The smartphone market welcomed an exciting new addition in April 2025 when iQOO launched the Z10 Lite, a device that promises to deliver premium features at an accessible price point. This comprehensive review explores what makes this device stand out in the competitive mid-range segment.
Launch and Availability
iQOO announced the Z10 Lite on April 11, 2025, and made it available to consumers just five days later on April 16, 2025. This quick turnaround from announcement to availability demonstrates the company’s confidence in their latest offering and their eagerness to capture market share in the bustling smartphone landscape.
Design and Build Quality
The iQOO Z10 Lite showcases a sleek and modern design philosophy that appeals to contemporary users. With dimensions of 163.4 x 76.4 x 7.9 mm, the device strikes an excellent balance between screen real estate and comfortable handling. Despite packing powerful internals, the phone maintains a reasonable weight of 199 grams, making it comfortable for extended use.
The device supports dual Nano-SIM configuration, catering to users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or want to separate personal and professional communications. One notable feature that adds to its durability credentials is the splash resistance and MIL-STD-810H compliance, though users should note that this doesn’t guarantee ruggedness for extreme conditions.
Color options include Stellar Black and Glacier Silver, providing users with choices that suit different style preferences. The Stellar Black variant offers a sophisticated, professional look, while the Glacier Silver provides a more contemporary and eye-catching appearance.
Display Excellence
The standout feature of the iQOO Z10 Lite is undoubtedly its impressive display technology. The device features a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen that delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of this display technology. With a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels, users can expect sharp text and detailed images with a pixel density of approximately 388 ppi.
The display supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and responsive touch interactions. This high refresh rate particularly benefits gaming enthusiasts and users who consume multimedia content regularly. The 3840Hz PWM dimming technology helps reduce eye strain during extended usage periods, making it more comfortable for users who spend considerable time on their devices.
Brightness capabilities are particularly impressive, with the screen reaching 1300 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM) for excellent outdoor visibility. The peak brightness of 5000 nits ensures that content remains visible even in direct sunlight conditions. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 88.8% maximizes the viewing area while maintaining manageable device dimensions.
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, the iQOO Z10 Lite runs on the Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, built on an efficient 4nm manufacturing process. This chipset delivers solid performance for daily tasks while maintaining reasonable power consumption.
The octa-core CPU configuration includes one high-performance Cortex-A720 core running at 2.5 GHz, three additional Cortex-A720 cores at 2.4 GHz, and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A520 cores at 1.8 GHz. This arrangement ensures optimal performance distribution between demanding applications and background processes.
Graphics processing is handled by the Adreno 710 GPU running at 940 MHz, providing smooth performance for mobile gaming and multimedia applications. Users can expect consistent frame rates in popular mobile games and smooth video playback across various formats.
The device ships with Android 15, offering users the latest features and security updates from Google. iQOO promises up to two major Android upgrades, ensuring the device remains current with evolving software standards. The Funtouch 15 interface provides additional customization options and features tailored to enhance the user experience.
Memory and Storage Options
iQOO offers the Z10 Lite in multiple memory configurations to suit different user needs and budgets:
- 128GB storage with 8GB RAM
- 256GB storage with 8GB RAM
- 256GB storage with 12GB RAM
- 512GB storage with 12GB RAM
All variants utilize UFS 2.2 storage technology, providing faster app loading times and file transfers compared to older storage standards. However, users should note that the device doesn’t include an expandable storage slot, so choosing the right storage capacity at purchase is important for long-term satisfaction.
The generous RAM options ensure smooth multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between applications without experiencing significant slowdowns or app reloads.
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup on the iQOO Z10 Lite’s rear panel. The primary camera features a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, utilizing a 1/1.95″ sensor size with 0.8µm pixel size. This configuration ensures good goodlight-gatheringg capabilities for both daylight and low-light photography.
The inclusion of Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) enhances the camera’s ability to capture sharp, blur-free images even in challenging conditions. The OIS feature is particularly beneficial for handheld photography and video recording, reducing the impact of camera shake.
A secondary 2MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture assists in creating professional-looking portrait shots with natural background blur effects. Additional camera features include LED flash for low-light situations, HDR processing for balanced exposures, and panorama mode for capturing wide landscape shots.
Video recording capabilities include 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p recording at both 30fps and 60fps options. The built-in gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) helps maintain smooth video footage during handheld recording sessions.
For selfie photography, the front-facing camera houses a 32MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of capturing detailed self-portraits and supporting video calls. The front camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, suitable for video conferencing and social media content creation.
Audio and Connectivity
The iQOO Z10 Lite includes a loudspeaker for media playback and speakerphone functionality, though it lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Users who prefer wired audio connections will need to utilize USB-C adapters or embrace wireless audio solutions.
Connectivity options vary by market, with the Indian variant supporting Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band, while the Indonesian version includes more advanced Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 support. Bluetooth connectivity includes version 5.2 in India and 5.4 in Indonesia, both supporting A2DP and LE protocols for versatile audio device compatibility.
Location services are comprehensive, supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS positioning systems for accurate navigation across different regions. NFC support is market-dependent, enabling contactless payments and quick device pairing where available.
An infrared port adds convenience for controlling compatible home appliances, while the USB Type-C 2.0 connector supports OTG functionality for connecting external storage devices and accessories.
Advanced Features and Security
Modern smartphone features include an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure device access, complemented by traditional security options. The device includes standard sensors such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, and a compass for enhanced functionality across various applications.
A notable software feature is Circle to Search integration, allowing users to search for information about on-screen content through simple gesture interactions.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the most impressive aspects of the iQOO Z10 Lite is its substantial 7300mAh Si/C Li-Ion battery, providing exceptional battery life for users with heavy usage patterns. This large capacity ensures that most users can comfortably use the device throughout a full day without requiring midday charging.
The 90W wired charging capability significantly reduces charging times, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. Additionally, reverse wired charging functionality enables the device to charge other compatible devices, adding versatility for users who carry multiple electronic devices.
Pricing and Market Position
With a starting price of ₹21,998, the iQOO Z10 Lite positions itself competitively in the mid-range smartphone segment. This pricing strategy makes advanced features like a 120Hz AMOLED display, 90W fast charging, and substantial battery capacity accessible to a broader user base.
Safety and Compliance
The device maintains SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values of 0.99 W/kg for head exposure and 0.87 W/kg for body exposure, complying with international safety standards for mobile device radiation exposure.
Conclusion
The iQOO Z10 Lite represents a well-rounded smartphone that successfully combines premium features with accessible pricing. Its standout 120Hz AMOLED display, robust 7300mAh battery, capable camera system, and solid performance make it an attractive option for users seeking value in the mid-range segment.
The device particularly appeals to users who prioritize display quality, battery life, and charging speed. While it may not compete with flagship devices in every aspect, it offers an excellent balance of features that meet the needs of most smartphone users without the premium price tag.
For potential buyers considering the iQOO Z10 Lite, the device delivers a strong value proposition with its combination of modern features, reliable performance, and competitive pricing in the current smartphone market.