The iQOO Z10 5G (Glacier Silver) is a fresh addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of performance-driven budget smartphones. Packed with solid specs, a clean and vibrant design, and reliable performance, the Z10 is aimed at users who want solid value without compromising on essentials. In this review, we break down everything that makes the iQOO Z10 5G worth your attention.
📦 Unboxing & First Look
What’s in the Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The iQOO Z10 5G phone (Glacier Silver)
- 44W fast charger
- USB Type-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- User manual and soft transparent case
Initial Impressions
The Glacier Silver variant is sleek and futuristic. It reflects light beautifully and gives off subtle icy tones, living up to its name.
🎨 Design & Aesthetics
Glacier Silver Color: Premium Look
The Glacier Silver finish gives the device a sophisticated and cool appearance. It’s stylish, minimal, and stands out without being flashy.
Build Quality and Materials
Made of a polycarbonate back with a metallic sheen, it’s lightweight but doesn’t feel cheap. It offers a comfortable grip with a matte finish that resists fingerprints well.
📺 Display Quality
Screen Size and Technology
The phone features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that’s vibrant and sharp, ideal for content viewing.
Refresh Rate and Brightness
With a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1200 nits brightness, the display is smooth and readable even in bright sunlight.
Multimedia and Gaming Experience
Watching Netflix or YouTube is a treat, with deep blacks and rich colors. The display’s high refresh rate adds fluidity to gaming and scrolling.
⚙️ Processor & Performance
Chipset and Benchmarks
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, it handles tasks efficiently and delivers excellent performance for its segment.
RAM and Storage Options
Available in 8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB storage, it also offers virtual RAM expansion up to 16GB for smoother multitasking.
Daily Usage and Multitasking
Apps open quickly, switching is seamless, and there’s no noticeable lag even with heavy multitasking. Great for daily use and moderate gaming.
📲 Software & User Interface
Android Version and Funtouch OS
Ships with Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14. It’s clean, fast, and packed with customization features.
Bloatware and System Features
Some pre-installed apps are there, but most can be removed. Features like game mode, split screen, and ultra power saver add to usability.
Update Policy
iQOO promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security patches for this model.
📸 Camera System
Rear Camera Setup and Image Quality
The phone features a 64MP primary camera with OIS, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. Daylight shots are crisp with good color accuracy and detail.
Front Camera and Selfies
The 16MP selfie camera delivers well-lit, sharp selfies with good edge detection in portrait mode.
Night Mode and AI Enhancements
Night mode helps brighten up low-light photos without excessive noise. AI scene recognition adjusts settings automatically for better results.
Video Recording Performance
Supports 4K video at 30fps. Stabilization works well even during handheld shooting, and audio pickup is clean.
🔋 Battery Life
Battery Capacity and Endurance
With a 5000mAh battery, the Z10 5G can easily last a full day of heavy usage or even two days on moderate use.
Charging Speed and Charger Details
Supports 44W FlashCharge which charges the device from 0 to 50% in around 25 minutes.
Real-World Battery Test
Streaming, browsing, gaming, and calls — it comfortably delivers 7–8 hours of screen-on time.
📶 5G & Connectivity
Network Band Support
Supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with all Indian networks.
Call Quality and Signal Strength
No issues with call drops or poor reception. Noise cancellation works well in loud environments.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS Performance
Offers Bluetooth 5.3, Dual-band Wi-Fi, and accurate GPS navigation.
🔊 Audio & Media Consumption
Speaker Quality and Stereo Setup
Single bottom-firing speaker is decently loud but not stereo. Still, it delivers clear audio for calls and media.
Headphone Support and Wireless Audio
No 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll need wireless earbuds or a USB-C to 3.5mm converter.
Streaming Experience
Widevine L1 certified, meaning you can stream HD content on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar.
🔐 Security & Biometrics
Fingerprint Scanner
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable.
Face Unlock Speed and Accuracy
Face unlock is quick and works well even in dim light.
🌡️ Heat Management
Does It Heat Under Load?
The phone remains cool during typical tasks. Gaming for extended periods generates minimal heat, thanks to thermal management.
Performance During Gaming Sessions
No significant frame drops or throttling even during 30+ minute gaming sessions.
💰 Price & Availability in India
The iQOO Z10 5G is priced at:
- ₹16,999 for 8GB + 128GB
- ₹18,999 for 8GB + 256GB
Available on Amazon India and iQOO’s official website with occasional discounts and exchange offers.
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and stylish Glacier Silver design
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Great battery life with fast charging
- 64MP camera with OIS
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- No stereo speakers
- No headphone jack
🎯 Final Verdict
The iQOO Z10 5G (Glacier Silver) is a well-balanced smartphone that excels in display quality, daily performance, and battery backup. While it skips a few extras like stereo speakers or ultrawide camera, it delivers where it matters most — speed, style, and value. A great pick under ₹20K for students, working professionals, and casual gamers.
❓FAQs
Q1. Does the iQOO Z10 5G support expandable storage?
No, there is no microSD slot. You’ll need to choose your storage variant carefully.
Q2. Is the Glacier Silver finish prone to scratches?
It’s quite resistant to smudges and minor scratches but using the provided case is recommended.
Q3. Can it handle games like BGMI and Call of Duty smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset handles high-graphics games with ease.
Q4. How many Android updates will the iQOO Z10 receive?
You will get 2 major Android updates and 3 years of security patches.
Q5. Is it water-resistant?
The device doesn’t have an official IP rating, so avoid heavy exposure to water.