iQOO Z10R Review: Unboxing, First Look & In-Depth Analysis – Is This Your Next Mid-Range Powerhouse?

The ₹15,000-₹20,000 smartphone segment in India is a battlefield of choices, often leaving consumers confused about which device truly offers the best value. But now, there’s a new contender that I believe deserves serious consideration if you’re navigating this competitive price bracket: the iQOO Z10R.

As an experienced tech reviewer, I’ve had the opportunity to put the iQOO Z10R through its paces, and it brings some very interesting features to the table, especially concerning its performance, display, and even battery life. iQOO has already made waves with its Z10 (the elder sibling) and Z10X (the sub-₹15K variant), and the Z10R aims to carve its own niche. Let’s unbox it, take a first look, and then dive deep into every aspect of this promising smartphone!

First Impressions: Unboxing & Design Elegance

The unboxing experience of the iQOO Z10R is straightforward and practical. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The iQOO Z10R smartphone itself.
• A good quality, transparent TPU case, offering immediate protection.
• Standard documentation.
• A 44W FlashCharge adapter, which is a welcome inclusion for fast charging.
• A USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable.
• The humble SIM card ejector tool.

Upon holding the phone, the first thing you notice is its lightweight and thin profile. While not exceptionally small, its slimness makes it comfortable for extended single-handed use. It comes in two attractive colors: Aquamarine and Moonstone. The back panel features appealing patterns that shimmer beautifully when light hits them. A satisfying moment for any new phone owner is peeling off the pre-applied scratch guard!

Despite packing a large 5700mAh battery, the phone feels surprisingly light. My weight test showed it at 184.3 grams, which is quite impressive for a device with such a substantial battery, though slightly heavier than my initial expectation.

Build Quality & Durability: Tougher Than It Looks?

iQOO has made some bold claims regarding the Z10R’s durability, and my initial observations are promising.

• Diamond Shield Glass: The front display is protected by “Diamond Shield Glass,” suggesting enhanced scratch resistance.
• No Glass Back: The rear panel is not glass, which often contributes to better durability against drops compared to glass backs.
• IP68/69 Certification: A standout feature in this price segment is its IP68/69 certification, making it highly resistant to dust and water. This is a significant advantage for accidental spills or even brief submersion.
• SGS 5-Star Drop Resistant Certification: iQOO also claims an SGS 5-star drop resistant certification, implying a high level of resilience against drops. My informal “knock test” and accidental drops during the review process showed no immediate damage, reinforcing these claims.
• Port & Button Layout:
  • Bottom: SIM card tray (dual nano SIM, no SD card slot), primary microphone, USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille.
  • Right: Power on/off button and volume rocker. The positioning feels ergonomically perfect.

• Top: Another speaker grille and a noise-canceling microphone.
• Left: Completely clean.
• Thin Profile: Measuring between 7.3-7.4mm, the phone truly feels light and thin in hand.

Display: A Visual Treat

The iQOO Z10R boasts a display that promises a premium viewing experience.

• Large AMOLED Panel: It features a vibrant 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display.
• High Brightness: iQOO claims 1800 nits peak brightness, and in my testing, it reached around 1400 nits, which is still excellent for outdoor visibility.
• Quad-Curved Design: The display is a quad-curved panel with very thin bezels, giving it a truly premium and immersive look.
• Multimedia Powerhouse:
  • It’s a 10-bit panel with HDR10+ support, meaning you can enjoy HDR videos on platforms like Netflix with rich colors and contrast.
  • Dual Stereo Speakers: The very good dual stereo speakers deliver excellent sound quality, making it a fantastic device for multimedia consumption.

Performance & Gaming: The Dimensity 7400 Powerhouse

Under the hood, the iQOO Z10R is powered by MediaTek’s new Dimensity 7400 chipset, designed for strong performance in the mid-range.

• Variants: It comes in three configurations: 8GB RAM/128GB storage, 8GB RAM/256GB storage, and 12GB RAM/256GB storage.
• Memory & Storage: It uses LPDDR4X RAM. Interestingly, it features UFS 2.2 storage, which is a step down from the UFS 3.1 found in its sibling, the Z10X. This is a slight disappointment for a gaming-focused phone in this segment.
• AnTuTu Score: The AnTuTu benchmark score hovers around 7-7.25 lakh, which is a decent score for the ₹15-20K price range, indicating solid overall performance.

• Gaming Performance:
  • Currently, gaming is locked at 60FPS out of the box. However, the Dimensity 7400’s predecessor, the 7300, was capable of 120FPS gaming, so updates are expected to unlock higher frame rates (90FPS and 120FPS).
  • Gaming-Focused Features: It includes “gaming eye protection” for long sessions, “bypass charging” to reduce heat during binge gaming, and an “AI voice changer mode” for streamers.
  • Thermal Management: iQOO claims a large 13000mm² vapor cooling chamber (split into 600mm and 1300mm sections). My testing confirms that thermals are well in check, with no noticeable throttling even under heavy load. This aligns with iQOO’s DNA of delivering performance-centric phones.

Software & AI Features: Android 15 with Smart Additions

The iQOO Z10R runs on FunTouch OS 15, based on the latest Android 15.

• Update Policy: iQOO promises 2 years of major Android updates and 3 years of security updates, ensuring long-term software support.
• Bloatware: There are about 8-10 pre-installed apps, but most are uninstallable. Game and recommendation settings can also be disabled.
• Integrated AI Features: The phone comes packed with various AI functionalities, gradually becoming standard in modern smartphones:
  • Circle to Search
  • Gemini Live integration
  • Note Assist
  • AI Recording
  • Screen Translation
  • AI Erase (for photos)
  • AI Photo Enhance Mode
  • AI Document Mode

Camera: Vivo’s Algorithm Advantage

While not a quad-camera setup, the iQOO Z10R’s camera performance benefits from Vivo’s (its parent company) strong algorithms.

• Rear Camera:
  • Primary Sensor: 50MP Sony IMX882 with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This is the only sensor with OIS, but it’s the most crucial one.
  • Secondary Sensor: 2MP depth sensor (no ultrawide lens, which is a notable omission).
• Front Camera: 32MP selfie sensor.
• Image Quality: The primary sensor delivers good pictures with natural colors, which is often difficult to achieve. Portrait photos are also good, even with just one sensor, supporting 1.5x and 2x zoom. Eye Autofocus ensures sharp group selfies. Skin tones are well-rendered.
• Videography: Capable of 4K 30FPS video recording on both front and back cameras.
• Camera Features: A wide array of modes including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, Photo Mode, Video Mode, Micro Mode, 50MP Native Mode, Panorama, Ultra HD, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Super Moon Mode, Pro Mode, and even Underwater Photography (leveraging the IP68/69 rating). It also has a Dual View mode and Live Photo.
• AI Photo Features: Includes AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance Mode, and AI Document Mode for post-capture editing.
• Aura Light: Features an Aura light (similar to Vivo phones) for improved low-light photography.

Battery & Connectivity: Long-Lasting Power & Stable Network

The iQOO Z10R is built for endurance and reliable connectivity.

• Battery Life: The massive 5700mAh battery easily provides 1-1.5 days of usage, even with heavy use.
• Fast Charging: The included 44W FlashCharge ensures quick top-ups.
• Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. iQOO claims a 360-degree antenna for stable network connectivity, which will require long-term testing to fully confirm.
• 5G Support: It supports 8 5G bands, covering all major Indian networks.
• Missing Features: No NFC or IR blaster.
• Biometrics: Features an in-display fingerprint sensor (works well, though positioned a bit low for my preference) and face unlock.
• Haptics: Haptic feedback is average.

Pros & Cons: A Balanced View

Pros:

• Excellent Battery Life (5700mAh) & Fast Charging (44W)
• IP68/69 Water & Dust Resistance (Rare in this segment)
• Premium Quad-Curved AMOLED Display with 120Hz & High Brightness
• Strong Performance from Dimensity 7400 Chipset (Good for Gaming)
• Good Primary Camera Output with OIS & Vivo’s Algorithms
• Dual Stereo Speakers for Great Multimedia
• SGS 5-Star Drop Resistant Certification
• Latest Android 15 with Good Update Policy
• Slim & Lightweight Design

Cons:

• No Ultrawide Camera Lens
• UFS 2.2 Storage (vs. UFS 3.1 on Z10X)
• Gaming currently locked at 60FPS (awaiting updates)
• No NFC or IR Blaster
• In-display Fingerprint Sensor Position is a bit low

Top 10 Reasons to Buy iQOO Z10R

Top 5 Reasons to AVOID the iQOO Z10R

Conclusion: A Strong Contender with Minor Compromises

The iQOO Z10R emerges as a very strong contender in the competitive ₹15,000-₹20,000 price segment. It offers a compelling package centered around its outstanding battery life, impressive IP68/69 durability (a rarity), a beautiful quad-curved AMOLED display, and robust performance from the Dimensity 7400 chipset. Its primary camera also delivers surprisingly good results, benefiting from Vivo’s imaging expertise.

While the absence of an ultrawide camera and the use of UFS 2.2 storage are notable compromises, they might not be deal-breakers for everyone. If you prioritize battery endurance, a premium display, solid performance for gaming (with future updates), and top-tier durability in this price range, the iQOO Z10R is definitely a smartphone you should consider. It’s built to last and perform, making it a reliable daily driver for most users.

About the Author: Trakin Tech is one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels founded by Arun Prabhudesai that features daily videos on Smartphone & Gadget Reviews, Unboxing videos, breaking Tech Stories and Tech News.

Source: iQOO Z10R Unboxing & First Look ⚡5700mAh, MTK D7400, IP69 @ ₹17,499

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