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The reality is that a device sold at a cheap price will have various issues that you won't face if you buy a premium or flagship mid-range device. Among the issues that are commonly heard are the screen is not very bright, the performance is disappointing, the software is not smooth and the camera capabilities are equivalent to potatoes.
This year we have already reviewed several devices under RM1000 such as Redmi 12C and Realme C55. Although affordable it is difficult to recommend to all but individuals who are looking for a cheap device. But with the iQOO Z7X, we found a device under RM1000 that is cheap but dignified.
SPECIFICATIONS
iQOO Z7
6.64″ IPS LCD screen,
1080 x 2388 , 120Hz, HDR10
Snapdragon 695 processor (6nm)
2 X 2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold Chip
6 X 1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver
Adreno 619 Graphics Chip
RAM 8 GB LPDDR4X
Internal Storage 128/256 GB UFS 2.2
Primary Camera 50MP, f/1.8, OIS (Wide Angle)
2MP, f/2.4 (Depth)
Selfie Camera 8 MP f/2.0
6000 mAh battery
80W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System Side finger scanner
Sale Price RM 999 (8/128GB)
RM 1099 (8/256GB)
SCREEN
The 6.64″ FHD+ screen is from the IPS LCD family but supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can be changed to dynamic settings, 60Hz, 90Hz or 120Hz all the time if needed. Scrolling and animations on this screen appear smooth without stuttering issues. The content still looks sharp even though the screen is of the IPS LCD type. It's just that as usual the viewing angle of the screen is not so brilliant under the scorching sunlight.
The bezel does not have an even thickness with it being thickest at the chin. Lack of symmetry on the screen but for a device at this price tag it's inevitable.
FINGERPRINT SCANNER
The fingerprint scanner is placed on the right side built into the power button. The power button protrudes from the body without a groove to make it easier for the scanner to detect. The unlocking process is fast on the Z7X just less consistent. This is the same experience as on the iQOO Z7 that we reviewed a few weeks ago. It is very likely that this is the same sensor so it is not surprising that the performance is also similar.
DESIGN
The design is very similar to the Z7 with only a few minor changes. The power button along with the fingerprint scanner and audio controls are placed on the right side. Meanwhile, a 3.5m audio jack, a speaker grille, and a USB-C charging port are placed below. The SIM tray is placed on top which supports nano-sized dual-SIM. This is the first change between the two models. On the Z7, the audio jack is on the top and the SIM tray is on the bottom.
The back panel is made of a non-glossy metal material. Dirt does not easily adhere to these panels allowing them to be used without a frame if that is what the owner wants. The device is very comfortable in the hand even though its size can be considered large. All physical buttons are easily accessible with just one hand. It's also not smooth because of the slightly rough texture of the back panel.
On the back there is a moderately large camera bump. It is big but not tall. Good news because it makes the device still easy to place on the table. A large square-shaped glass dominates the hump of this camera. Another difference with the Z7 is that there is no OIS label on the camera located in the hump.
The downsides are the lack of micro SD card support and no waterproofing standards. This may be done by iQOO to reduce the cost of the device. However, the absence of a micro SD card slot is disappointing as the Z7X is only offered with 128GB and 256GB storage. This storage size is not that big if the owner wants to use the device for a long period of time. Lastly, the speakers are also of the mono type, so premium audio systems such as Dolby Atmos are not supported.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE
The Funtouch OS 13 operating system is used with it being based on Android 13. With the use of the latest operating system, many of the latest features of Android 13 can be used. An example is that the theme of the device changes according to the screen background used. During the review period of about a week, we did not have any serious issues with the use of the device. The Snapdragon 695 chip is still powerful in 2023 despite launching at the end of 2021. This is a chip with eight CPU cores using a 2+6 configuration. It also supports the 5G network which is now a requirement in Malaysia.
All models come with 8GB of RAM which is sufficient for a device in this class. If this memory still feels insufficient, the Extended RAM feature adds up to 8GB more RAM. You can turn this feature off if not needed. Unlike on Xiaomi and Samung devices, Extended RAM can only be activated with 8GB of RAM without any ability to change its size manually by the owner.
No issues installing the majority of apps like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Prime Video and TikTok. Launching the application is also fast because of the UFS type. The experience of using Funtouch OS is very similar to the original Android so there are not so many additional features included. A little basic in terms of design but this launcher doesn't feel heavy to use. We believe that for most users looking basic but smooth is more important than looking beautiful but clumsy like someone just learning to drive a manual car.
Here are some interesting features that come with iQOO Z7.
Variable screen refresh rate – Change the screen refresh rate to 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz or dynamically according to application needs.
Mini Screen Mode – The screen is reduced to facilitate one-handed use.
Extended RAM – 8GB of virtual memory can be added by taking storage space.
App hiding – Hides applications from being displayed on the device.
Ultra Game Mode – A special mode for gaming with various features to reduce distractions during the first session.
Simple Mode – The interface is easier for children and the elderly to use.
Monster Mode – A mode that increases processing power.
BENCH MARK
Snapdragon 695 5G capabilities are modest but still adequate for daily use. Although it is almost two years old, various major and first applications can still be launched without any major issues.
In the main benchmark tests Antutu 3D, Geekbench 6 and 3D Mark it recorded a score comparable to OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, and Realme 10 Coca Cola equipped with the same chip. We've also included a score for the Samsung Galaxy A34 with Dimensity 1080 as a comparison for those looking for a slightly more powerful device.
Geekbench 6
iQOO Z7X – 899/2109
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 876/1972
Samsung Galaxy A34– 1032/2254
Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola – 852/1907
AnTuTu 3D
iQOO Z7X – 410,677
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 400,999
Samsung Galaxy A34 – 474,409
Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola – 406,243
3DMark
iQOO Z7X – 1196
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite – 1209
Samsung Galaxy A34 –
Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola – 1127
Popular games such as Free Fire, PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile can only run on medium graphics settings due to the old chips. We recommend the above three applications to be played on medium settings only if high frame rates are important to the device owner. After a few long first sessions, we could feel the Z7X getting a little warm. Various popular applications can be launched without any issues. For a mid-range device, the iQOO Z7X has satisfactory performance.
TELEPHONY And GPS
5G network can be enjoyed on iQOO Z7X. Phone calls via VoLTE and VoWiFi feature are also possible and if your telecom company supports it. Clear voice calls are also possible without frequent dropout issues. The GPS performance is also good because the location can be tracked in the Waze and Google Maps applications in just a few seconds.
CAMERA
The Z7X's camera system is very basic as it is only equipped with a 50MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera does not have an OIS system. Meanwhile on the front an 8MP sensor is used for the selfie camera. The camera app has various basic features such as panorama, portrait and night mode.
The photographic capabilities of the Z7X are modest with bright images being taken if there is sufficient light. But we can see that the resulting image is less sharp due to the lack of OIS system. As a result, the night mode is also not good because the slightest movement will result in the image appearing softer. The picture on the picture looks alive but warmer than the actual situation.
BATTERY
Battery life is excellent with SOT of 9-10 hours consistently achievable every day. On moderate use, there is still around 20-30% battery left at the end of the day. The included 6000 mAh battery lasts a long time. Recharging it takes around an hour using the included 80W charger. It is amazing that a device sold at a price below RM1100 supports such fast charging.
AUDIO
Only mono speakers are used at the bottom. The audio output is unbalanced but still loud enough. To watch videos using the Z7X is less satisfactory because of the less than perfect physical audio system. The good news is that there is a 3.5mm audio jack for those who still have wired audio accessories. Overall the audio performance of the Z7X is just average.
IN THE BOX
Here is what is received in the box with purchase.
1x iQOO Z7X
1x 80W Charger
1x Silicone frame.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
At a starting price of RM999, the iQOO Z7X is a dignified affordable device. There's 5G support, a fast 120Hz screen, a mid-range chip that still provides smooth usage and a large-capacity battery that's pretty durable. There is also fast charging which is very comfortable to use with one hand.
Its closest competitor devices are OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and Realme 10 Pro. All three devices are the best so far in the sub-RM1500 category. The reviewed 8/128GB model is only sold at a price of RM999. This is the reason why we give it the status of the best phone under RM1000 in the market right now.
There are still some compromises such as a camera with a basic lens, mono speakers and a screen with rather thick bezels. But at the price offered, we feel it's a decent budget device.
Pro
The 120Hz screen makes the use look smooth.
Satisfactory processor performance for the majority of applications.
Long lasting battery with 80W fast charging.
The price is very affordable for the specifications offered.
Cons
The screen is just LCD.
Mono speaker.
Asymmetric thick screen bezels.
No ultra wide angle camera.