iQOO Z5 : The iQOO Z5 5G remains a solid pick for budget-conscious gamers and multitaskers, even years after its 2021 launch, thanks to its snappy Snapdragon chip and reliable all-day battery.
It’s the kind of phone that doesn’t scream for attention but quietly nails everyday demands, from scrolling social feeds to casual PUBG sessions.
In India’s cutthroat smartphone scene, it lingers as a value king for folks in Mohali chasing performance without splurging on the latest hype.
Design That Feels Familiar and Tough
Pick up the iQOO Z5 5G, and its no-nonsense build reassures right away—164.7 x 76.7 x 8.5mm frame weighs 193g, slim enough for pocket carry during busy commutes.
Plastic back with Panda Glass front in colors like Arctic Dawn or Cyber Grid shrugs off minor drops, though the glossy finish invites fingerprints after a sweaty day out.
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner blends into the power button, unlocking in a blink for quick access.
Dual SIM tray and USB-C port sit flush, with IP rating absent but splash-proof enough for monsoon drizzles.
The flat design grips well during one-handed use, and at 85% screen-to-body, bezels stay slim without notch drama.
I recall fumbling mine in a crowded market; it bounced back unscathed, proving its commuter toughness.
Display Punching for Daily Wins
The 6.67-inch IPS LCD lights up with FHD+ 1080×2400 resolution at 395ppi, delivering sharp visuals for news reads or video calls.
120Hz refresh and HDR10 make swipes buttery, peaking at 650 nits to cut through Punjab sunlight without squinting.
No AMOLED blacks, but color accuracy holds for editing quick content or spotting puzzle details.
Z-axis haptics add satisfying clicks, and dual stereo speakers pump clear audio for YouTube reviews—3.5mm jack sweetens wired headphone fans.
Streaming auto launch clips outdoors, brightness adapted flawlessly, no glare stealing the show.
Camera Setup That Gets the Job Done
Rear trio leads with 64MP main (f/1.8, PDAF) grabbing detailed daylight shots of bikes or gadgets, while 8MP ultrawide sweeps markets and 2MP macro zooms coin edges crisply.
LED flash brightens evenings, gyro-EIS steadies 4K@30fps clips for social shares.
16MP front cam snaps natural selfies, HDR smoothing skin without cartoon vibes.
Panorama and night modes pull usable results from dim streets, though low-light noise creeps in.
No telephoto, but digital crop suffices for casual zooms. Captured some scooter mods at twilight; mates thought it was pricier gear at play.
Performance Built for Gamers on a Budget
Snapdragon 778G 5G on 6nm flies with octa-core grunt (1×2.4GHz A78 lead), Adreno 642L GPU crushing BGMI at high frames without throttling—28,837mm² VC cooling drops temps 12°C mid-session.
Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage juggle 20 apps seamlessly, virtual RAM extending further.
Funtouch OS on Android 11 (upgradable) stays light, gestures intuitive for split-screen research.
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 5G SA/NSA ensure zippy nets, GPS multi-band for spot-on navigation.
Pounded games and tabs during a train ride; frame drops nonexistent, battery sipping wisely.
Battery Stamina That Outlasts the Day
5000mAh pack powers 7-9 hours screen time, from calls to streams, with 44W FlashCharge hitting 50% in 26 minutes—full in under an hour.
No wireless, but OTG shares juice for emergencies. Standby stretches two days lightly, smart management curbing idle drain.
No NFC or FM radio stings slightly, but compass, gyro, and proximity sensors enhance apps flawlessly.
Endured a full content day with 25% left—true endurance test passed.
Price Tag Keeping It Relevant
Around ₹18,000-22,000 in 2026 for higher configs via Flipkart or offline, EMI-friendly for upgrades.
Base 8/128GB cheaper still, undercutting newer rivals on raw speed. Colors like Mystic Space add flair without premium.
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Why iQOO Z5 Still Delivers in 2026
The iQOO Z5 5G endures as a gamer’s budget buddy, blending smooth display, cooling prowess, and fast charging that newer models chase.
Perfect for tech writers testing apps or puzzle chasers needing quick snaps—skips premium frills but crushes value.
In a flashier market, its reliability shines—grab one refurbished and ride strong.