iQOO Z9 Review India: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?

The iQOO Z9, now two years post its initial March 2024 launch, positions itself as a strong contender for budget-conscious Indian consumers seeking a reliable 5G smartphone without breaking the bank. This article is for those prioritising raw performance, a vibrant display, and solid battery life for daily use, including casual gaming and multimedia consumption, typically under Rs 15,000 in June 2026. This review is not for users demanding flagship-level camera versatility, the absolute latest software updates two years down the line, or a premium build with an IP68 rating. If your primary goal is a cost-effective device that still delivers a punch in the crucial areas, read on to see if the iQOO Z9 fits your requirements.

At a glance: iQOO Z9 vs. Key Competitors (June 2026)

Pricing & Availability

In June 2026, the iQOO Z9 has comfortably settled into the highly competitive sub-Rs 15,000 segment, often found for around Rs 12,499 for its 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 8GB/256GB model typically retails for Rs 13,999. This pricing makes it an attractive proposition, especially considering its original launch price point was closer to Rs 19,999. The device is readily available across major online retailers like Amazon.in and Flipkart, and can also be found in offline stores such as Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales, often with additional bank offers or exchange bonuses. This widespread availability ensures that even consumers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can easily purchase the device and access after-sales support.

Performance & Gaming

The iQOO Z9’s standout feature, even two years on, remains its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC. This 4nm chipset was a performance leader in its segment at launch and continues to hold its own against newer, similarly priced budget processors. For daily tasks, including social media browsing, multitasking with several apps, and navigating Funtouch OS 14, the Dimensity 7200 offers a smooth and lag-free experience, as noted by reviewers at 91mobiles. Gaming performance is where the Z9 truly shines in its current price bracket. Popular titles like BGMI run consistently at 60fps on ‘Smooth’ graphics settings, with ‘Balanced’ or even ‘HD’ settings being playable at respectable frame rates. While it won’t match the absolute peak performance of current mid-range chipsets, for its Rs 12,499 price, the iQOO Z9 delivers a gaming experience that rivals or surpasses many contemporaries, including devices powered by the Snapdragon 695 or Dimensity 6080, according to performance tests highlighted by GSMArena.

The phone manages heat well, even during extended gaming sessions, which is crucial during the Indian summer. The VC Cooling System, as advertised by iQOO, appears effective in maintaining thermal stability, preventing significant performance throttling. The presence of UFS 2.2 storage (for the 128GB variant) and LPDDR4X RAM further contributes to fast app loading and multitasking efficiency.

Display & Design

The iQOO Z9 features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a significant advantage in its current price category. The AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for multimedia consumption, whether watching videos on YouTube or browsing photos. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a buttery-smooth scrolling experience across the UI and in compatible apps. Peak brightness of up to 1800 nits, as reported by Gadgets360, means outdoor visibility under harsh Indian sunlight is generally good, a practical benefit for users on the go. The display also incorporates a punch-hole cutout for the front camera and relatively slim bezels, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.

In terms of design, the iQOO Z9 sports a plastic frame and back, which is standard for its price point. It maintains an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, offering some peace of mind against accidental spills or monsoon humidity. The device feels reasonably premium for its construction, and its 7.83mm thickness and 188g weight make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The design might not turn heads in 2026, but it is functional and robust enough for daily Indian usage, capable of withstanding minor bumps and voltage spikes with a good quality case.

Camera System

The camera setup on the iQOO Z9 consists of a 50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), using the Sony IMX882 sensor, and a largely inconsequential 2MP depth sensor. For a phone in its current price bracket, the 50MP OIS main camera is a strong performer in well-lit conditions. Images captured exhibit good detail, accurate colours, and decent dynamic range. The OIS is particularly beneficial for reducing blur in handheld shots and improving low-light performance, allowing for slightly longer exposures without camera shake. Reviewers like NDTV Gadgets noted its capable performance for social media-ready photos. In challenging low-light scenarios, the camera performs adequately, with the dedicated Night Mode helping to brighten scenes, though noise levels can increase. The 16MP front camera captures decent selfies for video calls and social sharing, especially in good lighting. However, the absence of an ultrawide sensor or a dedicated macro lens limits versatility, a common compromise in budget smartphones. While it won’t compete with more expensive devices, for everyday photography and capturing memories, the iQOO Z9’s main camera delivers reliable results within its segment.

Battery & Software Experience

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the iQOO Z9 provides excellent battery life. Most users on Jio or Airtel networks can expect a full day of heavy usage, including browsing, calls, and an hour or two of gaming, without needing to recharge. Moderate users can even stretch it to a day and a half. The Dimensity 7200’s power efficiency, combined with iQOO’s Funtouch OS optimisations, contributes significantly to this endurance. When it’s time to recharge, the included 44W fast charger can take the battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, and a full charge takes just over an hour, a convenient feature for busy lifestyles. This fast charging capability is a definite plus in the budget segment, where many competitors still offer slower charging speeds.

The software experience is based on Funtouch OS 14, running on Android 14. While the phone launched with Android 14, by June 2026, it is unlikely to receive further major Android version updates (e.g., Android 15 or 16). However, iQOO has a decent track record for delivering security updates for a reasonable period. Funtouch OS offers a feature-rich experience with customisation options, though it does come with some pre-installed bloatware, which can be uninstalled for the most part. The UI is generally smooth and responsive, complementing the display’s high refresh rate. The dual-SIM 5G functionality works seamlessly on both major Indian networks, ensuring stable connectivity across urban and rural areas.

Verdict

The iQOO Z9, in June 2026, stands as a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers in India. Its MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor continues to deliver exceptional performance for its price point, making it a strong recommendation for mobile gamers and power users on a tight budget. The vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display and excellent battery life with 44W fast charging further cement its value. While the camera system is reliable for everyday shots, especially with OIS, it lacks versatility compared to higher-priced devices. Similarly, while the build quality is sturdy for its segment, it’s not premium. For approximately Rs 12,499, if your priorities are raw performance, a great screen, and long battery life, the iQOO Z9 remains a highly recommendable smartphone. It represents an enduring value proposition, proving that a two-year-old device can still outperform many newer competitors in its class.

FAQ

1. Is the iQOO Z9 good for gaming in 2026?
   Yes, the iQOO Z9 remains an excellent budget gaming phone in 2026. Its Dimensity 7200 processor handles popular titles like BGMI smoothly at high frame rates on suitable settings, outperforming many similarly priced phones, as confirmed by performance reviews from MySmartPrice.
2. Does the iQOO Z9 support 5G in India?
   Absolutely. The iQOO Z9 is a 5G-enabled smartphone with support for multiple 5G bands, ensuring seamless connectivity on Indian networks such as Jio and Airtel across the country.
3. Will the iQOO Z9 receive Android updates in 2026?
   By June 2026, the iQOO Z9, having launched with Android 14, is unlikely to receive further major Android version upgrades. However, it should continue to receive security updates for some time, maintaining its operational stability.

For more on this topic, see our tech buying guides.

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