The iQOO Z9s Pro is positioned as a compelling option for those seeking a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and feature-rich specifications, the iQOO Z9s Pro aims to stand out in the crowded mid-range segment. But does it deliver enough to be considered the best phone under Rs 30,000? Let’s dive into the details
Design: Slim and Stylish
The iQOO Z9s Pro boasts a design that exudes sophistication and modernity. Measuring just 7.49mm in thickness and weighing 190g, it is one of the slimmest and lightest smartphones in its price range. The phone comes in two distinct finishes—Flamboyant Orange with a leather back and Luxe Marble with a textured glass back. Both variants offer a premium feel, though the Luxe Marble option stands out with its elegant glass finish. The curved display enhances the bezel-less experience, while the overall design ensures comfort without sharp edges. However, the button placement could have been more ergonomic, as reaching the volume controls can be a bit of a stretch.
Display: Great for Outdoor Usage
The iQOO Z9s Pro features a 6.77-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED display that delivers vivid colors and sharp visuals. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display ensures smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. The 2160Hz PWM dimming, 100% P3 color gamut, and HDR10+ support further enhance the visual experience, making it suitable for both media consumption and gaming. The display’s peak brightness of 4,500 nits ensures excellent outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. The in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, though the stereo speakers, while good, do suffer from slight distortion at maximum volume.
Performance: Value for Money
Under the hood, the iQOO Z9s Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, making it one of the most affordable smartphones to feature this chipset. With up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the device handles multitasking and storage needs with ease. The phone performs exceptionally well in daily tasks, gaming, and even more demanding applications, offering a smooth and lag-free experience. The FunTouch OS 14, based on Android 14, provides a customizable interface, though the presence of bloatware and ads in the Hot Games and Hot Apps sections detracts from the overall experience.
Battery Life: Decent and Reliable
The iQOO Z9s Pro is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery, which offers impressive longevity. With casual to moderate use, the battery easily lasts up to two days, while heavy users can still expect a full day of use. In the HD battery loop test, the phone clocked 26 hours and 42 minutes, showcasing its endurance. The 80W fast charging support ensures that the device can be charged from 0 to 100% in just under an hour, making it convenient for users who are always on the go.
Verdict
The iQOO Z9s Pro impresses with its premium design, vibrant display, and strong performance, making it a solid contender in the mid-range segment. While the bloatware and limited software updates are drawbacks, the overall package is hard to beat at this price point. Competing with the likes of the OnePlus Nord 4, Realme 13 Pro+, and Nothing Phone 2a Plus, the iQOO Z9s Pro stands out as a stylish and powerful option for those seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone.