iQOO Z9s & Z9s Pro: Mid-Range Smartphone Powerhouses Redefining Budget 5G
The Indian smartphone market is a battleground where brands constantly jostle for dominance, especially in the fiercely competitive mid-range segment. Consumers demand high performance, premium features, and long-lasting battery life—all without emptying their wallets. Enter the iQOO Z9s and Z9s Pro, the latest contenders in the iQOO Z series, designed to deliver flagship-like experiences at a fraction of the price.
Priced aggressively around ₹20,000, these devices promise 5G connectivity, stunning AMOLED displays, powerful processors, and marathon battery life—features typically reserved for pricier models. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s dissect their specs, performance, and value proposition to see if they’re worth your hard-earned cash—or just another pair of budget phones with flashy marketing.
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Display & Design: A Visual Feast Without the Premium Price Tag
One of the standout features of the iQOO Z9s and Z9s Pro is their 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. Whether you’re gaming, binge-watching, or doomscrolling, the visuals pop with deep blacks and sharp contrast.
But brightness is where things get interesting. The Z9s peaks at 1800 nits, making it easily readable under harsh sunlight—a common pain point for budget phones. The Z9s Pro, however, takes it up a notch with an insane 4500 nits local peak brightness, a rarity even in premium devices. This means no more squinting at your screen outdoors—a major win for users who prioritize display quality.
Design-wise, both phones sport a 3D curved back, giving them a sleek, ergonomic feel. The Z9s Pro flaunts premium finishes like Titanium Matte, Onyx Green, Luxe Marble, and Flamboyant Orange Leather, catering to style-conscious buyers. While plastic frames keep costs down, the overall aesthetic doesn’t scream “budget.”
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Performance: MediaTek vs. Snapdragon—Which One Wins?
Under the hood, the iQOO Z9s packs the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, a 4nm octa-core chip that balances power and efficiency. It handles multitasking and casual gaming with ease, though hardcore gamers might crave more muscle for titles like *Genshin Impact* or *Call of Duty: Mobile*.
The Z9s Pro, however, flexes the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a more refined processor with better thermal management and sustained performance. This makes it the better choice for power users who demand smoother frame rates and faster app launches.
Both models come with 8GB of RAM, ensuring snappy performance even with multiple apps open. While some competitors offer 12GB variants, iQOO’s extended RAM feature (borrowing storage as virtual RAM) helps bridge the gap.
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Battery & Charging: No More Range Anxiety
Battery life is a make-or-break feature for budget buyers, and iQOO doesn’t disappoint. Both phones house a massive 5500mAh battery, easily lasting 1.5 to 2 days on moderate use.
Where they differ is charging speed:
– Z9s: 44W fast charging (0-50% in ~30 mins)
– Z9s Pro: 80W ultra-fast charging (0-50% in ~15 mins)
The Z9s Pro also includes a 4-year battery health guarantee, promising at least 80% capacity retention after 1,460 charge cycles. This is a rare commitment in the budget segment, where battery degradation is often a silent killer.
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Camera & AI Tricks: More Than Just a Basic Shooter
Budget phones often skimp on cameras, but the Z9s and Z9s Pro punch above their weight. Both feature a Sony IMX882 sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), ensuring sharper low-light shots and smoother videos.
The Z9s Pro goes further with AI Erase, letting users magically remove photobombers or unwanted objects—a feature usually seen in pricier flagships. While it’s not perfect, it’s a fun addition for social media enthusiasts.
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Verdict: Should You Buy the iQOO Z9s or Z9s Pro?
The iQOO Z9s and Z9s Pro are compelling options in the ₹20,000-₹25,000 range, offering premium displays, strong performance, and marathon battery life.
– Pick the Z9s if: You want a solid all-rounder with a great display and decent performance.
– Go for the Z9s Pro if: You crave faster charging, better brightness, and AI camera tricks.
While rivals like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Realme 12 Pro offer stiff competition, iQOO’s aggressive pricing and unique features make these phones a smart buy for budget-conscious power users.
In a market flooded with compromises, the Z9s series proves you don’t always have to pay a premium for a great smartphone experience. Now, the only question is—which color will you pick?