iQOO Z10R vs CMF Phone 2 Pro: Which is the better 5G mobile for around ₹20,000?

The Great Budget 5G Showdown

Alright, shopaholics, listen up. The mall mole is back, and this time, we’re diving into the budget 5G smartphone battle of the century—or at least, the battle for your ₹20,000. The iQOO Z10R and the CMF Phone 2 Pro are both vying for your hard-earned cash, but which one deserves a spot in your pocket? Let’s crack this case wide open.

The Specs Smackdown

Performance: Who’s Packing the Punch?

First up, we’ve got the iQOO Z10R, rocking a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which is no slouch in the mid-range arena. It’s paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant, and 128GB or 256GB of storage. Not bad for the price, but let’s see what the CMF Phone 2 Pro brings to the table.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro counters with a Dimensity 7050 chipset, which is also a solid performer in this price range. It comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. On paper, both phones are evenly matched, but real-world performance is where things get interesting.

Display: Size Matters (Sometimes)

The iQOO Z10R sports a 6.62-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate—smooth as butter for gaming and scrolling. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, on the other hand, has a 6.67-inch LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate as well. Both are bright and vibrant, but the AMOLED on the iQOO gives it a slight edge in color accuracy and deep blacks.

Battery & Charging: Who’s Got the Juice?

Battery life is where things get spicy. The iQOO Z10R packs a 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging, which is decent but not groundbreaking. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, however, comes with a 5,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging. While the charging speeds are slower, the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a 7,000mAh battery in its higher variant, which could be a game-changer for heavy users.

Camera: Snap Happy or Snap Sad?

Now, let’s talk cameras—because let’s be real, we all take way too many selfies. The iQOO Z10R has a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. It’s decent for casual shots, but nothing to write home about.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro, meanwhile, has a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The extra macro lens might not be a dealbreaker, but it’s a nice little bonus for those who love close-up shots.

Design: Style vs. Substance

The iQOO Z10R has a sleek, modern design with a flat frame and a glossy back panel. It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, but the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro, on the other hand, has a textured back panel that’s more grippy and less prone to smudges. It also has a flat frame and a minimalist design, making it look more premium than its price tag suggests.

Software & User Experience

Both phones run Android 13 out of the box, but the iQOO Z10R comes with Funtouch OS, which is… well, let’s just say it’s not the most polished experience out there. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, however, runs Stock Android, which is cleaner and more intuitive.

Verdict: Who’s the Winner?

So, which one should you buy? If you’re all about performance, display, and fast charging, the iQOO Z10R is a solid pick. But if you prefer better battery life, a more premium design, and a cleaner software experience, the CMF Phone 2 Pro might be the way to go.

At the end of the day, both phones are great value for money, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro just edges out the iQOO Z10R in terms of overall user experience. So, if you’re looking for the best budget 5G phone under ₹20,000, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the sleuth’s top pick.

Now, go forth and shop wisely—or don’t, and let me mock your poor choices later. Your call.