The iQOO Z9s 5G has taken the mid-range smartphone market by storm, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and affordability. Launched on August 21, 2024, this device is tailored for tech-savvy users, gamers, and budget-conscious consumers who crave premium features without breaking the bank. With an impressive AnTuTu score, robust specifications, and a sleek design, the iQOO Z9s 5G stands out as a top contender in its price segment.
In this review, we dive deep into the iQOO Z9s 5G’s AnTuTu score, specifications, real-world performance, and more to help you decide if this is the right smartphone for you. For insights into other iQOO models, check out our detailed review of the iQOO Z9x 5G.
iQOO Z9s 5G AnTuTu Score: A Performance Powerhouse
The iQOO Z9s 5G delivers exceptional performance, as evidenced by its AnTuTu benchmark score of approximately 702,347, based on tests conducted with the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant using AnTuTu V10. This score places it among the top performers in the sub-₹20,000 segment, surpassing competitors like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro and Redmi Note 13. The AnTuTu benchmark evaluates CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience, and the iQOO Z9s 5G excels across these metrics with individual scores of 213,538 (CPU), 213,538 (Memory), 147,802 (GPU), and 169,099 (UX).
This stellar performance is driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, a 4nm octa-core processor with a clock speed of up to 2.8 GHz. The chipset’s efficiency ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and a lag-free experience, even during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. For gamers, the iGamers, the iQOO Z9s 5G supports smooth gameplay in titles like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings, though graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact may experience minor frame drops at max settings.
The Geekbench scores further reinforce its prowess, with a single-core score of 1,044 and a multi-core score of 3,011, indicating robust performance for both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. Curious about other iQOO gaming phones? Explore the iQOO Neo 10R for another budget-friendly powerhouse.
iQOO Z9s 5G Specifications: A Feature-Packed Mid-Ranger
The iQOO Z9s 5G is designed to impress with its well-rounded specifications. It features a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nits peak brightness, ensuring vibrant colors, crisp visuals, and smooth scrolling. The display supports HDR10+, making it ideal for streaming content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The curved AMOLED panel enhances the viewing experience, offering immersive visuals for movies, games, and social media browsing.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, with the option to expand storage via microSD up to 1TB. The device runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, providing a clean and responsive user interface with minimal bloatware. The 5500mAh battery, one of the largest in its class, ensures all-day usage, while 44W FlashCharge support allows for rapid recharging, getting you back to full power in no time.
The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), paired with a 2MP depth sensor. The 16MP front camera delivers high-quality selfies, making it a great choice for social media enthusiasts. Additional features include IP64 dust and water resistance, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual SIM 5G support, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity. For a deeper dive into another iQOO model’s specs, read about the iQOO Neo 9 Pro.
Table 1: iQOO Z9s 5G Specifications Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, Full HD+, 1800 nits peak brightness, HDR10+ |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300, 4nm, Octa-core, up to 2.8 GHz |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2, expandable up to 1TB via microSD |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Sony IMX882 (f/1.8, OIS) + 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4) |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 5500mAh, 44W FlashCharge |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, USB Type-C |
| Other Features | IP64 dust and water resistance, in-display fingerprint sensor |
iQOO Z9s 5G Review: Performance, Design, and More
Performance: A Gamer’s Delight
The iQOO Z9s 5G is a performance beast, particularly for its price point. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, combined with up to 12GB of RAM, ensures seamless multitasking and app switching. Whether you’re browsing Instagram, streaming videos, or playing graphically demanding games, the device handles it all with ease. In real-world tests, the phone maintained smooth performance during extended gaming sessions, with titles like BGMI running at Ultra HDR graphics and high frame rates without significant lag.
The 240Hz touch sampling rate enhances responsiveness, making it a great choice for competitive gaming. For more gaming-focused iQOO devices, check out the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro.
However, for graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, users may need to lower settings to avoid occasional frame drops. The device’s thermal management is commendable, with no significant overheating during prolonged use, thanks to optimized software and hardware integration.
Design and Build: Sleek and Stylish
The iQOO Z9s 5G boasts a modern design with a 7.49mm ultra-slim profile, making it one of the slimmest phones with a 5500mAh battery in its segment. Available in Onyx Green and Titanium Matte, the phone features a matte back panel with a brushed pattern that resists fingerprints. The curved AMOLED display and steel-finished side frame add a premium touch, though the plastic frame is a slight drawback compared to competitors like the Realme 12+ with vegan leather backs.
The IP64 rating ensures protection against dust and water splashes, making it suitable for everyday use in various environments. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the device’s lightweight 188g build enhances comfort during long gaming or browsing sessions.
Display: Vibrant and Immersive
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is a standout feature, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. The HDR10+ support delivers rich colors and deep blacks, enhancing the experience for streaming and gaming. Users can choose between Standard, Professional, and Bright color modes to customize the display to their preferences. The Smart Switch feature dynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz based on the app, optimizing battery life without compromising smoothness.
Camera: Decent but Not the Best
The iQOO Z9s 5G’s camera system is serviceable but not its strongest suit. The 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with OIS captures sharp, vibrant photos in well-lit conditions, with good dynamic range and color accuracy. The 2MP depth sensor aids in portrait shots, producing natural bokeh effects, though the lack of an ultra-wide lens is a missed opportunity. The 16MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, delivering clear images for social media.
In low-light conditions, the Night mode helps, but results are not flagship-level. AI-powered features like AI Photo Enhance and AI Eraser add value by improving image clarity and removing unwanted objects, though results can be inconsistent. For users prioritizing photography, alternatives like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion with a telephoto lens may offer better versatility. To compare with another iQOO model’s camera performance, see our review of the iQOO Neo 10.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The 5500mAh battery is a highlight, offering exceptional endurance. Under moderate usage, including social media, streaming, and gaming, the phone easily lasts a full day, with some users reporting up to a day and a half of battery life. The 44W FlashCharge support ensures quick top-ups, charging the device from 0% to 50% in about 25 minutes. While not as fast as the 80W charging on the iQOO Z9s Pro, it’s sufficient for most users.
iQOO Z9s 5G vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
The sub-₹20,000 segment is highly competitive, with rivals like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Redmi Note 13, and Nothing Phone (2a). Here’s a comparison to highlight how the iQOO Z9s 5G fares:
Table 2: iQOO Z9s 5G vs. Competitors
| Feature | iQOO Z9s 5G | Realme Narzo 70 Pro | Redmi Note 13 | Nothing Phone (2a) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 | MediaTek Dimensity 6080 | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro |
| AnTuTu Score | 702,347 | 611,860 | 453,839 | 709,000 (approx.) |
| Display | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 2000 nits | 6.67″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits | 6.7″ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/12GB, 128GB/256GB, expandable | 8GB, 128GB/256GB, non-expandable | 6GB/8GB, 128GB/256GB, non-expandable | 8GB/12GB, 128GB/256GB, non-expandable |
| Battery | 5500mAh, 44W FlashCharge | 5000mAh, 67W SuperVOOC | 5000mAh, 33W Fast Charging | 5000mAh, 45W Fast Charging |
| Camera | 50MP + 2MP, 16MP front | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP, 16MP front | 108MP + 8MP + 2MP, 16MP front | 50MP + 50MP, 32MP front |
| Price (Starting) | ₹19,998 | ₹19,999 | ₹17,999 | ₹23,999 |
The iQOO Z9s 5G outperforms its competitors in raw performance, thanks to its higher AnTuTu score and powerful chipset. However, it lags in camera versatility compared to the Redmi Note 13’s 108MP sensor and Nothing Phone (2a)’s dual 50MP setup. The Realme Narzo 70 Pro offers faster 67W charging, but the iQOO Z9s 5G’s larger battery and expandable storage give it an edge for users needing longevity and flexibility.
Pros and Cons of iQOO Z9s 5G
- Pros:
- Exceptional AnTuTu score for its price range
- Vibrant 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Long-lasting 5500mAh battery with 44W fast charging
- Smooth performance for gaming and multitasking
- IP64 dust and water resistance
- Cons:
- No ultra-wide camera
- Only two years of software updates
- Plastic frame feels less premium than competitors
Is the iQOO Z9s 5G Waterproof?
The iQOO Z9s 5G is not fully waterproof but carries an IP64 rating, which provides protection against dust and water splashes. This makes it suitable for everyday scenarios like light rain or accidental spills, but it’s not designed for submersion in water. Users should avoid exposing the device to excessive moisture to ensure longevity.
iQOO Z9s 5G Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300
The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 is a standout feature, offering a balance of power and efficiency. Built on a 4nm process, it delivers superior performance compared to the Dimensity 7050 (Realme Narzo 70 Pro) and Dimensity 6080 (Redmi Note 13). Its octa-core architecture and Adreno GPU ensure smooth operation for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks like photo enhancement. The chipset’s efficiency also contributes to the phone’s impressive battery life, making it a reliable choice for heavy users. For more on iQOO’s high-performance processors, explore the iQOO Neo 10.
Why Choose the iQOO Z9s 5G?
The iQOO Z9s 5G is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features. Its powerful processor, vibrant AMOLED display, and long-lasting battery make it ideal for gamers, content creators, and everyday users. The phone’s 5G connectivity ensures future-proofing as 5G networks expand in India, offering faster downloads and seamless online experiences. Additionally, its sleek design and IP64 rating add practicality and style, making it a versatile device for various lifestyles.
For gamers, the high refresh rate, responsive touch sampling, and optimized software deliver a competitive edge. Content creators will appreciate the vibrant display and decent camera performance, while casual users will benefit from the reliable battery life and smooth multitasking capabilities. While the camera system and software update commitment could be improved, the iQOO Z9s 5G offers unmatched value for its price.
External Link for Further Reading
To dive deeper into smartphone benchmarks and performance metrics, check out AnTuTu’s official benchmark rankings for insights into how devices like the iQOO Z9s 5G compare globally.
Conclusion
The iQOO Z9s 5G is a standout mid-range smartphone that delivers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and impressive battery life at a budget-friendly price starting at ₹19,998. Its AnTuTu score of 702,347, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, makes it one of the most powerful devices in its segment, ideal for gamers and multitaskers. While the camera system lacks an ultra-wide lens and the software update promise is limited to two years, the overall package is hard to beat.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or a gamer, the iQOO Z9s 5G offers a compelling blend of features that make it a worthy contender in the crowded mid-range market. For more iQOO options, don’t miss our coverage of the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro.
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