Introduction
The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G is aiming to shake up the budget 5G smartphone market with its massive 6000mAh battery, 120Hz display, and Snapdragon chipset. But is it really the best pick under ₹15,000? Let’s dig into the features, pros, cons, and see if it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Z10 Lite keeps things simple with a clean plastic back and subtle iQOO branding. It’s lightweight for its battery size at around 195g, making it easier to hold despite the big 6.72-inch screen. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick, but the overall design feels familiar—nothing premium, but practical.
Pros:
- Solid build for budget segment
- Good in-hand feel despite big battery
Cons:
- Slightly thick due to 6000mAh battery
- Plastic back prone to scratches (use the case)
Display Quality
One of the standout features here is the 120Hz refresh rate. Most budget phones still ship with 60Hz or 90Hz panels. Scrolling feels smoother in daily use, especially for social media and light gaming.
Resolution is Full HD+, and colors are decent for the price. Brightness outdoors is acceptable, though not flagship level. You won’t get AMOLED-level contrast, but for LCD it’s pretty solid.
✅ Highlights:
- 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD
- 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals
- Decent brightness for outdoor use
Performance and Software
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a sensible choice for budget 5G. For daily tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, and browsing, it’s snappy. Light gaming is fine—expect games like BGMI or CoD Mobile on medium settings.
It runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14. Funtouch has improved recently, but still comes with some bloatware you may want to uninstall.
✅ Benchmarks (approx):
- Antutu ~400,000
- Geekbench single-core ~700, multi-core ~1800
Pros:
- Reliable 5G chipset for price
- Smooth daily performance
Cons:
- Some pre-installed apps
Battery and Charging
The massive 6000mAh battery is the main selling point. It easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days for average users. Even with heavy use (watching videos, social media, gaming), you can expect a full day.
It supports 18W charging—fair but slow compared to 33W or 44W competitors. Expect ~2 hours for a full charge.
✅ Battery Test (approx):
- Screen-on time: 9–10 hours typical
- Full charge time: ~2 hours
Camera Quality
The camera system is basic. The 50MP primary sensor performs well in daylight, delivering decent detail and color. Night shots are usable but noisy. Don’t expect flagship-level processing here.
Front camera is fine for video calls and social media selfies.
✅ Main camera: 50MP
✅ Front camera: 8MP
Pros:
- Good daylight shots
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Night photography struggles
- No ultrawide sensor
Connectivity and Extras
- Dual 5G SIM support
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Side fingerprint sensor (fast and reliable)
- Headphone jack (yay!)
How Does It Compare?
Compared to rivals like the Redmi 13C 5G or Samsung Galaxy M14 5G:
- The iQOO wins on battery capacity (6000mAh vs 5000mAh)
- Display refresh rate is higher (120Hz vs 90Hz on many rivals)
- Charging is slower (18W vs 25–33W on some competitors)
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If battery life is your #1 priority and you want 5G with a smooth 120Hz screen on a tight budget, the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G is easy to recommend.
But if you want faster charging, cleaner software, or better cameras, you might consider alternatives like the Redmi 13C 5G or Samsung M14 5G.
✅ Who should buy:
- Heavy users needing big battery
- Social media scrollers who want smooth display
- Budget gamers on medium settings
❌ Who should skip:
- Users who want ultrafast charging
- Photography enthusiasts
FAQs
Q: Does it have AMOLED?
No, it’s an LCD. But 120Hz is a big plus.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
Yes for light/medium gaming. Heavy games on low/medium settings.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Easily 1.5–2 days for typical use.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
For under ₹15,000, the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G nails the basics and stands out for battery life and display smoothness. It’s a solid choice for value hunters.
