims to be the successor to the popular iQoo Z5, which offered impressive mid-range specifications at an affordable price. While the new model boasts a faster 66W charging system and an AMOLED display, it also comes with some downgrades that make you wonder if it’s truly a worthwhile upgrade. From a design that feels less premium to certain software quirks, the Z6 Pro 5G struggles to deliver the same bang for your buck as its predecessor. Is it a good phone? Sure, but is it a good value proposition? That’s where the iQoo Z6 Pro 5G stumbles.
iQoo Z6 Pro 5G Price in India
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G is available in three variants:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹23,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹24,999
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹28,999
The 8GB + 128GB variant offers the best value, while the top-end 12GB + 256GB model pushes it into the territory of the more powerful iQoo Neo 6, making it a less compelling option.
iQoo Z6 Pro 5G Design
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G retains the polycarbonate construction of its predecessors, with a matte-finish back panel that’s rough to the touch and feels rather cheap. This, combined with the matte-finished frame, makes the phone quite slippery. Smudges aren’t easily visible on the back, but it attracts dust and lint.
The camera module has been redesigned, featuring two large circular cutouts housing the three rear-facing cameras. The phone measures 8.49mm in thickness and weighs 187g, making it comfortable to hold. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack, present in the iQoo Z5, is a noticeable omission.
The front design, however, is a step backward. The display features a U-shaped waterdrop notch, which looks very dated compared to the modern hole-punch cutout found on the iQoo Z5. The thick bottom bezel further adds to the phone’s outdated aesthetic.
iQoo Z6 Pro 5G Specifications and Software
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC, the same chip found in its predecessor. However, iQoo has opted for UFS 2.2 storage and LPDDR4X RAM, which are downgrades from the UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM found in the iQoo Z5.
Other notable specifications include:
- Display: 6.44-inch full-HD+ (1080×2400 pixels) AMOLED, 90Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Rear cameras: 64-megapixel primary camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, 2-megapixel depth camera
- Front camera: 16-megapixel
- Battery: 4,700mAh
- Charging: 66W fast charging
The phone runs Funtouch OS 12 based on Android 12. While the software looks and functions similarly to other Vivo smartphones, it comes with a plethora of pre-installed third-party apps, many of which can’t be uninstalled. The default browser is especially annoying, sending numerous spammy notifications despite not being used. This issue, along with other software bugs like widgets not adapting to new themes, add to the overall frustration of using the Z6 Pro 5G’s software.
iQoo Z6 Pro 5G Performance
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G delivers solid performance, as expected from the Snapdragon 778G. The phone scored 5,43,633 points in AnTuTu and 798/2,858 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. Gaming performance is equally impressive, with Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends running smoothly at the highest graphics settings. The display’s 180Hz touch sampling rate makes gaming feel responsive, and the 4D vibration feedback adds a tactile element to the experience.
The 90Hz adaptive refresh rate on the display, though not as high as the 120Hz panel on the iQoo Z5, still delivers a smoother software experience. However, the display remains locked at 60Hz when playing games. The screen’s brightness is adequate, and text and images appear sharp thanks to its 409 ppi pixel density. Viewing angles are good, but the absence of stereo speakers, present on the iQoo Z5, is disappointing. The single bottom-firing speaker sounds tinny in comparison.
The 4,700mAh battery easily lasts for a day and a half with heavy usage, and in our HD video loop test, it lasted 20 hours and 14 minutes. The bundled 80W charger charges the Z6 Pro 5G at 66W, taking only 49 minutes to go from 0% to 100%, which is remarkably fast.
iQoo Z6 Pro 5G Cameras
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G features the same camera setup as the iQoo Z5:
- Rear: 64-megapixel primary camera, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, 2-megapixel depth camera
- Front: 16-megapixel
Daylight photos taken with the primary camera offer decent details and well-saturated colors, though they appear soft in close-ups and portraits. Dynamic range is lacking, with blown-out highlights in bright areas when using Portrait mode. The ultra-wide-angle camera captures less detail and exhibits odd color tones, along with noticeable purple fringing and barrel distortion.
The macro camera is difficult to use and produces underwhelming results. Daylight selfies are limited in detail and dynamic range and exhibit unnatural color tones. Edge detection in Portrait mode is also underwhelming.
The low-light camera performance, unfortunately, mirrors that of the iQoo Z3 and iQoo Z5. Still shots are passable but soft and blurry, with limited dynamic range. Night mode improves brightness but doesn’t match the results seen on competing phones. Selfies are average in ambient light but look soft in dim conditions.
Video recording in daylight is good, provided there’s sufficient light. However, a shimmery effect appears when walking and panning in overcast conditions. 4K resolution footage offers the most detail, and stabilization is impressive at all resolutions. Low-light video recording suffers from limited dynamic range and poor details in dark areas, with blown-out highlights in bright areas.
Verdict
The iQoo Z6 Pro 5G takes the value-for-money proposition of the Z series in a different direction. While it offers performance that’s still competitive in the mid-range segment, it lacks some features that make its predecessor stand out. The absence of stereo speakers, the dated waterdrop notch design, and the downgraded storage and RAM come across as compromises that don’t seem necessary.
The 66W fast charging and the AMOLED display are welcome upgrades, but they don’t outweigh the other shortcomings. The camera performance remains a weak point, failing to improve upon the shortcomings seen in previous Z series models.
Overall, the iQoo Z6 Pro 5G is a solid phone that delivers decent performance and battery life. However, the competition offers better value for your money with devices like the Realme 9 Pro+ 5G and Xiaomi 11i 5G, which boast superior displays, cameras, and overall features. In fact, the iQoo Z5, with its 120Hz display, stereo speakers, and larger battery, could be a more compelling option even with its slightly older design.
If you’re looking for a fast-charging phone with a decent performance and battery life, the Z6 Pro 5G might work for you. However, those seeking a well-rounded and value-driven smartphone would do well to explore the alternatives in the market.
