In the entry-level budget segment, iQOO has made a significant entry with the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G. Priced at ₹9,999, this phone boasts features that defy its budget status, offering solid performance and impressive specifications. Let’s delve into the details and see if it can truly outperform its competition.
Sleek Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter, and the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G doesn’t disappoint. The phone comes in two attractive colors: Mocha Brown and Aqua Flow. The Aqua Flow, in particular, stands out with its vibrant hue. The back of the phone features a matte finish, reducing fingerprint smudges and offering a premium feel. With a thickness of 8.39mm and a weight of 188 grams, the phone strikes a balance between being neither too bulky nor too lightweight, providing a comfortable grip.
Impressive Display iQOO Z9 Lite 5G
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 120Hz touch sampling rate. Despite being a 720p display, the screen offers vibrant colors and smooth performance. The display is also TÜV Rheinland certified, reducing blue light emissions and making it easier on the eyes, especially for those who spend long hours on their phones.
Powerful Performance
This is complemented by 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast data access. In benchmarks, the phone scores over 400,000 on AnTuTu, indicating robust performance for its price range.
Gaming Experience
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is optimized for gaming, with support for smooth gameplay settings. It offers Ultra mode at 40-50 FPS, delivering a lag-free gaming experience. Even in graphically demanding games, the phone handles frame drops effectively, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup on the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is another highlight. The phone features a 50MP Sony primary camera that captures stunning images, even in challenging lighting conditions. The portrait mode offers impressive depth and color accuracy, making photos look vibrant and detailed.
Selfie Camera
While it may not be the highest resolution, it delivers decent selfies with good detail and color reproduction. The camera software includes multiple modes and filters to enhance your photos further.
Battery Life and Charging
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power to get through a full day of use. The phone supports 15W fast charging, which is a step up from the usual 10W chargers found in this price segment. This ensures that you can quickly recharge your phone and get back to using it without long waits.
Additional Features
IP64 Rating
One of the standout features of the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is its IP64 rating, making it resistant to splashes and dust. This is a rare feature in budget smartphones and adds an extra layer of durability.
Software and UI
The phone runs on Android 12 with iQOO’s custom UI, which is user-friendly and offers several customization options. Features like hidden albums and screen split enhance the user experience, making it more versatile.
Connectivity
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G supports dual SIM cards and offers hybrid SIM slot functionality. It also includes essential connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
Pricing and Availability
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is available in two variants:
- 4GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Priced at ₹9,999 with offers
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Priced at ₹10,999 with offers
The phone will be available for purchase starting from 20th July on Amazon and other retail stores.
Conclusion
Overall, the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is a compelling option in the sub-₹10,000 segment. With its powerful processor, impressive camera capabilities, and solid build quality, it offers exceptional value for money. While the waterdrop notch may be a slight drawback, the phone compensates with its array of features and robust performance. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone that doesn’t compromise on quality, the iQOO Z9 Lite 5G is definitely worth considering.