iQOO has launched its latest challenger in the fiercely competitive mid-range smartphone arena with the Z10R. Priced starting at Rs 19,499, this device aims to pack flagship-level features like a premium quad-curved design, a vibrant AMOLED display, and a massive battery into an affordable package. Targeted at gamers, multimedia enthusiasts, and daily users, the Z10R promises an all-rounder experience. After extensive testing, here's our detailed assessment of where it excels and where it falls short.
Design & Display: A Premium First Impression
The iQOO Z10R immediately stands out with a build quality that belies its price tag. Its quad-curved body offers a sleek, modern aesthetic and enhances grip, making the large device surprisingly comfortable to hold. The smartphone boasts an impressive IP68 and IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, alongside a military-grade certification for durability. Available in Aquamarine and Moonstone colours, it features a minimalist camera island that avoids bulky protrusions.
The front is dominated by a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The quad-curved edges contribute to a high screen-to-body ratio and a premium feel. With HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, the screen delivers vivid colours, deep blacks, and excellent outdoor visibility. It's protected by SCHOTT Xensation glass and includes Widevine L1 certification for Full HD streaming on OTT platforms, making it a strong asset for the device.
Performance & Software: Power for Gaming and Multitasking
At its core, the iQOO Z10R is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset. It is offered in three configurations: 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB. Performance is robust and balanced, handling everyday tasks, multitasking, and demanding games like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile with ease, thanks to efficient thermal management.
The device runs Android 15 with iQOO's Funtouch OS 15 skin. The interface is fluid and offers extensive customisation options, themes, and gesture controls. It includes gaming-centric features like a dedicated Game Mode for resource optimisation. However, the software experience is marred by the presence of significant bloatware and pre-installed apps, which clutter the interface, though many can be uninstalled.
Camera, Battery Life & Final Verdict
The camera system includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and a 2MP secondary sensor, accompanied by an Aura Light. A 32MP front camera handles selfies. In good light, the main shooter captures sharp, detailed images with accurate colours. Portrait mode and close-ups are handled well. Low-light performance is decent with Night Mode, though noise can be an issue. A notable omission is an ultra-wide lens, limiting shooting versatility. Both front and rear cameras support 4K video recording at 30fps with effective stabilisation.
The 5,700mAh battery is a headline feature, easily delivering a full day's use for most, and potentially more for moderate users. It supports 44W fast charging, with a full charge taking about 75-80 minutes and a 30-minute top-up providing over 50% power.
Verdict: The iQOO Z10R successfully carves a niche with its flagship-like design, excellent AMOLED display, strong gaming performance, and exceptional battery life. While the camera system is competent in daylight and the software is feature-rich, the lack of an ultra-wide lens and the pre-installed bloatware are drawbacks. For users prioritising design, display quality, and battery endurance in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment, the iQOO Z10R is a compelling and stylish contender.
