iQOO Z3 Review: A Balanced Mid-Range Contender

The iQOO Z3 positions itself as a compelling mid-range smartphone with several strengths and a few notable trade-offs. Weighing just 185.5 grams and measuring 75.73 x 164 x 8.5mm, the device sports a glass front paired with a polycarbonate back and frame, offering an IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. Available in Cyber Blue and Ace Black, the phone feels comfortable in hand with even weight distribution.

Display-wise, the iQOO Z3 features a 6.58-inch IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and 460 nits peak brightness. While the teardrop notch for the 16MP selfie camera feels dated compared to punch-hole designs, the screen delivers adequate viewing angles and brightness for indoor use. The 120Hz refresh rate operates smoothly across most content, though it defaults to 60Hz for YouTube and similar apps.

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G 5G processor, paired with either 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage, provides solid performance for gaming and multitasking. A five-layer liquid cooling system helps manage heat during extended gaming sessions, with Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile both running smoothly at adjusted settings. Benchmark scores place it competitively within the mid-range segment.

The camera setup includes a 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 2MP macro lens. Daytime photos tend toward oversaturation and high contrast, while low-light performance shows a reddish tint. Night mode captures more light detail than competitors but can appear oversharpened. Video recording tops out at 4K/60fps without stabilization, though 4K/30fps includes electronic image stabilization.

Battery life benefits from the 4400mAh cell, providing 6-7 hours of screen-on time with typical use. The included 55W fast charger reaches 50% in 21 minutes, 80% in 36 minutes, and full charge in 54 minutes. Audio is limited to a mono speaker setup with a 3.5mm headphone jack, producing adequate volume but lacking rich bass and clarity.

Software runs Android 11 with Vivo's Funtouch OS 11.1, which introduces occasional issues with aggressive background process management and pre-installed bloatware. Despite these quirks, the iQOO Z3 remains a strong contender for users seeking a capable mid-range device with 5G support, decent cameras, and reliable battery life, particularly at its sub-20K pricing.