Launch report · iQOO

iQOO Z9: Sony OIS and a bright AMOLED on a sub-$250 gaming-leaning budget phone.

SpecEagle Editorial·Apr 2024·$230·Score 66/100

Z9 gives the spec-sheet trio a budget buyer screenshots — OIS Sony camera, bright AMOLED, big battery — and keeps the jack and microSD. The Dimensity 7200 holds frame rates where it matters. The filler second lens and IP54 are the price; for the money it lands well.

Key specs at launch

Display
6.67" AMOLED 120 Hz
Chipset
Dimensity 7200
Memory
8 GB · 128 GB
Main cam
50 MP · OIS
Battery
5,000 mAh
Weight
186 g
What stands out
  • Sony IMX882 with OIS at $230.
  • 1,800-nit AMOLED.
  • Headphone jack + microSD survive.
  • Dimensity 7200 handles BGMI at high settings.
What to watch
  • 2 MP bokeh filler instead of ultrawide.
  • IP54 splash only.
  • Funtouch ships heavy bloat.
  • Two OS updates.
The phone it has to beat
Moto G85
$299 · score 74/100