iQOO Z10x: A Strong Contender in Budget Smartphones with Enhanced Features and Impressive Battery Life

The trend of enhancing budget smartphones, which began a few years ago and is still ongoing, has led many consumers who would have typically opted for devices below Rs. 15,000 to consider spending over Rs. 20,000, provided the smartphone justifies its higher price. This can be achieved by delivering a well-rounded camera experience, rapid charging, superior displays, and additional enticing features. Consequently, you can obtain a notable smartphone like the Realme 9 Pro+ that meets all essential criteria at the more affordable end of the mid-range spectrum.

The emergence of the ‘5G Tax’—the expense of integrating 5G into smartphones—has compelled the more affordable segment to offer very basic devices, often equipped with fewer cameras than their 4G predecessors, simplistic plastic builds, and mediocre battery life. These phones primarily existed to provide 5G support to budget-conscious users without any additional features. However, after years of presenting the same basic models with a repetitive approach, changes are finally surfacing.

Several new models, such as the Poco M7 Pro and the CMF Phone 1, have emerged that provide more than mere foundational 5G connectivity for under Rs. 15,000. Following the release of its basic 5G-capable Z9x last year, iQOO’s Z10x appears to be taking a step in the right direction. The latest Z10x model offers a range of features, but does it make any compromises to achieve this?

iQOO Z10x Design: Any thoughts on the camera placement?

  • Dimensions — 165.7 x 76.3 x 8.09mm
  • Weight — 204 grams
  • Durability — IP64

Although the iQOO Z9x followed a fairly straightforward aesthetic, the iQOO Z10x makes noticeable attempts to introduce a fresh design. It continues to utilize polycarbonate plastic for both its back and mid-frame, yet the overall craftsmanship appears to be significantly improved this time.

The mid-frame presents flat sides accompanied by beveled edges, while the rear panel showcases curved edges, enhancing grip comfort. This is essential as this is a big-battery device that registers a rather hefty 204 grams. While the lavender hue of the Ultramarine finish isn’t to my taste, I appreciate iQOO’s attempt to incorporate a subtle wave pattern, visible at certain angles, adding a unique flair to this basic budget smartphone. Additionally, the polycarbonate material’s frosted texture helps it resist fingerprints and dust accumulation effectively.

The iQOO Z10x features a polycarbonate mid-frame and rear

 

As noted in my first impressions, the camera assembly appears quite intricate and is packed with features. Its bulky look further accentuates this impression and causes the phone to wobble when placed on a flat surface.

Upon unboxing, I was taken aback to realize there was merely one user-accessible camera on the back. The other is a 2-megapixel depth sensor intended for Portrait mode, while the third cavity resembles a camera but serves as an infrared blaster.

Positioning the IR blaster in the camera module seems illogical; it’s typically found on the top edge of a device for proper directional use with remote applications. Users aiming to utilize the remote function for appliances must hold the phone around waist level, which is cumbersome.

The infrared (IR) blaster is awkwardly located at the back of the device

 

Because the IR blaster is situated at the back, using it necessitates holding the device up with one hand (to ensure it targets the correct appliance) while operating the Smart Remote app with the other, making it a somewhat cumbersome task. This placement appears to be more of a cosmetic choice to enhance the complexity of the camera design, mimicking a three-camera configuration.

An intriguing new feature within the camera module is the Dynamic light, inspired by Vivo’s Y series. This Dynamic light serves as a notification LED, signaling to users about incoming calls, messages, music playback, and battery charging status. Users can select from three preset colors, but customization from a color picker is not available. Generally, I found the Dynamic light feature effective, indicating battery charging (blinking green), full charge (steady color of choice), and low battery (red), which is beneficial if the phone is laid face down. Interestingly, the settings for this feature are somewhat convoluted, buried under Settings > Shortcuts and Accessibility > Dynamic light.

The wave-like pattern on the Ultramarine finish is only visible from certain angles

 

Like its predecessor, the iQOO Z10x retains an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. This certification guarantees it is completely protected from dust but offers only limited resilience to splashes. However, iQOO does not cover liquid damage under warranty, so caution is advised. Notably, the iQOO Z10x is MIL-STD-810H certified, suggesting it is capable of functioning under extreme environmental conditions.

iQOO Z10x Display: Does the job

  • Display size — 6.72-inch, 2,408 x 1,080 pixels, full-HD+
  • Display type — LCD, 60-90-120Hz
  • Display protection — Panda glass

The iQOO Z10x’s display features noticeably thick borders, particularly at the bottom

 

The presence of an Always-on-display (AOD) feature in the personalisation settings was a bit surprising. This is due to the power-intensive nature of AOD on an LCD, which cannot deactivate unused pixels like AMOLED displays can and must keep its backlight on. Fortunately, iQOO’s software limits the AOD functionality to activation only when receiving notifications or waking up the device.

iQOO Z10x Software: Standard features

  • Android version — 15
  • Software — Funtouch OS 15
  • Software support — 2 years software, 3 years security

Funtouch OS has been established for some time and doesn’t require an elaborate introduction. With Funtouch OS 15, Vivo has incorporated a variety of new AI features alongside numerous much-needed customisation options missing in its earlier iterations. While the new AI tools offer some practicality, they lack robust capabilities for image editing.

Although the device comes pre-loaded with some bloatware and third-party applications, the latter can be removed if not needed. Curiously, I encountered minimal spammy notifications during the review, mainly from the Browser app that sends alerts even without prior usage. To evade unnecessary notifications, avoiding the V-Appstore or simply not opening it would be prudent.

iQOO’s Funtouch OS 15 incorporates new AI tools within Android 15

 

iQOO and Vivo generally maintain a decent reputation for timely updates, primarily concerning their premium and mid-range products. However, budget devices often experience delays in update rollout, which may leave users desiring more as promised updates can arrive later than anticipated. Given this context, iQOO’s two-year OS update commitment raises concerns for users who tend to keep their devices for extended periods. Nonetheless, it’s positive that the device ships with Android 15, providing a strong possibility of updates to Android 16 and potentially Android 17 over the next two years.

iQOO Z10x Performance: Satisfactory

  • Processor — MediaTek Dimensity 7300, 2.5GHz, 4nm
  • RAM — 6/8GB (LPDDR4X)
  • Storage — 128/256GB (UFS 3.1)

Funtouch OS 15 operates smoothly on mid-range and premium devices; however, it falls short on a budget device like the Z10x. With the refresh rate set to Auto, I observed noticeable stutters while scrolling through feeds and some lag when launching applications. The software optimization appears lacking, as the hardware sometimes seems to lag behind in response to the software’s gestures. In 2025, such performance is reasonable for entry-level devices with minimal hardware, but iQOO needs to refine the software on the Z10x, particularly since I reviewed the 8GB RAM variant.

The display of the iQOO Z10x is prone to smudging

 

The stereo speakers produce a rather treble-heavy sound, lacking substantial volume. The device includes an Audio Booster mode that claims to increase volume to 400 percent, but the audio quality diminishes beyond the 100 percent mark, becoming tinny. Hence, it’s preferable to use wired earphones. However, iQOO has opted to omit the 3.5mm headphone jack this year, so wireless TWS headphones are the way to go!

The device exhibits no significant heating issues even when using the camera app. iQOO appears to have effectively utilized graphite sheets for thermal management, opting against a vapor chamber cooling system considering its price range.

In terms of raw performance, the iQOO Z10x holds up well against its competitors in this category, as illustrated in the comparison table below.

 

Benchmarks iQOO Z10x Poco M7 Pro CMF Phone 1
Chipset Dimensity 7300 (4nm) Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6nm) Dimensity 7300 (4nm)
Display resolution FHD+ FHD+ FHD+
AnTuTu v10 7,09,256 4,77,196 6,39,355
PCMark Work 3.0 10,854 10,661 12,398
Geekbench 6 Single 1,033 942 1,037
Geekbench 6 Multi 2,923 2,235 2,932
GFXB T-rex 94 57 60
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 50 29 50
GFXB Car Chase 29 16 29
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL 5,062 2,435 5,177
3DM Slingshot 6,486 3,261 6,690
3DM Wild Life 3,144 FTR 3,122
3DM Wild Life Unlimited 3,138 FTR 3,131

 

In terms of gaming, the performance is satisfactory when compared to other devices in this category. While the phone struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate, it is capable of running Call of Duty: Mobile at Very High graphics settings. Touch sampling is adequate for the experience. Users can enjoy smoother gameplay by setting the graphics to Low and Ultra frame rate, but frame rates tend to hover around 60 fps with no significant increases.

iQOO Z10x Cameras: Familiar territory

  • Primary camera — 50-megapixel, f/1.8, AF
  • Depth camera — 2-megapixel
  • Selfie camera — 8-megapixel, f/2.05, FF

With only one user-friendly camera on the back, this device needs to take on multiple roles typically covered by various lenses, necessitating its versatility for different scenarios. Unfortunately, not much has evolved regarding imaging capabilities compared to the iQOO Z9x, as the Z10x utilizes similar hardware as its predecessor.

Sample images from the primary camera of the iQOO Z10x (click images to enlarge)

 

During daylight, the primary camera captures standard photos acceptable for a smartphone in this price category. The images appear acceptable on the device itself, but upon closer inspection, they begin to show deterioration. While the dynamic range is reasonable, noticeable noise is observed, particularly in shadowed areas, even in bright light conditions. Random sections may also display flawed detail resolution (poor noise management), as demonstrated in the sample showing a main road above. Motion can lead to blurring; thus, finer details, such as leaves, are often lost.

In low light scenarios, images turned out soft with a watercolor effect, showing muddled details

 

Utilizing the 2X zoom (below) is not advisable, as the phone struggles with details at its default shooting setting (above). The 10cm focus range does permit some close-up shots (below).

 

The selfie camera adequately detects edges, though the image quality remains average.

 

Selfies display an average level of detail, often appearing soft, depending on lighting conditions. Additionally, the camera struggles with exposure in bright settings, as noted in the first selfie sample. In dim lighting, pulling this phone out for a selfie isn’t recommended, even with screen flash support.

Considering this device falls into the budget category, my expectations regarding video recording were limited. The rear camera corroborated this expectation, producing very basic video quality (sufficient to understand the action but lacking depth) along with poor dynamic range (with clipped shadows). It also struggles to focus during panning, and EIS leads to a heavily cropped frame. Low-light recordings lack essential details, often making it difficult to identify individuals even in well-lit environments. Additionally, video captured during movement appears jittery due to the lack of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

iQOO Z10x Battery: Impressive performance!

  • Battery capacity — 6,500mAh
  • Wired charging — 44W
  • Charger included — Yes

In the PC Mark Work Battery test, which runs multiple applications in a loop until the battery drops to 20 percent, the iQOO Z10x managed a commendable 24 hours and 10 minutes. It performed well in the video loop test, running an HD video continuously for 37 hours and 46 minutes before depleting the battery. For comparison, last year’s iQOO Z9x lasted 22 hours and 35 minutes in the same testing scenario, indicating that the increased battery capacity does lead to improved longevity.

Equipped with a robust 6,500mAh battery, the iQOO Z10x excels in longevity

 

Throughout the testing period, even with extensive usage comprising social media, messaging, video streaming, and 3D gaming, the battery only dropped to 40 percent. Thus, one can safely say that with heavy utilization, the device can easily last over a day, and under light use, it should extend to about two days.

Charging remains relatively unchanged. The included charger isn’t particularly slow, but when dealing with a battery of this size, charging can take a while. Still, it’s manageable; the phone reaches a 38 percent charge in 30 minutes, 74 percent in an hour, and takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes for a complete charge.

iQOO Z10x Conclusion

After spending some time with the iQOO Z10x, it becomes evident that the brand has not compromised on quality for its latest Z series device. iQOO has attempted to address the shortcomings of its predecessor, but it still falls backside against competitors in certain aspects. While there are redeeming qualities to their efforts to differentiate themselves (notably, a larger battery improves standby time), they could have placed more emphasis on software optimization and a better camera array, even if it meant just delivering the basics.

In contrast, the Poco M7 Pro (Review) may not excel in every performance metric within its segment, but it offers a noteworthy AMOLED display featuring deep blacks and an OIS-equipped camera for sharper photographs—making it a strong contender with prices starting at around Rs. 13,700 for the base 6GB RAM model. Similarly, CMF’s Phone 1 (Review), apart from its Super AMOLED display and somewhat superior cameras compared to the Z10x, also introduces an exciting modular design appealing to the DIY enthusiasts within this price range.

 

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