The iQoo Z7 5G is a compelling contender for the best smartphone under Rs. 20,000 in India, boasting significant upgrades over its predecessor, the iQoo Z6 5G. Packing a better display, a more powerful processor, an enhanced camera setup, and faster charging, the iQoo Z7 5G aims to deliver a premium experience at a competitive price point. However, the question remains: does it justify the price bump compared to its predecessor? This detailed review will delve into the iQoo Z7 5G’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience, providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Display: A Refined Look and Feel
The iQoo Z7 5G sports an all-polycarbonate body, contributing to its lightweight nature, weighing in at a mere 173g. This makes it a comfortable and ergonomic device to hold, especially for extended periods. The phone’s thin profile of 7.8mm adds to its sleek aesthetic, while the flat frame design and rounded corners provide a modern and sophisticated look. The Pacific Night color variant of the iQoo Z7 5G boasts a captivating glittery back that shimmers under different lighting conditions, adding an extra touch of elegance. If you prefer a splash of color, the Norway Blue variant is available as well. Both color options come with an IP54 rating for basic water and dust resistance, providing some peace of mind against the elements.
The 6.38-inch full-HD+ display is a standout feature of the iQoo Z7 5G. Upgraded to an AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 90Hz, the display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling experiences. The display boasts a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, promising excellent outdoor visibility even under harsh sunlight. However, the tiny waterdrop notch and the relatively thick chin may appear a bit outdated compared to the latest trend of bezel-less displays. Nevertheless, the in-display fingerprint scanner and AI face recognition provide reliable and convenient unlocking options.
Performance and Software: A Solid Upgrade
The iQoo Z7 5G packs a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 920 SoC, which promises a significant performance boost over the Snapdragon 695 SoC found in its predecessor. This chipset, considered one of the fastest in its segment, is expected to deliver a smooth and responsive user experience, capable of handling demanding tasks and resource-intensive games with ease. To further enhance performance, the phone comes in 6GB and 8GB RAM options, both paired with 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. This ample storage space ensures ample room for your apps, games, photos, and videos.
The iQoo Z7 5G runs on Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13 overlay. While the software is known for its customization options, it’s essential to evaluate how well it optimizes the hardware to deliver a smooth and efficient user experience. iQoo has also assured two major Android updates and security patches for three years, offering long-term software support.
Camera: Capturing Vivid Moments
The iQoo Z7 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear. The primary sensor is a 64-megapixel Samsung GW3 lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), promising greater image clarity and reduced blur, even in low-light conditions. A 2-megapixel depth sensor assists in creating compelling portraits. For selfies, the phone relies on a 16-megapixel front camera. The camera performance is expected to be a significant improvement over the previous generation, as the iQoo Z6 5G struggled with image quality in certain situations. The ability to shoot high-quality images and videos in various lighting conditions will be a major selling point for the iQoo Z7 5G.
Battery Life and Charging: Keeping You Going
The iQoo Z7 5G houses a 4,500mAh battery, slightly smaller than the battery found in its predecessor. However, the 44W fast charging support ensures quick recharging times. iQoo claims the phone can charge from 0 to 50 percent in just 25 minutes, a significant improvement over the previous generation. This combination of fast charging and a decent battery capacity should provide ample power for a full day of moderate use.
Pricing and Availability: A Competitive Offer
The iQoo Z7 5G starts at Rs. 18,999 in India, which is slightly higher than its predecessor’s starting price. However, the substantial upgrades in the areas of display, performance, camera, and charging make it a compelling value proposition in the under Rs. 20,000 price segment. With its attractive design, promising performance, and competitive price, the iQoo Z7 5G is poised to be a strong contender in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.
In Conclusion:
The iQoo Z7 5G presents a compelling package for consumers seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with excellent features and performance. While the waterdrop notch and thick chin might feel a bit outdated compared to other current models, the vibrant display, powerful processor, upgraded camera, and fast charging capabilities make it a standout contender in the under Rs. 20,000 price segment.
Staying Connected:
The iQoo Z7 5G is expected to be available on major online retailers and offline stores across India, making it accessible to a wider audience. Be sure to stay tuned for the full review coming soon on Gadgets 360, where we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the phone’s performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.
