iQOO Z7 Pro Review: Power-Packed Performance and Stylish Design

iQOO’s latest offering, the Z7 Pro, is set to take on some of the most popular smartphones in its category, including the Lava Agni 2, Realme 11 Pro, and Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. Packed with features like a ‘3D Curved Super-Vision display,’ MediaTek’s Dimensity 7200 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery, and 66W fast charging, the iQOO Z7 Pro aims to compete at the highest level. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore how this smartphone stacks up against the competition.

Design and Display

The iQOO Z7 Pro’s design bears a striking resemblance to the Vivo V27 series launched earlier this year. It boasts a sleek profile with curved edges and an impressively slim form factor, measuring just 7.36mm in thickness. The device’s rear panel features a sparkly matte surface that not only looks attractive but also effectively conceals fingerprints and smudges.

Despite the plastic frame, the Z7 Pro feels sturdy and is IP52-certified for splash resistance. The rear panel houses a substantial camera module housing a dual-camera setup and an LED ring called the Aura light. The phone also features an in-display fingerprint scanner that unlocks the device swiftly. On the bottom edge, you’ll find a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, along with a speaker grille and SIM tray.

The iQOO Z7 Pro sports a curved 6.78-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. It boasts a peak brightness of 1330 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. While the default color profile is crisp and vibrant, you can choose from various color profiles in the settings menu. The display offers a 120Hz refresh rate across the UI and supported apps, with the option to drop to 60Hz when needed. The 1200Hz touch sampling rate ensures minimal latency during gaming.

However, the mono bottom-firing speaker leaves room for improvement in the audio department. The absence of stereo sound is a drawback.

Performance and Software

Powering the iQOO Z7 Pro is the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, which delivers impressive benchmark scores. With its two-cluster configuration and clock speeds of up to 2.8GHz, this chipset excels in real-world scenarios, offering seamless multitasking and app management. The phone maintains peak performance across various tasks, from browsing to gaming and streaming.

Speaking of gaming, the Z7 Pro handles most titles with ease. Even demanding games like BGMI run smoothly at HDR graphics and high frame rates, thanks to the capable chipset and effective thermal management. The device incorporates a 3,000mm Vapour Chamber Cooling system, although it can get warm under heavy loads. Gaming features like 4D Game Vibration and Motion Control enhance the gaming experience.

The iQOO Z7 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM and 8GB of virtual RAM, along with 128GB or 256GB storage options. Keep in mind that the storage is not expandable.

On the software front, the phone runs Vivo’s custom skin, FunTouch OS 13, on top of Android 13. While it comes with pre-installed apps, there are ample customization options, including UI icon customization and features to manage device temperature.

Cameras

The iQOO Z7 Pro’s camera setup includes a 64MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 2MP depth camera, and an Aura light. In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures detailed and well-exposed images, though color accuracy leans toward warmer tones. However, in low light, the camera performance suffers, resulting in grainy photos with reduced detail.

For selfies and video calls, the phone features a 16MP front camera, which performs decently but may not excel in capturing fine facial details.

Battery and Charging Speeds

Equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, the iQOO Z7 Pro offers efficient battery management. The device delivers a screen-on-time of six to seven hours, depending on usage. For intensive users, such as gamers, a mid-day recharge may be necessary.

In the PCMark test, the Z7 Pro achieved an impressive score, outperforming its competitors. Charging the device is swift, taking approximately 45-50 minutes for a full charge with the included 67W fast charger.

Final Verdict

The iQOO Z7 Pro starts at a price of Rs ₹24,999 in India. Your decision to invest in this smartphone should align with your specific usage and priorities. While the Z7 Pro excels in performance, its camera and audio capabilities fall short compared to some competitors in the segment. However, if you prioritize gaming and overall performance, along with a captivating design and display, the iQOO Z7 Pro is a worthy choice.

Reasons to Buy:

• Attractive sparkly matte design.
• Seamless multitasking and gaming experience.
• Efficient battery management.
• Impressive viewing angles.

Reasons Not to Buy:

• Camera performance could be better.
• Audio quality is average without stereo speakers.
• Pre-installed apps on the software.

Key Specs:

• RAM: 8 GB
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7200
• Rear Camera: 64 MP + 2 MP
• Front Camera: 16 MP
• Battery: 4,600 mAh
• Display: 6.78 inches AMOLED
• Operating System: Android 13 with FunTouch OS 13