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| Photo Credit : IQOO |
On June 18, 2025, iQOO took the wraps off its newest budget 5G contender in India: the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G, starting at just ₹9,999. Positioned as the brand’s most affordable 5G smartphone, it brings together a large 6,000 mAh battery, a speedy MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a 50 MP Sony primary camera, and an IP64 rating—all under a sleek, modern design. In this article, we’ll dissect each aspect of the Z10 Lite 5G, explain what these specs mean in real-world use, and see how this device stacks up in the fiercely competitive sub-₹15,000 segment.
Design & Display
The Z10 Lite 5G sports a 6.74‑inch HD+ LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits peak brightness—rare in this price bracket. A smoother 90 Hz refresh makes animations and scrolling feel snappier, while the high brightness ensures legibility even under harsh sunlight. The LCD panel is TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue light, reducing eye strain during extended use. Physically, the phone carries an IP64 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can withstand water splashes—a substantial durability boost for budget buyers
Performance & Gaming
Under the hood, the Z10 Lite 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G SoC, built on a 6 nm process. It houses two Cortex‑A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz for heavier tasks and six Cortex‑A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency, paired with a Mali‑G57 MC2 GPU. This balance delivers smooth day‑to‑day performance—be it social media scrolling, video playback, or productivity apps—and entry‑level gaming at medium settings. To further aid multitasking, iQOO offers up to 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM plus 8 GB virtual RAM, which borrows from storage when RAM demands spike
Battery & Charging
One of the Z10 Lite’s standout features is its 6,000 mAh battery. In testing, such capacity typically translates to over two full days of moderate usage—think text, calls, social media, and occasional gaming—before needing a charge. The handset supports 15 W wired charging, which isn’t blisteringly fast but replenishes roughly 50 percent in about an hour. Notably, iQOO claims the battery will retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity even after 1,500 charge cycles, equating to around three years of daily charging without significant degradation
Camera Capabilities
Camera performance often lags in budget devices, but iQOO bucks the trend with a 50 MP Sony IMX598 primary sensor featuring an f/1.8 aperture. This relatively large sensor allows for more light capture, improving detail and low‑light performance. Daylight shots come out crisp, with good dynamic range and accurate colors; night mode leverages multi‑frame processing to brighten shadows without overly boosting noise. On the front, a 5 MP selfie camera resides in the notch, adequate for video calls and casual selfies. AI enhancements—like AI Erase and AI Document—also help refine images and scan documents on the fly
Software & AI Features
Shipping with Android 15 and the latest Funtouch OS skin, the Z10 Lite 5G promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, ensuring the device remains current and secure well into the future. iQOO’s software adds tailored features like Ultra Game Mode—which offers floating windows for performance toggles mid‑game—and a Dynamic Volume Booster that amplifies audio output by up to 200 percent for an immersive listening experience
Price, Variants & Availability
iQOO offers three memory configurations:
4 GB + 128 GB at ₹9,9996 GB + 128 GB at ₹10,999
8 GB + 256 GB at ₹12,999Available in Cyber Green and Titanium Blue, the phone goes on sale from June 25 via the iQOO India e‑store and Amazon.in. Early buyers using select SBI bank cards can avail an additional ₹500 instant discount on the base variant, effectively bringing it down to ₹9,499
How It Compares
Against rivals such as the Redmi Note 13R or Realme Narzo 70, the Z10 Lite’s large battery, IP64 rating, and dedicated Sony camera sensor give it an edge. While competitors may offer AMOLED displays or faster charging, iQOO’s combination of 90 Hz refresh, robust battery longevity, and assured software support makes it a compelling all‑rounder for budget‑conscious buyers seeking future‑ready hardware.
The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G punches above its weight, delivering a balanced package of long‑lasting battery life, satisfactory performance, a high‑resolution Sony camera, and durable design—all starting at ₹9,999. For users who prioritize day‑to‑day reliability, dependable updates, and 5G connectivity on a shoestring budget, the Z10 Lite 5G is a noteworthy contender. In a crowded segment, it stands out not by groundbreaking innovations, but by refining the essentials and delivering them at an accessible price point. If you’re eyeing your next budget 5G smartphone, iQOO’s latest offering merits a close look.
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