The iQOO Z9X sits as the “lite” sibling of the iQOO Z9 series, offering a more affordable entry route while trying to maintain the core strengths that made the regular Z9 compelling. It trims certain premium aspects but retains core performance DNA, strong battery life, and practical features. The key question is whether the cost reduction—around $200 to $220 depending on memory variant—is worth the savings, or whether stepping up to the Z9 remains the smarter move.
Design and Build Quality
While the Z9 delivers a slightly more elegant and ergonomic feel, the Z9X adopts a boxier design. It is flatter, sharper on the edges, and feels more rigid in the hand. At around 199 grams and under 8mm thick, it balances size and weight well for a performance-focused phone, especially considering it houses a massive battery.
Matte finish back
- Dual camera design (though only one meaningful camera sensor)
- Power button with integrated fingerprint reader
- Stereo speakers (a welcome surprise at this price)
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Hybrid SIM + microSD slot
Unlike its more expensive sibling, the Z9X skips features like an IR blaster and higher wattage charging. However, the essentials remain solid and functional.
Display: Functional, Bright, and Large
iQOO didn’t try to oversell the Z9X’s display. Instead, it focused on practicality.
- 6.72-inch IPS LCD
- Full HD+ resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Up to 1000 nits brightness (excellent for this class)
- Adaptive refresh rate with 7 step adjustment (30Hz – 120Hz)
The adaptive refresh scaling is surprisingly advanced for this bracket, assisting both battery efficiency and smooth usage experience. Bezels are thicker than the regular Z9, especially at the chin, making it visually less premium. However, brightness levels and outdoor visibility stand out as major strengths.
Audio: Loud and Stereo
One of the better inclusions is stereo speakers. They are loud, arguably among the loudest in the price band. Clarity is decent at default levels, although extreme boosted volume sacrifices detail and introduces distortion. Still, the presence of stereo sound itself is a win at this price point.
Performance: Strong for the Money
Under the hood, the iQOO Z9X runs the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset paired with either 8GB or 12GB RAM. On AnTuTu V10, it scores around 556,000, squarely positioning it in the midrange performance category.
Gaming performance:
- Genshin Impact (Lowest settings): ~60 FPS average, impressively playable
- Mobile Legends: Smooth, capped at 60 FPS for now
- PUBG and other titles: Stable performance with respectable thermal behavior
Thermals are surprisingly controlled. Extended gaming sessions peak around 41–42°C, making it comfortable for gaming without throttling concerns.
This is a phone built for sustained performance rather than short bursts. For users prioritizing speed, gaming, or general responsiveness, the Z9X remains one of the most performance-oriented phones in its class.
Battery: Exceptional Longevity With Minimal Compromise
- Battery performance is where the Z9X truly shines.
- 6000 mAh
- Under 8mm thickness
- Under 200g weight
This combination is rare and impressive. Real-world consumption results:
- YouTube streaming: ~5% per hour
- Genshin Impact (lowest settings): ~9%
- Mobile Legends: ~6–7%
- PUBG: ~6–7%
This makes the Z9X a standout endurance device. Charging is slower compared to the standard Z9 due to a reduced charger wattage, but endurance compensates significantly.
Cameras: Day Time Okay, Night Time Weak
The camera system is the most obvious compromise in this device.
- 50MP main camera
- 2MP depth sensor
Daytime shots deliver acceptable quality, with decent clarity and stability, although color science leans heavily toward warmer/“filtered” tones rather than natural reproduction.
Night photography reveals the weakness immediately:
- Significant softness
- Reduced detail
- Muted color tones
- Noticeable processing struggle
Simply put, this is not a camera phone. It functions adequately in daylight scenarios but loses credibility in low-light environments.
Software and Features
- NFC multifunction support
- IP64 splash and dust protection
- 5G support
- Efficient UI tuning
- Adaptive refresh management
The software experience retains practicality without delivering anything particularly revolutionary. It simply works.
Final Verdict
The iQOO Z9X is built with a clear mission: deliver top-tier battery endurance and solid performance at an accessible price point. It accomplishes this exceptionally well. However, it comes with equally clear compromises: camera performance—especially at night—is below expectations, and premium refinements seen in the Z9 are absent.
If budget allows stepping up to the iQOO Z9, the upgrade is worth it. But if spending an extra $60–$70 is out of reach, the Z9X remains an excellent value device in the ~$200 segment, especially for users who prioritize gaming, battery life, and long-term daily usability.
Value Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 / 5 Stars
Outstanding battery and performance value for the price. The only major trade-off is night camera performance.