Not every budget phone makes you do a double-take, but the iQOO Z9x 5G did exactly that. At just ₹12,999, you’re getting a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, a 120Hz display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery. Sounds like a dream deal for under ₹13K — but does it live up to the hype?
I’ve been using the Z9x 5G for a week now, and while it’s been impressive in many ways, there’s also one area where it falls short. If you value battery life and performance more than flashy extras, though, this phone is worth a serious look.
Design & Build: Simple, Sturdy, and Practical
Let’s be real — this phone isn’t winning any beauty contests. The back and frame are made of plastic, and it feels pretty basic in hand. Not “cheap” basic, but functional and no-nonsense. You get a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that’s quick, tactile buttons, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack — a rare find these days.
One pleasant surprise? An IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. Budget phones rarely offer this kind of protection, so it’s a plus for durability.
Battery Life: The Real Showstopper
If you’re tired of your phone dying before dinner, the iQOO Z9x 5G will feel like a lifesaver. The 6,000mAh battery is a powerhouse, easily lasting two full days with moderate use — think WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and light gaming.
Even with heavier usage, I regularly ended the day with 30–40% battery still left. Charging isn’t the fastest at 44W, but it’s decent — a full charge takes about 70 minutes.
Performance: Smooth for Everyday Tasks
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, the Z9x 5G isn’t a flagship performer, but it handles everyday tasks like a champ. Switching between apps, scrolling social media, and streaming videos all feel smooth.
For gaming, BGMI runs at Smooth + Ultra, which is fine for casual players. Genshin Impact is playable, but it pushes the phone to its limits. The 8GB RAM (plus virtual RAM expansion) helps keep things snappy.
Display: High Refresh Rate, But No AMOLED Magic
Here’s where things get a little mixed. The 6.72-inch LCD panel offers a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1000 nits brightness, making it readable outdoors.
However, it’s still an LCD — so blacks aren’t deep, and colors don’t pop the way they do on AMOLED screens. If you’re upgrading from an AMOLED phone, you’ll notice the downgrade in contrast and richness.
Software: Cleaner Than Before
Running Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, the software is cleaner than older versions, but you still get some pre-installed apps like Moj and Dailyhunt (thankfully, most can be uninstalled).
The good news? iQOO promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches, which is solid for a phone in this price range.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the iQOO Z9x 5G?
If your budget is under ₹13K and you want a phone that lasts forever on a single charge, handles everyday use smoothly, and can survive the occasional splash, the iQOO Z9x 5G is a fantastic choice.
✅ Best For:
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Users who hate charging daily
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Students and casual gamers
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People who watch a lot of YouTube but don’t care about AMOLED displays
❌ Skip If:
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You want vibrant AMOLED colors
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You care about stereo speakers (this one’s mono)
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You need a top-tier camera
Final Verdict:
The iQOO Z9x 5G delivers incredible value in the ₹12–13K segment. It’s not perfect — the LCD display and average camera may turn off some buyers — but its battery life, durability, and smooth performance make it one of the best budget options right now.
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.