Looking for a phone that offers a smooth 5G experience without breaking the bank? The iQOO Z5 5G might be the answer you’ve been scrolling for. Launched in 2023, it sits comfortably in the mid-range segment, packing some impressive features for everyday users and gamers alike. But is it still a worthy contender in the ever-evolving smartphone market of 2024? Let’s dive in and find out.
Striking Design and Display: All About the Big Picture
The iQOO Z5 5G boasts a sleek and stylish design. At first glance, it exudes a certain premium feel, thanks to its glossy plastic back that comes in two colour options – Arctic Dawn (a cool, shimmering white) and Fiery Red (a vibrant, head-turning red). While some might prefer a glass back for that extra luxurious touch, the plastic construction helps keep the weight down, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The phone dominates the front with a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display. While it doesn’t boast the high refresh rates of some flagship phones, it offers a sharp Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) that delivers crisp visuals for everyday tasks, watching videos, and even casual gaming. The bezels are kept minimal, maximizing screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience.
Performance Packed: Can It Handle Your Daily Grind?
The iQOO Z5 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G processor, a reliable mid-range chipset that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, browsing the web, or juggling multiple apps, the phone delivers smooth performance without any noticeable lag.
For gamers on a budget, the Z5 5G holds its own. It can handle popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) at decent settings, though you might need to tweak the graphics settings for a perfectly smooth experience in more demanding titles.
The phone comes in two RAM configurations: 8GB and 12GB. Coupled with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, this ensures you have enough space for your apps, games, photos, and videos. If you’re a heavy multitasker or love mobile photography, opting for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant might be a wise choice.
Camera Capabilities: Can it Capture Those Insta-Worthy Moments?
The iQOO Z5 5G sports a triple-camera system on the back, featuring a main 64MP sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. In good lighting conditions, the main sensor can capture decent photos with good detail and colour reproduction. However, low-light performance is a bit average, with photos appearing slightly grainy and lacking sharpness. The ultrawide sensor is handy for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots, while the macro sensor allows you to get up close and personal with small objects.
The front-facing camera comes in at a respectable 16MP, which is more than enough for capturing clear selfies and video calls.
Overall, the camera system on the iQOO Z5 5G is decent for a mid-range phone. It will capture good-looking photos in most everyday situations, but low-light photography might leave you wanting more.
Power Play: Long-Lasting Battery and Speedy Charging
The iQOO Z5 5G comes equipped with a massive 5000mAh battery, which is excellent news for heavy phone users. On a single charge, you can easily expect to get a full day’s worth of usage, with some light usage even stretching it to two days.
When it comes to charging, the Z5 5G supports 44W fast charging. This means you can go from zero to around 70% in just about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re running low on juice.
The Verdict: A Balanced Choice for Budget-Minded Users
So, is the iQOO Z5 5G still a good buy in 2024? The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a phone with a stylish design, a smooth display, good enough performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming, and a long-lasting battery, then the Z5 5G ticks all the right boxes. The camera system is decent, but low-light photography might be a bit of a letdown for some users.
