iQOO Z5 Review: Solid Performance Hindered by IPS Display

The iQOO Z5 lands as a capable mid-range smartphone that shines in performance but trips on its display choice. Powered by the Snapdragon 778G 5G processor paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, it handles multitasking and gaming with ease. App switching is swift, and titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile run well at medium to high settings. A 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use, and refuels quickly at 44W.

However, the 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen feels dated in 2021, especially when competitors offer vivid AMOLED panels at similar prices. Colors appear flat, contrast lags, and viewing angles suffer. While the 120Hz refresh rate smooths scrolling, the lack of OLED means vibrant, deep displays are missing. Camera work also disappoints; the triple rear setup repeats the iQOO Z3's 64MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro lenses, producing images that lack punch and contrast. Video recording caps at 4K/30fps with shaky stabilization.

Design-wise, the phone feels plasticky and bulky at 193 grams, though a matte finish reduces smudges. Audio improves with stereo speakers, and haptic feedback feels decent. Despite its strengths, the iQOO Z5 struggles to stand out against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy M52 or Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, which offer better displays and sharper cameras at comparable prices.