Looking for a stylish, power-packed 5G phone that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket? The iQOO Z9s 5G (Titanium Matte) might just be your next best buy. Built for speed, performance, and long-lasting usage, this mid-range beast has been gaining attention in the Indian smartphone market. In this review, we break down everything — from design to performance — so you can decide whether it’s worth your money.
📦 First Impressions
Unboxing Experience
The iQOO Z9s 5G comes in a sleek black box with bold branding. Inside, you get the phone, a 44W fast charger, USB Type-C cable, SIM ejector tool, and a transparent case.
Design and Color: Titanium Matte Aesthetics
The Titanium Matte finish gives the phone a premium metallic look without being a fingerprint magnet. It feels surprisingly light and solid in hand, with a sleek frame and slightly curved edges making it comfortable to hold.
📺 Display & Build Quality
Display Type and Resolution
The phone sports a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with vibrant color output and excellent contrast.
Refresh Rate and Brightness
It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling super smooth, and offers peak brightness of 1200 nits, making it visible even under direct sunlight.
Build Material and Grip
The plastic back doesn’t feel cheap thanks to the matte finish, and the flat frame helps with grip. Overall, it’s solid for the price.
⚙️ Performance Review
Processor Details
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the Z9s delivers lag-free performance whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or just scrolling.
RAM and Storage Variants
Available in 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB options, with expandable RAM up to 16GB (virtually). Storage is UFS 2.2, ensuring faster read/write speeds.
Day-to-Day Usage Experience
No hiccups in day-to-day usage — apps load fast, switching between tasks is buttery smooth, and the phone handles multiple apps effortlessly.
Gaming Performance
PUBG, Call of Duty, and Asphalt 9 run at high graphics settings without any heating or lag. Great thermal management as well.
📱 Software Experience
Funtouch OS Overview
Runs on Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14, offering lots of customizations, themes, and smart features.
Bloatware and Updates
Yes, there’s some bloatware, but most of it can be uninstalled. iQOO promises 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches.
UI Responsiveness
Smooth animations, responsive touch, and no noticeable lag — UI experience is top-tier for a mid-ranger.
📷 Camera Performance
Rear Camera Specs
Comes with a 64MP main camera with OIS and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera app is easy to use and well-optimized.
Front Camera Quality
The 16MP selfie shooter clicks sharp, well-detailed selfies in daylight and handles portrait mode nicely.
Day vs Night Photography
Daylight shots are punchy and vivid, and night mode helps brighten low-light images without too much noise.
Video Recording Features
Supports up to 4K at 30fps on the rear and 1080p on the front, with good stabilization and audio capture.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
Battery Capacity and Endurance
Packs a 5000mAh battery which easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage.
Charging Speed and Type
Supports 44W fast charging, juicing up the device from 0 to 50% in under 30 minutes.
Real-World Usage Test
In our tests, it lasted nearly 7-8 hours of screen-on time, including gaming, browsing, and media consumption.
📶 5G & Connectivity
Network Compatibility
Supports multiple 5G bands ensuring fast connectivity across regions in India.
Call Quality and Internet Speed
Clear call quality with strong signal reception even in low network zones. 5G speeds are blazing fast on Jio and Airtel.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS
Comes with Bluetooth 5.1, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, and precise GPS, which works great for maps and navigation.
🔊 Audio & Multimedia
Speaker Quality
Features dual stereo speakers — loud, clear, and immersive for both music and videos.
Audio Jack Availability
No 3.5mm jack here — but comes with a Type-C to 3.5mm converter in the box.
Streaming Experience
Widevine L1 certified, so you can enjoy Netflix and Prime Video in Full HD with excellent clarity.
🔐 Biometrics & Sensors
Fingerprint Sensor
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate.
Face Unlock Speed
Super quick and reliable in both daylight and indoors.
Other Sensors Included
Comes with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor.
⚔️ Comparison with Competitors
vs. Realme Narzo 70 5G
While Narzo 70 offers a similar display, iQOO wins in performance, software, and build quality.
vs. Redmi Note 13 5G
Note 13 is a strong rival in camera and battery, but the Z9s beats it with better gaming performance and cleaner UI.
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Long battery life with fast charging
- OIS-supported camera
- Premium Titanium Matte finish
Cons
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Some bloatware
- No ultra-wide camera
💸 Price & Availability in India
The iQOO Z9s 5G (Titanium Matte) is priced at:
- ₹17,999 for 8GB + 128GB
- ₹19,999 for 8GB + 256GB
Available on Amazon India and iQOO’s official website with regular discounts and exchange offers.
🎯 Ideal User For iQOO Z9s 5G
If you’re a college student, mobile gamer, binge-watcher, or a general user who needs performance without overspending, this phone is for you. It covers all the essentials and even punches above its weight.
🏁 Final Verdict
The iQOO Z9s 5G is a solid all-rounder in the sub-₹20K range. It combines great looks, powerful internals, smooth software, and reliable cameras — all in one sleek Titanium Matte package. If you’re hunting for value, this one deserves a spot in your shortlist.
❓FAQs
Q1. Does iQOO Z9s 5G support 5G on both SIM slots?
Yes, dual 5G is supported on both SIM slots.
Q2. Can the storage be expanded?
Yes, it supports expandable storage via microSD card up to 1TB.
Q3. Is the phone good for heavy gaming?
Absolutely. It handles games like BGMI, COD Mobile, and Genshin Impact with ease.
Q4. How durable is the Titanium Matte back?
It’s durable and resistant to smudges and minor scratches.
Q5. Are there any pre-installed apps?
Yes, but most of them can be uninstalled or disabled easily.