iQOO Z7s 5G: Amid the sea of budget 5G phones, the iQOO Z7s 5G is an absolute no-nonsense device. It doesn’t try to pack everything into a single quarter, but what it does provide — it’s very good at. It’s also one of the smoothest and most polished choices in its price range, with a bright AMOLED screen and fast software that runs like a dream.
Even if you’re in the market for a phone under ₹15,000–₹16,000 and don’t mind doing all your daily tasks without much fuss, the Z7s 5G is something you should definitely consider.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this phone such a strong contender — and where it slips up just a bit.
Design Aesthetic, Minimalistic Design and Comfortable to Wear
The iQOO Z7s 5G has this clean, boxy design that is complemented by a matte finish on the back. It’s not attempting to dazzle you with color-changing panels or aggressive branding — and frankly, that’s a relief. The phone, which comes in Pacific Night and Norway Blue, is simple and elegant in appearance.
It’s lightweight at only 172 grams and there is a screen protector already installed, so that’s two things you don’t need to worry about.
The plastic construction may not scream “premium,” but it feels solid and doesn’t pick up smudges too quickly. The frame is strong, and the in-hand feel is actually quite good for a phone in this price range.
Screen: Some Affordable AMOLED Love
The iQOO Z7s 5G’s 6.38-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate is one of its main highlights. This is uncommon for its price point. The screen is bright, the colours are popping and the contrast is stunning – featuring deep blacks and the AMOLED tech.
Outdoor visibility is great with 1300 nits peak brightness. Whether you’re watching Netflix, or just cruising around on Instagram in broad daylight, the screen is always easy to read and get lost in.
Performance: It’s Not a Giant Slouch for Day-to-Day Tasks
Under the hood, the Z7s 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, accompanied by 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage. It’s not a gaming monster, but for everyday folks, it offers smooth, lag-free performance.
Apps open quickly and multitasking is taken care of well and games such as BGMI and Call of Duty run at decent settings.
And it has an Extended RAM feature reaching up to 8GB that allows background apps to remain active and multitasking to be more seamless.
Good cooling to keep thermal performance at bay during extended usage is also included, as well as 5G support.
Software: Clean and Optimized
The device is powered by Funtouch OS 13 on top of Android 13. It’s one of the more stable iterations of Funtouch OS, giving you many features without feeling bloated. It’s true there are some preinstalled apps, but you can get rid of most of them.
You’ll find your usual features such a Ultra Game Mode, AoD and UI customization – all seated within a fairly slick and responsive experience.
Cameras: Great for the Basics
The iQOO Z7s 5G comes with a 64MP primary camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) — a great pro in this price segment. Daylight photos have punchy colours and decent dynamic range with good detail.
The OIS is great for low-light shots so they’re less blurry and more stable.
The 2MP depth sensor is a bit of a filler, but the 16MP front camera is a good performer for selfies and video calls. It’s so-so in low-light situations, but it’s nothing spectacular.
Battery Life and Charging
For power, the Z7s 5G comes with a 4500mAh battery which can last easily for a day on regular usage.
You can go from 0 to 50% in just over 25 minutes with the 44W fast charging support – great for the people always on the move.
It’s no marathon battery like some 6000mAh behemoths out there, but it’s the right balance of battery life and weight for most people.
Pros of iQOO Z7s 5G
90Hz Refresh Rate AMOLED Display
(Ad) Performance The Snapdragon 695 provides for smooth and efficient performance.
And the sight of a 64MP OIS camera sensor, something that isn’t very common in this price segment.
44W fast charging
Go for a lightweight and comfortable design
Fun touch OS is rinsed with the Android 13
Cons of iQOO Z7s 5G
No ultra-wide camera
Plastic build (though solid)
Mono speaker only
Bloatware is still a thing, but it s manageable
Mediocre battery against some rivals
iQOO Z7s 5G Final Verdict
The iQOO Z7s 5G is a clean, lean, well-oiled machine where everything just works as it should. It may not be the shiniest or most feature-packed in its segment, but it has what it takes where it counts: a good display, solid fast charging, decent performance, and reliable cameras.
If you want to buy a good mid-range phone under ₹16,000 that doesn’t compromise the essentials, then the Z7s 5G is a great pick.