iQOO Z10 review: An all-day phone that won't quit
I have been testing the iQOO Z10 for over two weeks, and here is my take on it:
A smart-looking phone
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.
The iQOO Z10 is a premium and unique-looking phone. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
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 iQOO Z9 (review) —the Z10 looks a lot more sophisticated.
A good display for video streaming and gaming
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.
The display is fast, sharp, and vivid. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/ The Indian Express)
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.
Decent camera with room for improvements
The 50 MP main camera does all the heavy lifting. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
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:
iQOO Z10 camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) iQOO Z10 camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) iQOO Z10 camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) iQOO Z10 camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express) iQOO Z10 camera sample. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
Android 15-based custom OS
The iQOO Z10 runs on Android 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 Samsung and OPPO / OnePlus devices. The notification and quick settings panel, in particular, feels a bit dated.
iQOO Z10 ships with Android 15 and will receive two major OS upgrades. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
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.
A battery champ
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.
7,300 battery can easily offer over two days' worth of battery life. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
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.
Easy choice under Rs 20,000
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.
One of the best phones under Rs 20,000. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
This phone is perfect for those who need excellent battery endurance and a well-rounded user experience—without burning a hole in their pocket.
iQOO Z10 review
Pros Cons
Excellent battery life (7,300 mAh) Decent camera with struggles in low light
Fast charging (90W) Noticeable bloatware (most uninstallable)
Modern and appealing design Custom OS (FunTouchOS 15) lacks some polish
Lightweight for its battery size (199g) No dedicated ultra-wide or telephoto lenses
Smooth 120Hz FHD+ quad-curved display
Good for video streaming and moderate gaming
Fast and accurate in-display fingerprint sensor
Promises two major OS upgrades and three years of security updates
Can be used to charge other devices
Competitive price (under Rs 20,000)
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