Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsMy Experience with the iQOO Z9 5G After Switching from Realme Narzo 30 5G
Reviewed in India on 6 April 2024
Two weeks ago, I made the switch to the iQOO Z9 5G from my previous phone, the Realme Narzo 30 5G. Given the higher price point of the iQOO Z9 5G, I had high expectations. While there are certainly improvements, the experience hasn't been overwhelmingly better compared to its cost.
**Pros:**
Display and Touchscreen:The iQOO Z9 5G boasts a very smooth and high-resolution display, which is a noticeable upgrade. The touchscreen responsiveness is impressive and provides a seamless interaction experience.
Performance:This is where the iQOO Z9 5G shines. It's faster and I've experienced no lags whatsoever during my usage. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is a breeze.
Camera:The camera quality is good. However, I missed some of the AI scene recognition features that were available in my previous phone, which added a bit more versatility to the photography experience.
Storage and RAM:For my everyday needs, the storage and RAM have been sufficient. I haven't run into issues with storage space or multitasking performance.
Cons:
Battery:The battery life has been disappointing. It drains much faster, especially when using dual SIM and 5G capabilities. The phone struggles to retain charge, which is a significant drawback for me.
Operating System:The OS feels unpolished, with many pre-installed applications that I find useless. There's a notable lack of customization options, which makes the user experience feel constrained.
Connectivity:Although it shows 4G as 4G+, I've noticed a slowdown in mobile network connectivity. This has been particularly frustrating when making UPI payments, as the slowness directly impacts transaction times.
In conclusion, while the iQOO Z9 5G does offer some upgrades in terms of display, performance, and camera quality, it falls short in areas like battery life and operating system polish, which are crucial for a seamless smartphone experience. The connectivity issues further add to the frustration, making me question the value proposition of this upgrade.