iQOO Z9s 5G: A Mid-Range Gaming Beast? With its gaming-focused features, slick display, and long-lasting battery, the iQOO Z9s 5G stands out among the many mid-range 5G smartphones on the market. This phone, which is intended for budget-conscious performance aficionados, promises flagship-level features without the high cost. Does it deliver, though? Let’s dissect it.
Smooth and Sleek Design and Display
The iQOO Z9s 5G has a sleek, contemporary design with a flat-edge frame for a high-end feel and a glossy plastic back that comes in Thunder Black and Aurora Blue. Although it lacks the glass back found on expensive phones, the construction is sturdy.
Key Display Features:
Bright colors, deep blacks, and outstanding contrast are all features of this 6.67-inch AMOLED display.
Smooth scrolling and improved gaming responsiveness are achieved with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
Good vision in the sun at a maximum brightness of 1300 nits.
Support for HDR10+: A better way to stream videos.
The quick and precise in-display fingerprint scanner enhances the high-end appearance.
Performance: Powerhouse Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a strong yet power-efficient mid-range chipset that excels at gaming and multitasking, powers the iQOO Z9s 5G.
Memory & Storage Options:
8GB/12GB LPDDR4X RAM (up to +8GB in virtual RAM expansion)
128GB or 256GB of non-expandable UFS 3.1 storage
Performance when gaming:
Genshin Impact, BGMI, and COD Mobile run at medium-high settings on the Adreno 720 GPU.
Long sessions are avoided with the Liquid Cooling System.
Immersion is increased via Ultra Game Mode and 4D Game Vibration.
The Dimensity 8200 is a fantastic option for gamers because benchmark scores are similar to its own.
Unexpectedly Good Camera for a Gaming Phone
The iQOO Z9s 5G has a respectable triple-camera system, although gaming phones frequently sacrifice cameras:
Rear cameras: Sony IMX882 50MP main sensor (OIS compatible) for crisp daytime images.
8MP ultra-wide lens: Good for group and landscape shots.
Simple close-ups using a 2MP macro sensor.
Selfie Camera: 16MP front camera, suitable for social media and video calls.
Features of the camera: Night Mode enhances photography in low light.
For steady recording, use Super Steady Video.
Accurate edge detection in portrait mode.
The cameras are superior to the majority of gaming-focused phones in this range, despite not being flagship-level.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power
With its 5000mAh battery, the iQOO Z9s 5G lasts a long time:
Six to seven hours of gaming
8–9 hours of streaming video
Moderate usage during the entire day
Charging Speed:
- 44W Flash Charge (0–50% in about 25 minutes, 85 minutes for full charge).
- Though not the fastest in its class, it is nonetheless dependable.
Funtouch OS 14 (Android 14) is the software and features.
Based on Android 14, the phone runs Funtouch OS 14, which has the following features: ✔ Smart multitasking capabilities ✔ Minimal bloatware ✔ Customizable gaming modes
Support for Always-On Display
Performance is improved by iQOO’s improvements, although some users might prefer a simpler user interface like standard Android..
5G & Connectivity
For future-proofing, dual 5G capability (SA/NSA) is provided.
Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for payments, and Wi-Fi 6.
For best sound quality, use stereo speakers.
Comparing the iQOO Z9s 5G with Rivals
Features: Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Realme 12 Pro+ 5G Chipset, iQOO Z9s 5G Display: 120Hz AMOLED, 120Hz AMOLED, 120Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Dimensions 7200 Ultra, Main Camera: 5000mAh + 44W, 5000mAh + 120W, 5000mAh + 67W OIS 50MP, OIS 200MP, and OIS 50MP
Why Choose iQOO Z9s 5G?
✅ More gaming performance than the Dimensity 7200 Ultra & 7s Gen 2 ✅ Competitively priced AMOLED display ✅ 50MP camera with OIS capability (uncommon in this market).
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
Purchase if you want: ✔ Strong gaming performance ✔ Good battery life with quick charging ✔ Good cameras for a gaming phone ✔ Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
Steer clear of: ❌ Extremely quick charging (such as 67W or 120W) ❌ Cameras at flagship level ❌ Storage that
can be expanded
Conclusion
With a bright AMOLED display, dependable battery life, and excellent gaming performance, the iQOO Z9s 5G is a well-balanced mid-range phone. Although Redmi and realme are fierce rivals, its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset and OIS camera provide it a competitive advantage for power users and gamers.
Do you think the iQOO Z9s 5G is better than its competitors? Tell us in the comments below!
