The mid-range smartphone category is fiercely competitive, and the new iQOO Z10R 5G confidently steps in as a game-changer, especially for those seeking high performance and premium features under ₹20,000. Here’s a detailed, human-centric look at what makes the Z10R 5G stand out—and where it makes smart compromises for its price.
Striking Design Meets Durability
The iQOO Z10R comes with a contemporary design highlighted by a quad-curved 6.77-inch AMOLED display with minimal bezels, offering both elegance and immersion. The glass protection and curved edges aren’t just for show—they contribute to a genuinely premium in-hand feel, rivaling phones well above its price category. It feels solid yet sleek thanks to its slim 7.4mm profile and manageable 184g weight.
Impressively, the phone is both IP68 and IP69 rated for dust and water resistance. That means not just withstanding accidental splashes but also enduring harsher conditions, adding serious peace of mind for the accident-prone or outdoor enthusiasts.
Visual Delight: Display
- Size & Quality: 6.77-inch FHD+ (1080x2392px) AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Brightness: Up to 1,800 nits peak, 1,300 nits HBM
- Curved Design: Quad-curved for immersive viewing
- Protection: Schott Xensation Alpha glass
- Certifications: SGS Low Blue Light, HDR10+ support
Colors appear punchy and vibrant, and it holds its own even in harsh daylight. Streaming fans will appreciate Widevine L1 support for HD content on OTT platforms.
Performance: Punchy Yet Efficient
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm)
- CPU/GPU: Octa-core (4x Cortex-A78 @2.6GHz + 4x Cortex-A55), Mali-G615 MC2 GPU
- RAM/Storage: 8GB or 12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 storage (no card slot)
- OS/UI: Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, promised major Android and security updates for 2-3 years
The Z10R handles everything from intensive gaming to multitasking with ease, and the chipset efficiently balances power and heat. High benchmarks, a smooth UI, and the ability to virtually expand RAM help it stay snappy over long usage.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Endurance
- Capacity: 5,700mAh
- Charging: 44W FlashCharge
- Endurance: Easily lasts more than a day with heavy use; fast charging gets you quickly back on track
Despite its large capacity and robust performance, the Z10R resists excessive heat, complemented by a clever internal cooling design.
Cameras: For Creators and Everyday Moments
- Main Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor, OIS
- Depth Sensor: 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 32MP, 4K video supported
- Video: 4K@30fps support both front & back, gyro-EIS
Photos delivered by the main camera are crisp and well-saturated with good dynamic range for this segment. The selfie camera’s ability to record in 4K sets it apart, making it an unexpected treat for vloggers or selfie enthusiasts. Low-light performance is enhanced by OIS and thoughtful AI optimization in the software.
User Experience: Everyday Convenience
- Biometrics: In-display optical fingerprint sensor (fast and reliable), face unlock
- Speakers: Stereo with DeepField sound, Hi-Res Audio, no headphone jack
- AI Features: AI Erase, Photo Enhance, Circle to Search, AI Transcript
- Software: Funtouch OS with minimal bloat, frequent updates
- Extras: Dual 5G SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C
The interface is clean, responsive, and optimized for both casual and power users. Steady connectivity and thoughtful audio quality upgrades round out a holistic mid-range experience.
Where It Makes Compromises
- No expandable storage, so choose your storage tier wisely
- No NFC support, which may matter to those who rely on contactless payments
- No FM radio or headphone jack, which is now common in this segment
Real-World Verdict
In everyday usage, the iQOO Z10R impresses with its reliable battery life, robust build quality, and punchy performance. It’s suited to content creators, gamers, students, or anyone who wants dependable 5G ready hardware without breaking the bank. The thoughtful camera features and display quality bridge the gap between affordable phones and true flagships.
If you’re shopping under ₹20,000 in July 2025, this is one phone you shouldn’t ignore—it offers features and refinement that set the benchmark in its class