In the growing market of 5G smartphones, iQOO's latest offering, the Z9 Lite 5G, stands out with its remarkably low price point of ₹9,999, making it potentially the most accessible 5G phone in India.
As part of the Z9 series, which includes the Z9 and Z9X, the Z9 Lite 5G aims to cater to the massive demand for affordable 5G connectivity. This review digs into the various aspects of the device to determine if it truly meets the needs of the average Indian consumer.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G impresses first with its aesthetic appeal. Sporting a mocha brown color, the device features a shimmering back that catches the light, giving it a premium, glittery effect, an unexpected delight in this price segment.
The design is boxy, with some users finding the sharp edges a bit uncomfortable, although the phone's lightweight nature compensates for this minor complaint. Interestingly, the phone opts for a top-mounted speaker, which delivers average sound quality acceptable for its price but enhanced by a 150% volume boost feature.
The inclusion of a Type-C port, a headphone jack, a responsive side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a dual SIM slot with expandable storage up to 1TB adds to its functionality. The device also boasts decent 5G connectivity and an IP64 rating, enhancing its value proposition.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Performance
Under the hood, the Z9 Lite 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, supported by up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. This setup handles everyday tasks like browsing, email, and media consumption with ease. The phone performs adequately in casual gaming, though it struggles with more graphically demanding games.
Benchmark tests reveal solid scores for its category, with Geekbench showing 726 single-core and 1937 multi-core results, and Antutu scores around 406,873. CPU throttling was observed at up to 84% but the graph was almost green.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Display
The display is perhaps where cost-saving measures are most evident. The Z9 Lite 5G features a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate but is marred by substantial bezels and a dated waterdrop notch.
While the display is smooth and offers a peak brightness of 840 nits, making it usable under sunlight, the resolution and design feel compromised. It supports up to 2K video playback, providing a satisfactory but not exceptional viewing experience.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Camera
Photography on the Z9 Lite 5G is handled by a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 50MP main Sony sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, complemented by an 8MP front camera. The main camera produces vivid, slightly saturated photos and is capable of 2x zoom. Portrait mode offers decent bokeh effects.
In terms of video capabilities, the device's rear camera can record at resolutions up to 1080p at a frame rate of 30fps. This specification is mirrored in the front camera, which also records video at 1080p. Notably, the front camera features enhancements that brighten the human subject and apply a smoothing effect to the skin.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Battery Life and Charging
The device comes equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, sufficient to support a full day's usage for light to moderate users. The inclusion of a 15W charger in the box is a commendable addition, providing reasonable charging speeds.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Software
Running on FunTouch OS 14 based on Android 14, the Z9 Lite 5G offers a clean, user-friendly interface with two years of Android updates and three years of security patches promised. However, the presence of some pre-installed bloatware may detract from the overall user experience, although multitasking is facilitated by a handy slide bar feature.
iQOO Z9 Lite 5G Verdict
The iQOO Z9 Lite 5G positions itself as a strong contender in the budget smartphone segment, especially for those prioritizing 5G connectivity. It combines respectable performance and a durable battery.
While the display and camera might not dazzle, they perform adequately for the phone’s cost. Overall, the Z9 Lite 5G is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers, offering a balance of features and performance at a groundbreaking price point.
