iQOO Z10x 5G — Honest, data-backed review (8GB / 256GB)

Price observed: ₹16,498 on Amazon India during the Republic Day sale (SBI credit-card offer).

• Strengths: huge 6,500 mAh battery, solid mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 7300 performance for day-to-day & casual gaming, IP64 + MIL-STD durability, 120 Hz display with very high peak brightness, clean value at sale price.

• Weaknesses: display is LCD (not AMOLED), charging is 44W (good but not class-leading now), cameras are serviceable but not best-in-class.

• Verdict: If battery life, durability and real-world value matter most, the Z10x is a top pick under ₹20k in 2026. If you want the best display or fastest charging/camera in this bracket, other phones may beat it.

What you get (short specs summary)

• SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 (mid-range 5G chipset).

• RAM / Storage: 8GB + 256GB variant (this review).

• Battery: 6,500 mAh; 44W FlashCharge (in-box supported). Excellent endurance.

• Display: 6.72″ FHD+ 120 Hz LCD, peak brightness up to ~1050 nits (HBM).

• Cameras: 50MP main + 2MP depth; 4K video recording supported.

• OS / Updates: Funtouch OS 15 on Android 15; vendor promises update/security window (marketing-level).

• Build: IP64 splash resistance + MIL-STD durability claims; stereo speakers; side fingerprint; IR blaster.

In-depth: Experience & performance

Battery & charging — the Z10x’s biggest win

6500 mAh is class-leading in the sub-₹20k segment and translates to 1.5–2 days for moderate users and a full heavy-use day for hungry power users. 44W charging is faster than very slow chargers, but not as fast as the 60–90W solutions some rivals offer — still, charging from near-empty to usable levels is quick enough for practical use. If multi-day battery and long-term endurance matter, this phone shines.

Performance — everyday snappy, not flagship-fast

The Dimensity 7300 handles social apps, streaming, multitasking and casual gaming smoothly. Expect some thermal throttling under sustained heavy 3D loads compared with higher-end chipsets, but for most users this will be perfectly adequate. Benchmarks place it in the solid mid-range band.

Display & media

120 Hz panel is smooth for UI and scrolling. The LCD panel here offers very high peak brightness (useful outdoors) but lacks the deep blacks and contrast of AMOLED — that matters if you watch a lot of HDR content or care about punchy visuals. For daytime visibility and battery conservation, the brightness advantage is useful.

Cameras

50MP main works well in good light for social-ready shots; low-light and tele/macro work are average. The Z10x gives honest photos but isn’t a camera champion — rivals with higher-res sensors, better ISP tuning or dedicated OIS will produce superior results.

Software & extras

Runs Android 15 with iQOO/Funtouch customizations. Good to see an update promise, plus IP64 splash resistance and MIL-STD durability which help future-proof the phone for rougher use. Stereo speakers and IR blaster are nice touches.

How it stacks against the most-bought competitors (India, Jan 2026)

I compared devices that are commonly recommended / selling in this price bracket:

1) Redmi Note 13 5G (8GB/256GB) — strong display + camera

• Pros: AMOLED 120 Hz (true deep blacks), 108MP main on some variants, good camera tuning. Price seen ~₹16,999 for 8/256 in some stores.

• Cons vs Z10x: smaller battery (typical ~4,500–5,000 mAh), so shorter endurance.

• Who should pick it: display/camera lovers.

2) realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G (8/256) — balanced performer

• Pros: competitive SoC, AMOLED on some variants, decent battery and fast charging. Price ranges seen under ₹20k during offers.

• Cons vs Z10x: usually lower battery capacity; charging may be faster though.

• Who should pick it: users who want snappy performance + good screen.

3) POCO / Motorola / Samsung mid-range models

• Some Poco (X series) and Motorola / Samsung A-series models offer stronger displays or brand-level software polish; prices and offers fluctuate—some hit the ₹15–19k band during sales. Compare model-to-model on features (camera, display tech, warranty).

Bottom line of comparisons:

• Battery & endurance: Z10x > most rivals (clear advantage).

• Display & camera: Many rivals with AMOLED + higher resolution sensors beat Z10x.

• Charging speed & raw performance: Some rivals offer faster charging or slightly faster chipsets; Z10x is balanced but not the outright fastest.

Is it the best 5G phone under ₹20,000 in 2026?

No single phone is “best” for everyone. Objectively:

• If your priority is battery life, durability and day-to-day reliability, the iQOO Z10x is one of the best choices under ₹20k (especially at the ₹16,498 sale price).

• If you prioritise display quality (AMOLED), camera prowess, or the absolute fastest charging, some competitors (Redmi Note series, select realme / Poco models) will beat the Z10x.

So: Best for battery-first users; not the overall “all-round champion” if display/camera are your #1.

Who should buy the Z10x (recommendations)

• Buy it if you want: multi-day battery, sturdy build (IP64 + MIL-STD), reliable 5G, and good value at sale price.

• Skip it if you want: an AMOLED display, best low-light camera, or ultra-fast charging; then look at Redmi Note 13 / realme Narzo 70 Pro / other discounted Poco models.

Final unbiased verdict (for Indian buyers)

At ₹16,498 during the Republic Day SBI-card offer, the iQOO Z10x 8GB/256GB is a strong value proposition. Its standout is an exceptional battery and robust feature set for everyday users. For people who charge rarely, travel, or want a phone that lasts through heavy days, this is one of the smartest buys under ₹20k in early 2026.

If your top priorities are display fidelity or camera, carefully compare with the Redmi Note 13 5G and the realme Narzo 70 Pro (both of which can be found near this price in sales) — you may prefer those instead.

My short verdict: Worth it at ₹16,498 for the typical Indian buyer who values battery life and day-to-day reliability. If you can stretch for a rival with AMOLED and faster charging and camera, check those too.