iQOO Z10R: A Flagship Experience at Budget Price? Full Review, Pros & Cons
Based on all the information , I’ll now give you a comprehensive blog article about the iQOO Z10R, highlighting its features, pros, cons, and providing buying recommendations.
In a competitive sub-₹20,000 smartphone market, the iQOO Z10R aims to stand out with premium features often reserved for more expensive devices. Launched in July 2025, this device offers a quad-curved AMOLED display, high-capacity battery, and impressive durability ratings. But is it the right choice for your next smartphone? Let’s dive deep into what makes the iQOO Z10R tick, where it falls short, and who should consider buying it.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before we dig deeper, here’s a quick overview of what the iQOO Z10R offers:
- Display: 6.77-inch FHD+ quad-curved AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits peak brightness
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm octa-core)
- Memory: 8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM + up to 12GB extended RAM
- Storage: 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2
- Rear Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX882 with OIS + 2MP depth sensor
- Front Camera: 32MP with 4K video recording
- Battery: 5700mAh with 44W FlashCharge
- OS: Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15
- Durability: IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification
- Price: Starting at ₹19,499 (₹17,499 with bank offers)
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z10R impresses right out of the box with its premium looks. Available in Aquamarine and Moonstone color options, the phone features a quad-curved display that gives it a flagship-like appearance. At just 7.3mm thickness and weighing 183.5g, it strikes a good balance between screen size and handling comfort.
The phone uses a plastic frame and back panel rather than glass or metal. While this helps keep the weight down, it does make the device feel less premium than some competitors. The glossy finish, particularly on the Aquamarine variant, attracts fingerprints and can be somewhat slippery without a case Techlusive1.
Where the Z10R really shines is in durability. It boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification for shock protection, and SGS five-star anti-fall certification. These are impressive credentials rarely found in this price segment, making it a great choice for those prone to accidents The Economic Times2.
Display: Premium Visuals
The 6.77-inch quad-curved AMOLED display is one of the Z10R’s standout features. With FHD+ resolution (2392 × 1080 pixels), 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1800 nits, it offers excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The display is protected by SCHOTT Xensation α glass and supports HDR10+ content.
The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animation, while the 2160Hz PWM dimming reduces eye strain during low-light usage. The display earns SGS low-blue-light certification, making it suitable for extended viewing sessions FoneArena3.
One notable omission, however, is the lack of Always-On Display functionality, which is surprising for an AMOLED panel and something competitors often offer at this price point.
Performance and Gaming
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset built on a 4nm process, the iQOO Z10R delivers solid everyday performance. With options for 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM (plus an additional 12GB of extended virtual RAM), multitasking is smooth and responsive.
For thermal management, iQOO has included a large 13,690mm² graphite cooling area with ten temperature sensors. This helps maintain stable performance during extended gaming sessions and prevents uncomfortable heat buildup Gadgets3604.
The Ultra Game Mode offers several gaming enhancements, including 4D vibration feedback, bypass charging to prevent battery degradation while playing, and customizable performance profiles. However, gaming enthusiasts should note that high-end titles are limited to 60fps even at medium settings, which may disappoint serious mobile gamers YouTube5.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system on the iQOO Z10R consists of a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear. The front houses a 32MP selfie camera capable of 4K video recording – a rarity in this price segment.
In daylight conditions, the main camera produces detailed shots with good dynamic range and natural colors. The OIS helps in capturing sharp images even in slightly challenging lighting. The camera app includes several AI-enhanced features like AI Erase 2.0 and Photo Enhance that help improve results FoneArena3.
There are two significant limitations to note:
- The lack of an ultra-wide-angle lens limits versatility compared to competitors that offer triple-camera setups
- Low-light performance is average at best, with noticeable noise and loss of detail in challenging lighting conditions
The selfie camera, despite its high resolution, delivers somewhat soft images that lack the sharpness expected from a 32MP sensor. However, the ability to record 4K video from both front and rear cameras is a significant advantage for content creators on a budget Techlusive1.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the iQOO Z10R’s strongest suits is its battery performance. The 5700mAh cell easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. According to iQOO’s claims, it can provide up to 26 hours of YouTube playback or 9 hours of gaming on a single charge The Economic Times2.
The included 44W FlashCharge support means you can charge from 0 to 50% in approximately 33 minutes. While not the fastest charging standard available, it strikes a good balance between charging speed and battery longevity. The bypass charging feature during gaming sessions is particularly helpful as it powers the phone directly without charging the battery, reducing heat generation and preserving battery health FoneArena3.
Software Experience
The iQOO Z10R runs Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15 out of the box. iQOO promises two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, which is commendable for a mid-range device.
Funtouch OS 15 brings several AI-enhanced features like AI Erase 2.0, AI Note Assist, Photo Enhance, Screen Translation, and Circle to Search. These add genuine utility to everyday tasks and help the phone feel more premium than its price suggests.
However, bloatware remains an issue. The phone comes with numerous pre-installed apps that can consume system resources and generate unwanted notifications. While most can be uninstalled or disabled, the initial setup experience feels cluttered compared to cleaner Android implementations from competitors YouTube5.
Connectivity and Audio
The iQOO Z10R offers comprehensive connectivity options including 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a USB Type-C port. It supports multiple navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, and QZSS for accurate positioning.
The phone features dual stereo speakers that provide decent audio output for media consumption and gaming. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some users, but it’s becoming increasingly common even in budget and mid-range devices.
One notable omission is NFC support, which limits contactless payment options. Additionally, there’s no IR blaster for controlling home appliances, a feature that some competitors in this price range offer YouTube5.
Pricing and Variants
The iQOO Z10R is available in three configurations:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹19,499
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹21,499
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹23,499
Launch offers include a ₹2,000 instant discount with select bank cards or a ₹2,000 exchange bonus, bringing the effective starting price down to ₹17,499 Gadgets3604.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Premium quad-curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness
- Excellent battery life with 44W fast charging
- IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance with military-grade durability
- Capable main camera with OIS and 4K video recording
- Good performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming
- Clean software with promised updates and AI enhancements
Cons:
- No ultra-wide camera limits photography versatility
- Plastic build feels less premium than some competitors
- Excessive bloatware impacts the user experience
- No Always-On Display despite AMOLED panel
- Gaming limited to 60fps even at medium settings
- No NFC or IR blaster for added functionality
Who Should Buy the iQOO Z10R?
The iQOO Z10R is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users seeking premium display experience and battery life
- Content creators who need 4K video recording capabilities without spending on flagship devices
- Heavy smartphone users who prioritize battery endurance and fast charging
- Accident-prone individuals who would benefit from the exceptional durability ratings
- Students or young professionals looking for a stylish device with good all-round performance
Who should look elsewhere:
- Photography enthusiasts who require ultra-wide or telephoto lenses
- Serious mobile gamers seeking high-fps gameplay and better cooling
- Users who prefer stock Android or cleaner interfaces without bloatware
- Those who rely heavily on NFC for payments and connectivity
- Media consumers who want stereo speakers with better audio quality
Verdict: Value-Packed Mid-Ranger with Some Compromises
The iQOO Z10R successfully delivers a near-flagship experience in several key areas while maintaining a sub-₹20,000 price tag. Its curved AMOLED display, robust battery life, and impressive durability certifications help it stand out in a crowded segment.
Where it falls short is in camera versatility, software bloat, and some missing features like Always-On Display, IR blaster, and NFC. However, these compromises are understandable given its price point, and they don’t significantly detract from what is otherwise a compelling package.
For users prioritizing a premium display experience, solid battery life, and capable main camera with OIS, the iQOO Z10R represents excellent value for money. With bank offers bringing the starting price down to ₹17,499, it’s a serious contender for one of the best smartphones under ₹20,000 in 2025.
What’s your take on the iQOO Z10R? Would you choose it over competitors like the CMF Phone 2 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Note: All specifications and pricing information is accurate as of July 2025. Features and availability may vary by region.