Introduction :
This week, iQOO debuted the iQOO Z7 in India before releasing a second Z7 with distinct specifications in China. The Indian Z7 is already on sale, but the Chinese Z7 has not yet gone on sale. Norway Blue and Pacific Night are the two colour choices, with prices starting at INR18,999 ($230/€215). Here are our thoughts after interacting with it for some time.
Let’s examine the retail packaging for the iQOO Z7 first. Its style is comparable to that of the more expensive iQOO number series, but it has a smaller footprint. It comes with the standard papers, a SIM ejector tool, a protective container, a USB-C cord, and a 44W power converter.
Display Quality :
The 6.38″ FullHD+ AMOLED screen of the iQOO Z7 has a 90Hz frame rate and a maximum luminance of 1,300 nits. In the brief time we had with the phone, we discovered the fingerprint reader to be quick and accurate. The display is shielded by Schott Xensation Glass and has this feature underneath. Although for convenience of use, we would have preferred it to be positioned a little higher.
While we are grateful that iQOO chose to include an in-display fingerprint reader on the Z7 rather than opt for a side-mounted scanner like some other brands do despite the fact that their smartphones feature AMOLED panels, we are not as fond of the waterdrop notch used for the 16MP selfie camera instead of a punch hole like its Chinese counterpart. In 2023, this seems archaic.
On the plus side, the iQOO Z7 has Widevine L1 certification and an HDR10+-capable monitor that enables 1080p video streaming on OTT applications. The iQOO Z7’s Settings > Display & brightness > Screen refresh rates interface offers three choices for the screen refresh rate: 60Hz, 90Hz, and Smart Switch.
Refresh Rate :
While the 90Hz option increases the refresh rate to 90Hz in supported applications, the first one locks the screen refresh rate at 60Hz all the time. When you aren’t engaging with the screen, the refresh rate in the Smart Switch mode also goes up to 90Hz, which is strange because in this mode, other iQOO phones reduce the refresh rate after a few seconds. We expect that the bug that may be causing this will be rectified shortly.
Even if you are not engaging with the screen, some applications, like Google Photos, switch to 60Hz in Smart Switch mode from 90Hz in 90Hz mode. For the best scrolling experience possible, we advise sticking with the 90Hz option.
Camera Quality :
On the opposite side of the iQOO Z7, a rectangle two-step camera island that takes up just over 50% of the panel’s diameter can be seen. The 64MP main camera with OIS and 2MP depth sensor is located on the glossy upper panel. The second one features an LED light and a smooth finish.
On level surfaces, the Z7 wobbles due to its camera island, and the included cover doesn’t make it better.
Despite being made of plastic, the iQOO Z7’s back surface hardly ever developed fingerprint smudges during our testing. Our Norway Blue version’s rear cover features a glittery design that reflects various colours at varying angles. However, not everyone may favour the flat form, so we would also have the rear with curved sides for improved handling and ergonomics. Regardless, the Norway Blue variant of the iQOO Z7 is attractive, and we like it.
The power handle and volume rocker on the iQOO Z7 are sufficiently clicky, and the general construction is respectable.
RAM Management :
In terms of the hardware, the Dimensity 920 SoC houses the Indian iQOO Z7, which also has up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of extendable storage that can hold up to 1TB. The smartphone comes pre-installed with Funtouch OS, an Android 13-based operating system, and the February 2023 Android security fix. However, a firmware upgrade that raised it to March 2023 level required a download of about 320MB. The Z7 will ultimately run Android 15 thanks to iQOO’s pledge of three years of security patches and two years of Android version upgrades.
The Z7, like the majority of other iQOO smartphones, has third-party applications pre-installed; luckily, most of them can be removed if you don’t want them.
Battery Life :
A 4,500 mAh battery powers the complete device and can be charged at up to 45W through a USB-C connection. It is claimed to increase from 1% to 50% and 100% in 25 and 64 minutes, respectively. Other notable features of the iQOO Z7 include Wi-Fi 6, Motion Control, an IP54 classification, a 3.5mm audio port, and IP54 certification.
Pricing & Availability :
The 6GB/128GB variant of the iQOO Z7 costs INR18,999 ($230/€215), while the 8GB/128GB iteration costs INR19,999 ($240/€225). Both Amazon.in and the main iQOO India website sell it. It should be noted that this Z7 will continue to be sold only in India, and Malaysia is shortly to get the Snapdragon 782G-powered model that is presently available in China. You can click here to view a comprehensive specs comparison of the iQOO Z7 versions made in China and India.
