iQOO Z7s 5G: The iQOO Z7s 5G is a budget phone which promises to offer trendy features and 5G connectivity, along with an AMOLED display and smooth performance, all for the price of less than ₹15,000.
In this increasingly competitive segment of budget 5G smartphones, brands are pulling out all the stops to offer as much in an entry-level device as you can, and iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, is no stranger to it.
The Z7s 5G is aimed at young users looking for a reliable daily driver with a hint of flair. But is it just another budget 5G phone or something more?
Design – Plain, Light & Useful
The iQOO Z7s is not out there trying to draw attention, making it a practical choice. At 7.8mm thin and weighing just 172g, it feels noticeably light and pocketable. The back is plastic with a matte surface, so it doesn’t get too dirty with fingerprints.
It comes in two colors — Pacific Night and Norway Blue — both with a subtle gradient finish.
It is lightweight, but at the same time feels solid. There’s good feedback from the buttons, and i quite like how the rear camera module adds a bit of flair to the design without making it appear chunky.
Display: AMOLED at This Price Is Unreal
The 6.38-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen is the main highlight of the iQOO Z7s 5G. You’ll rarely come across an AMOLED panel in this price range, which immediately gives it an edge.
The screen generates vivid colors, blacks and contrast that’s well-suited to Netflix, YouTube and mindless scrolling through social media.
Powered by up to 1,300 nits peak brightness and 90Hz refresh rate, ensures that the screen remains visible under bright sunlight and smooth while scrolling through it. For hoarders of media, this display will be an improvement.
Performance: Qualcomm Touch Makes It Easier to Use
It’s powered by the Snapdragon 695 processor, and ships with 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Let’s be clear, this is a 6nm chip with a proven track record of efficiency and reliability. Switching, browsing, casual gaming is smooth.
Games such as BGMI and COD Mobile work fine at medium settings.
And there’s Extended RAM 3.0, which takes an additional 8GB of storage and turns it into virtual RAM, which can improve app retention in memory.
Software: Decent and Closer to Stock
The iQOO Z7s boots FunTouch OS 13 based on Android 13. Funtouch has made great strides, but it still has some pre-installed apps that can be uninstalled.
The UI is snappy and mobile essentials like app cloning, split-screen and system-wide dark mode are also in place.
iQOO has also promised two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, which is a rarity in this price level.
Camera: balanced performance, easily meets daily use
Round the back there is a 64MP main camera along with optical image stabilization, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main sensor can actually capture some great details in daylight, color accuracy is good and exposure is well managed. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a huge win for steady shots, particularly in low light or night mode.
The 16MP front camera is decent for selfies and video calling and produces clean output, with fair edge detection in portrait mode.
Battery and Charging : As much you can trust in this category and Fast Enough too.
The iQOO Z7s is powered by a 4500mAh battery, and it’s good for roughly an entire day’s use. It comes with 44W Flash Charge, allowing the phone to be charged from 0 to 50% in approximately 25 minutes and fully in one hour.
This is ideal for students and working individuals who are in hurry for a rapid refill.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
90Hz AMOLED display
The structure is compact and lightweight
Let’s tell you about the performance power price that the next40 sets the scene with: Snapdragon 695 probably great, right?
64MP camera with OIS
44W fast charging
Android 13 no guaranteed updates
Cons:
No stereo speakers
Plastic construction, not the most premium feel
2MP secondary rear sensor only
Lacks ultra-wide camera
Slight warming when playing games for hours
iQOO Z7s 5G Final Verdict
The iQOO Z7s 5G is an affordable smartphone that does the basics right, and a little bit more. The AMOLED display, Snapdragon 695 chip and the OIS-respecting 64MP camera help make it one of the most well-balanced options under that ₹15,000 category.
It won’t set any records for gaming performance, or for a camera monster, but it can handle a lot for a humble device.
If you’re in the market for a 5G phone that’s future-proofed, light and has good screen credentials, the Z7s should be added to your shortlist.
