I have tested numerous smartphones, primarily mid-range and entry-level devices, in the span of my career as a tech journalist. One thing that I always hoped would be better on most of these devices is battery life. In fact, only a handful have actually delivered all-day battery life. It looks like the iQOO Z10 might be one of those rare exceptions, thanks to its massive 7,300 mAh battery.
I have been testing the iQOO Z10 for over two weeks, and here is my take on it:
Although the iQOO Z10 isn’t the most original-looking device, I quite like its design, especially the white variant. From the symmetrically placed large circular camera island to the matte-finished back panel with a subtle logo, the iQOO Z10 looks a class apart—especially considering it costs less than Rs 20,000.
Despite packing a large 7,300 mAh battery, the phone looks like any other smartphone. It even weighs just 199 grams, making it light and easy to carry around.
The quad-curved display adds a premium touch, and although the use of plastic for both the back panel and the frame reminds you that it is a mid-range device, it’s definitely among the better-looking ones. Compared to its predecessor——the Z10 looks a lot more sophisticated.
The iQOO Z10 features a 6.77-inch quad-curved display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The panel offers FHD+ resolution and has minimal bezels on all sides. The in-display optical fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, and the phone even comes with a pre-installed screen protector.
With a high screen-to-body ratio, the Z10 not only looks premium but also delivers an excellent experience for content consumption and gaming. I thoroughly enjoyed playing titles like Asphalt Legends and Candy Crush Saga on this Snapdragon 7s Gen 3-powered smartphone.
While it’s not the most capable gaming phone in this segment, it handles multitasking and moderate gaming effortlessly.
The iQOO Z10 appears to have a multi-camera setup, but it actually includes a 50 MP main sensor and a 2 MP bokeh camera. On the front, it features a 32 MP selfie camera. While the main camera performs well in daylight, it struggles in low-light conditions. That said, users upgrading from an entry-level smartphone will likely appreciate the camera’s performance.
Here are some camera samples straight from the iQOO Z10:
The iQOO Z10 runs on 15-based FunTouchOS 15. While the phone comes with a fair amount of bloatware, most of it can be uninstalled. The OS is fast and stable but lacks the polish seen on and / devices. The notification and quick settings panel, in particular, feels a bit dated.
Still, FunTouchOS 15 is fun to use and doesn’t cause any major usability issues. iQOO has promised two major OS upgrades and three years of security updates for the Z10.
If there’s one compelling reason to choose the iQOO Z10 over its competitors, it’s battery life. With a massive 7,300 mAh battery and 90W fast charging support, it not only lasts longer but also charges quickly. The phone takes slightly over an hour to fully charge, and it reaches 50 per cent in just over 30 minutes.
You can even use the iQOO Z10 to charge other devices, including smartphones.
On heavy usage days, the phone consistently delivers over 10 hours of screen-on time. With moderate use—which included gaming, social media, video streaming, and web browsing—it lasted over two days on a single charge. This is the only smartphone I’ve tested that has consistently delivered more than two days of battery life.
If you’re in the market for a smartphone around Rs 20,000, the iQOO Z10 is definitely worth considering. While it lacks dedicated ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, it checks almost every other box. Its incredible battery life more than makes up for the compromises.
This phone is perfect for those who need excellent battery endurance and a well-rounded user experience—without burning a hole in their pocket.
