iQOO Z10R 5G: A Budget Powerhouse That Punches Above Its Weight

iQOO Z10R 5G: In a market flooded with smartphones under ₹20,000, it takes something truly special to stand out. Enter the iQOO Z10R 5G, launched in India on July 24, 2025, with a starting price of ₹17,499. iQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo known for high-performance devices, has positioned the Z10R 5G as a budget 5G smartphone that doesn’t compromise on style, speed, or everyday usability.

Equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, a large quad-curved AMOLED display, and AI-driven cameras, this phone is designed for users who want modern features without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look at what the iQOO Z10R 5G offers, who it’s ideal for, and what trade-offs buyers might encounter.


Design and Display

One of the standout features of the iQOO Z10R 5G is its 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display — a rarity at this price point. With slim bezels and a near bezel-less curved screen, the phone looks significantly more premium than its cost would suggest. Whether you’re binge-watching shows or scrolling through social media, the immersive experience is undeniable.

Also Read: Motorola Edge 60 5G : Extreme Dimensity 7400 & 5,500mAh Battery at ₹25,999

The display also boasts vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth performance, making it an excellent choice for content consumption and gaming. The screen is bright enough for outdoor visibility and supports smooth animations, though iQOO has not officially confirmed the refresh rate.

To top it off, the phone comes with an IP68/IP69 rating, making it resistant to water and dust — a level of durability seldom seen in budget smartphones.


Performance

Powering the Z10R 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, the same processor found in some higher-priced phones like the Motorola Edge 60 5G. This chip provides a strong mix of power efficiency and processing capability. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking, gaming, and daily operations with ease.

From casual social media use to mid-level gaming like Call of Duty: Mobile or BGMI, the device performs admirably. Thermal management is decent, and the software optimization through Funtouch OS 15 (based on Android 15) ensures a smooth experience.

However, some bloatware is present, typical of Funtouch OS, though most of it can be uninstalled or disabled.


Cameras

The iQOO Z10R 5G comes with a dual rear camera setup, headlined by a 50MP primary sensor, which produces sharp and vibrant images in good lighting. AI-enhanced tools help optimize settings for different scenes, improving output without requiring manual adjustment. While night photography isn’t flagship-grade, it’s more than serviceable in the budget segment.

The secondary rear sensor appears to be a depth or macro unit, and there’s no ultra-wide lens, which might disappoint some users who enjoy landscape or group shots.

On the front, the 32MP selfie camera is surprisingly good, capturing well-detailed and color-accurate photos. Video calling, social media stories, and vlogging all feel smooth and natural, thanks to the high-resolution sensor and software enhancements.


Battery and Charging

One of the most compelling features of the iQOO Z10R 5G is its 5,700mAh battery — among the largest in its category. For users who are always on the move or don’t want to carry a charger all day, this phone offers easily over a day and a half of usage on a single charge.

Charging is handled via 44W fast charging, which takes the battery from 0 to around 50% in under 30 minutes. While this isn’t as fast as some 60W+ charging competitors, it strikes a practical balance between battery size and charge speed.


Also Read: Realme P3 Ultra 5G : Killer Dimensity 8350 Ultra & 6,000mAh Battery at ₹22,999

Software and Features

The iQOO Z10R 5G runs on Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, and delivers a clean experience overall. It features customizable themes, smart gestures, privacy controls, and AI-based features for photos, performance boosting, and battery optimization.

While Funtouch OS has a reputation for being feature-rich, it does include pre-installed third-party apps — not uncommon in the segment but still worth noting. On the plus side, users get regular software updates and a fluid UI experience.

Other features include:

  • Dual stereo speakers for a louder and more immersive media experience
  • 5G connectivity on both SIM slots
  • On-screen fingerprint sensor
  • Face unlock support

What’s Missing?

While the Z10R 5G punches above its weight in many areas, a few compromises are noticeable:

  1. No microSD card slot – The lack of expandable storage could be a dealbreaker for users with extensive offline media libraries.
  2. No ultra-wide camera – Limits photography versatility.
  3. No wireless charging or high refresh rate confirmation – Understandable omissions at this price, but worth noting for power users.

Competitors & Value

In the sub-₹20,000 market, the iQOO Z10R 5G goes head-to-head with devices like the Redmi Note 14 5G, Realme Narzo 80 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy M15 5G. Here’s how it compares:

  • Redmi Note 14 5G: Offers similar performance but lacks AMOLED and curved display appeal.
  • Realme Narzo 80 Pro: Has better camera versatility but no IP rating or curved display.
  • Galaxy M15 5G: Comes with Samsung’s brand appeal but falls short on RAM and display richness.

Where the Z10R 5G clearly wins is in design, display quality, battery life, and raw value. It’s an ideal pick for students, young professionals, and multimedia enthusiasts who want a modern smartphone without spending a fortune.


Final Verdict: Is the iQOO Z10R 5G Worth Buying?

The iQOO Z10R 5G is more than just a budget phone — it’s a well-rounded, performance-centric device that doesn’t feel cheap in the hand or in everyday use. For under ₹18,000, users get a stunning display, ample power, impressive cameras, and long-lasting battery life.

While the absence of a microSD slot and ultra-wide camera might limit its appeal to power users or photographers, the overall package is exceptionally balanced for its price. If you’re in the market for a stylish and reliable 5G phone in 2025, the iQOO Z10R 5G deserves a serious look.


FAQs

1. What is the price of the iQOO Z10R 5G in India?
It starts at ₹17,499 as of its launch on July 24, 2025.

2. Does it support expandable storage?
No, the iQOO Z10R 5G does not support microSD cards.

3. What is the battery capacity and charging speed?
It packs a 5,700mAh battery with 44W fast charging.

4. How good is the camera for selfies?
The 32MP front camera captures sharp and detailed selfies, ideal for social media.

5. Is the iQOO Z10R 5G waterproof?
It has IP68/IP69 ratings, making it resistant to dust and water.

Pavan Jangid
Pavan Jangid

Pawan is a tech-savvy writer with a deep interest in innovation, mobility, and financial awareness. Raised in Rajasthan, his curiosity about how things work—from machines to markets—began early, leading to a career focused on decoding technology, automobiles, and finance through clear, insightful writing. With an academic foundation in literature and philosophy, Pawan brings a unique perspective that values clarity, purpose, and independence. He blends analytical thinking with human-centric storytelling, drawing from personal experience and continuous learning. When not writing, he enjoys a quiet life in a book-lined apartment, alongside his loyal dog.

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