The Great Budget 5G Showdown: iQOO Z10R vs. CMF Phone 2 Pro

Alright, fellow mall moles, let’s crack this case wide open. We’ve got two suspects in the sub-₹25,000 smartphone lineup, both packing 5G and promising big features for small prices. The iQOO Z10R and the CMF Phone 2 Pro are like the dynamic duo of budget phones, but which one’s the real deal? Let’s put on our detective hats and dig into the specs, the perks, and the potential pitfalls.

The Core Performance Clash: Who’s Got the Brains?

First stop: the brainpower. Both phones are rocking octa-core chipsets with the same GPU, so casual users won’t see much difference in everyday tasks. But here’s where things get spicy—the RAM game. The iQOO Z10R offers 8GB or 12GB options, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro sticks to 8GB. If you’re a multitasking maniac or a mobile gamer, that extra RAM on the iQOO Z10R could mean smoother sailing. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 in the iQOO Z10R is also a powerhouse for its price, so if raw performance is your thing, this one’s got the edge.

But wait—don’t dismiss the CMF Phone 2 Pro just yet. While it might not have the RAM muscle, it’s got something else going for it: efficiency. The Nothing ecosystem is sleek, and the software is optimized to run smoothly even with 8GB. So if you’re not a heavy-duty user, you might not even miss that extra RAM.

Battery Battle Royale: Who Lasts the Longest?

Now, let’s talk battery life—the lifeblood of any smartphone. The iQOO Z10R is packing a massive 7,300mAh battery, which is basically a power bank in phone form. The CMF Phone 2 Pro? Not so much. It’s got a decent battery, sure, but it’s no match for the iQOO’s endurance. If you’re the type who’s always on the go and can’t afford to be tethered to a charger, the iQOO Z10R is your best bet. Plus, it supports fast charging, so you can juice up in a flash when you do need a boost.

But here’s the twist—the CMF Phone 2 Pro isn’t exactly a slouch in the battery department. It’s got enough juice for a full day of moderate use, and if you’re not a power user, you might not even notice the difference. Plus, the transparent design is kinda cool—like a techy window into your phone’s soul.

Design Duel: Style vs. Substance

Now, let’s talk looks. The iQOO Z10R is a solid, no-nonsense phone with a conventional design. It’s functional, reliable, and gets the job done. But the CMF Phone 2 Pro? Oh, it’s a showstopper. That transparent back with the glowing glyph interface? It’s like a neon sign for tech lovers. The Nothing ecosystem integration is also a big plus if you’re already invested in their products. The software is clean, minimal, and just plain fun to use.

But here’s the thing—if you’re not into the whole “glow-up” aesthetic, the iQOO Z10R might be more your speed. It’s a classic, like a well-worn leather jacket. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, on the other hand, is more like a flashy sports car—it turns heads, but it’s not for everyone.

The Verdict: Who’s the Real MVP?

So, who wins this budget 5G showdown? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re all about performance and battery life, the iQOO Z10R is your guy. It’s got the power, the endurance, and the extra RAM to keep you going all day. But if you’re into design, customization, and a seamless ecosystem, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the way to go. It’s got style, substance, and that Nothing flair that sets it apart.

At the end of the day, both phones are solid contenders in the sub-₹25,000 market. The iQOO Z10R is the workhorse, while the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the showstopper. So, which one’s your pick? Let’s hear it, shopaholics—what’s your budget 5G dream phone?