I’ve been reviewing smartphones for years, and iQOO has a knack for delivering high-performance devices without burning a hole in your pocket. Their latest launch, the iQOO Z10R (8GB+128GB), is no exception. Priced at ₹17,499 after a ₹2,000 bank discount, it’s creating quite a buzz in the under-₹20K segment. But is it the ultimate budget gaming phone of 2025, or does it come with compromises? Let’s dig in.
Design & Build: Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
Right out of the box, the Z10R impresses with its sleek 7.39mm slim frame and eye-catching Aquamarine finish. It looks and feels far more expensive than it is. That quad-curved AMOLED display is a bold move in this price bracket, though it does make finding a proper screen protector tricky.
What truly stands out is the IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance — a rare find in budget smartphones. You can survive splashes, rain, or even a quick dunk without worry. The only downside? The plastic back attracts smudges quickly, so you’ll probably end up using the case that comes in the box.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Immersive
The 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is one of the Z10R’s biggest strengths. Scrolling feels buttery smooth, HDR10+ support makes videos pop, and the 1800 nits peak brightness ensures you can comfortably use it outdoors.
On the flip side, the resolution isn’t the sharpest in its class, and those curved edges — while stylish — can cause accidental touches during one-handed use. Still, whether you’re bingeing Netflix or gaming, the viewing experience is top-tier for this price.
Performance: Dimensity 7400 Shows Its Muscle
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 delivers outstanding performance. With an AnTuTu score north of 7.5 lakh, this phone is no slouch. BGMI runs at 120fps (Smooth settings) and Call of Duty is equally fluid, though you might need to tweak graphics for maximum frame rates.
Heat management is excellent thanks to the 13,690mm² graphite cooling system, and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM (plus 8GB virtual) ensures smooth multitasking. The only minor letdown is the UFS 2.2 storage, which isn’t as fast as newer UFS 3.x standards.
Cameras: Perfect for Vloggers, With Some Gaps
The 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS captures detailed shots with natural colors, even in low light. The 32MP selfie camera is a standout, capable of shooting 4K videos, making the Z10R a budget vlogger’s dream.
Handy AI tools like Circle to Search and AI Erase make editing quick and easy. But if you’re hoping for an ultra-wide lens, you’ll be disappointed — there’s just a 2MP depth sensor, which feels more like a filler spec.
Battery & Charging: Built for Heavy Users
The massive 5,700mAh battery is a workhorse, easily lasting two days with moderate use or over a day with heavy gaming. The 44W fast charging isn’t class-leading, but gets you from 0 to 50% in about half an hour. Bypass charging is a gamer-friendly addition that powers the phone directly during play to reduce battery wear.
Software: Smooth, But Could Be Slicker
Running Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, the UI is responsive, and features like Priority Scheduling, AI Note Assist, and Live Wallpapers add a nice touch. iQOO promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches. However, haptic feedback and overall UI polish could use some improvement.
Final Verdict: Worth Every Rupee?
At ₹17,499, the iQOO Z10R offers flagship-level durability, a gorgeous AMOLED display, great gaming performance, and vlogger-friendly cameras — all in a slim, premium-looking body. The lack of an ultra-wide camera and slower storage speed are its only real drawbacks.
Against rivals like the realme P3 Pro and POCO X7 5G, it stands out with better water resistance, longer battery life, and a more refined design. If you’re a gamer, content creator, or just someone who wants a feature-packed phone without breaking the bank, this one’s a strong contender.
Hi, I’m Siddharth Gokhale – the founder and voice behind Vatadosha.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, gadgets, and everything mobile. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the mobile industry, testing devices, and keeping up with the latest trends.
I started Vatadosha.in with a simple goal: to help people make smarter choices when it comes to mobile phones. Whether you’re hunting for your next device, comparing features, or just curious about the newest tech – this site is built for you.