I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting a lot from the iQOO Z10R when the leaks first surfaced. But after digging into teasers, benchmarks, and early specs, I found myself genuinely intrigued. iQOO has a knack for delivering impressive value without making you feel short-changed, and the Z10R looks like it might just continue that tradition.
Set to launch in India soon, the Z10R seems to slot below the recently released Z10 yet brings its own spin. The headline features, like a curved AMOLED screen, Dimensity 7400 chipset, and up to 12 GB RAM, really caught my eye. In a crowded mid-range field dominated by Samsung A-series, Redmi, and Realme, iQOO is clearly focusing on performance-centric buyers. Think smooth gaming, big battery, and punchy cameras, all while keeping the price in check.
What really stands out? A curved display is rare at this price point. Combine that with a rumored 6800 mAh battery and 67 W fast charging, and the Z10R starts to feel like it punches above its weight. Sure, specs don’t tell the whole story. Software finesse, thermal control, and camera tuning matter too. But on paper, it’s shaping up to be a solid under-25K contender. So let’s dive deeper.
Design & Display
The iQOO Z10R teaser reveals a sleek design with a subtly curved AMOLED display, which is honestly rare in this price band. That curve isn’t just for show. My experience with curved panels tells me it actually enhances grip and offers a more immersive feel, especially while watching content or gaming.
It’s expected to come with a 6.77-inch, 120 Hz, Full HD+ AMOLED screen that promises high brightness, potentially around 5000 nits at peak. That means sunlight visibility should be excellent. Add the punch-hole camera, in-display fingerprint scanner, and you’ve got a screen setup that wouldn’t look out of place on a phone twice the price.
From what we’ve seen in renders and leaks, the back panel looks clean and minimal. It might have a matte marble-like finish with a round camera module, giving it a premium yet simple aesthetic. No unnecessary flashiness here, which I personally appreciate. There are also signs that it’ll come with IP65 dust and water resistance and a MIL-STD-810H durability rating. These details matter in day-to-day use, whether it’s spills, drops, or dusty pockets. It’s designed to hold up.
No word on expandable storage, but dual-SIM support and a USB-C port are expected. Overall, it’s a smart, modern-looking device with touches that usually show up in more expensive phones.
Performance & Software
This is where things get interesting. The iQOO Z10R is rumored to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 7400 chipset, a step above the 7300 used in the Z9s. Combined with either 8 or 12 GB of RAM and support for extended virtual RAM, the phone is clearly designed with power users in mind.
I expect this combo to be capable of running all day-to-day apps without hiccups. Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, editing on Snapseed, or running BGMI on high graphics, the Z10R should hold its own. It might not compete with Snapdragon 8-series chips, but for its price, it’s definitely no slouch.
On the software front, it’s expected to run on Android 15 with iQOO’s Funtouch OS 15 layered on top. I know Funtouch OS used to get a bad rap, but recent versions have matured quite a bit. It’s smoother, has less bloat, and includes useful customizations. If iQOO sticks to its software update promises, we could be looking at two years of major updates along with regular security patches, which is pretty reasonable in this segment.
The 120 Hz refresh rate, when paired with a fluid UI, makes day-to-day tasks noticeably smoother. Honestly, once you’ve used 120 Hz, it’s hard to go back. The Z10R seems to have all the essentials dialed in for someone who wants reliable speed without breaking the bank.
Also read: Honor X70 Review: The Battery Monster That Redefines Mid-range Smartphones
Camera & Photography
Camera-wise, the Z10R appears to carry over most of the setup from the Z10. Expect a 50 MP main sensor along with a secondary depth sensor. Some early reports hint at optical image stabilization (OIS), which would be fantastic. Very few phones in this range offer that.
On the front, there’s a 32 MP selfie camera, which should be more than enough for video calls and social media. iQOO is also adding something called an “O-light” for better selfies and portraits. It’s a small addition, but one that could actually help in low-light conditions.
If the Z10R can match the Z10’s image processing, we’re likely to see detailed daylight shots, stable video, and reasonably clean portraits. Night mode is where budget phones often stumble. And while I don’t expect miracles, OIS could help with sharper low-light shots.
What I’ll be watching closely is software optimization. iQOO typically leans on AI for things like scene detection and portrait enhancement. That’s fine, but it can get aggressive. Hopefully, the Z10R balances natural tones with just enough post-processing to keep shots social-ready without overdoing it.
Bottom line: it probably won’t replace your DSLR or rival flagship shooters, but for day-to-day photography and content creation, it’s likely more than good enough.
Battery & Charging
Battery life has always been a strong point for iQOO’s mid-range lineup, and the Z10R is shaping up to continue that trend. Rumors suggest a 6800 mAh battery, which is massive. It’s even more than what some tablets offer.
That kind of battery capacity can easily stretch across two full days of moderate use. For heavy users, whether it’s gaming, navigation, or media streaming, you’re still likely to get through a full day without anxiety. It’s a game-changer if you’re always on the go.
Charging also looks fast. A 67 W charger is expected in the box, which should give you a solid 0 to 100 percent in under an hour. Reverse charging might be on board too, letting you juice up earbuds or a second phone in a pinch.
Of course, battery life is also tied to software optimization and how the phone handles background processes. If Funtouch OS does its job well, this phone should set the bar for battery longevity in its class.
Honestly, for anyone tired of babysitting their battery or carrying a power bank everywhere, the Z10R could be a very welcome upgrade.
Read more: Huawei Pura 80 Ultra Review: Is It the Next Camera King?
Unique Features & Final Verdict
Let’s talk about what makes the Z10R stand out in a sea of lookalike phones. First, the curved AMOLED display. You just don’t see that under ₹25,000. It adds a touch of flagship flair that’s usually reserved for premium models.
Next, the combination of performance and durability. Dimensity 7400 paired with 12 GB RAM and IP65 durability isn’t a mix you’ll find in many phones at this price. It feels purpose-built for gamers, students, and people who want power and peace of mind.
Then there’s the big battery. Phones like the Galaxy M15 and Redmi Note 13 offer decent batteries, but the Z10R goes further. That 6800 mAh pack is backed by 67 W fast charging, which isn’t just convenient. It’s essential in 2025 when we’re more mobile than ever.
Even the cameras offer more than expected. OIS on the main sensor, a solid 32 MP front cam, and the added selfie light round out a capable imaging system for its class.
So, who’s this phone for? If you’re someone who wants a reliable, long-lasting, and good-looking phone that handles gaming, streaming, and work with ease, the Z10R should be on your shortlist. It’s not for people chasing the ultimate camera or ultra-premium build, but it knows its audience and delivers for them.
Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing how it feels in hand and whether iQOO can stick the landing with pricing. If they hit that sweet spot around ₹21,000 to ₹23,000, this phone could be one of the best buys of the year in India’s mid-range market.