The iQOO Z9 S Pro has generated significant buzz since its announcement, promising to deliver premium features at an affordable price. As a part of iQOO’s Z-series, which is known for its performance-oriented devices, the Z9 S Pro aims to offer a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and style. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, this phone has something to offer.
Design and Build Quality:
Aesthetic Appeal
The iQOO Z9 S Pro stands out with its sleek and modern design. It features a minimalist yet sophisticated look, with clean lines and a smooth finish that feels premium in hand. The back panel is available in multiple color options, including a striking gradient finish that changes hues depending on the angle of light. The camera module is neatly integrated into the design, providing a seamless and elegant look.
Durability and Ergonomics
Despite its stylish appearance, the iQOO Z9 S Pro doesn’t compromise on durability. The phone is built with high-quality materials, including a robust aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection on the front. The device feels solid and well-constructed, with no creaks or flexing. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, making it easy to hold and use, even during extended periods.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 198 g |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass front |
| Available Colors | Phantom Blue, Obsidian Black, Aurora Green |
Display:
Display Technology
The iQOO Z9 S Pro boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that make for an immersive viewing experience. The display supports HDR10+, ensuring enhanced contrast and color accuracy, especially when streaming content or playing games. The thin bezels and punch-hole camera design provide a more expansive screen-to-body ratio, maximizing the display area without increasing the overall size of the phone.
Color Accuracy and Brightness
With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, the display delivers sharp and crisp visuals. The color reproduction is accurate, with a wide color gamut that covers over 100% of the DCI-P3 spectrum. The brightness levels are impressive, reaching up to 1200 nits at peak, which ensures visibility even under direct sunlight.
Refresh Rate and Gaming Experience
One of the standout features of the iQOO Z9 S Pro’s display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This higher refresh rate offers smoother animations and transitions, which is particularly beneficial for gaming and browsing. Combined with a 360Hz touch sampling rate, the display is highly responsive, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
| Display Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 1200 nits peak |
| Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass |
Performance:
Processor and GPU
At the heart of the iQOO Z9 S Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, a powerful chipset designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Paired with the Adreno 642L GPU, the phone excels in both CPU and GPU-intensive applications, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and content creation. The 4nm architecture of the chipset ensures efficient power consumption while maintaining high performance.
RAM and Storage Options
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is available in multiple configurations, with RAM options ranging from 8GB to 12GB and storage options of 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1. This flexibility allows users to choose a variant that best suits their needs, whether they require more memory for gaming and multitasking or ample storage for media files and apps.
Benchmark Scores
In benchmark tests, the iQOO Z9 S Pro delivers impressive results, consistently ranking high among its competitors in the mid-range segment. The device scores well in both CPU and GPU benchmarks, reflecting its ability to handle intensive tasks without significant slowdowns.
Real-World Performance
In real-world usage, the iQOO Z9 S Pro performs admirably. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and there is no noticeable lag, even when switching between heavy applications. Gaming performance is particularly strong, with games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact running at high settings without frame drops or overheating issues.
| Performance Metrics | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 |
| GPU | Adreno 642L |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Benchmark Scores | AnTuTu: 670,000+ |
| Architecture | 4nm |
Camera System:
Main Camera
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear. The main camera is a 64MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images. It supports optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps reduce blurriness in low-light conditions and during video recording. The sensor’s large size allows for more light intake, resulting in better photos in various lighting conditions.
Ultra-Wide and Macro Lenses
In addition to the main sensor, the phone features an 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view. This lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots. The 2MP macro lens, while not as impressive as the other two, still allows for close-up photography, capturing intricate details at a very short distance.
Front Camera
The front camera is a 16MP sensor housed within a punch-hole design. It delivers clear and sharp selfies, with AI-enhanced features that optimize skin tones and backgrounds. The front camera also supports portrait mode with bokeh effects, providing a professional touch to selfies.
Camera Software and Features
The iQOO Z9 S Pro’s camera app is packed with features, including Super Night Mode, Pro Mode, and various filters and effects. The AI scene recognition automatically adjusts settings based on the environment, ensuring the best possible shot in different scenarios. Video recording is supported up to 4K resolution at 30fps, with options for slow-motion, time-lapse, and dual-view video.
| Camera Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps |
| Camera Features | Super Night Mode, Pro Mode, AI Scene Recognition |
Battery Life:
Battery Capacity
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is powered by a 5000mAh battery, which is more than sufficient to last through a full day of heavy usage. Whether you’re gaming, streaming videos, or multitasking, the battery offers reliable endurance. The energy-efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor also plays a role in optimizing battery life, ensuring that the device doesn’t drain quickly during intensive tasks.
Charging Speed
Fast charging is another highlight of the iQOO Z9 S Pro. The device supports 66W FlashCharge, which can charge the battery from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes. This is particularly useful for users who are always on the go and need a quick boost in battery life. The charger is included in the box, so there’s no need to purchase an additional fast charger separately.
Battery Optimization Features
The phone also includes several battery optimization features, such as Smart Power Management, which adjusts power consumption based on usage patterns. Additionally, there’s an Ultra Power Saving Mode that extends battery life by limiting background activities and reducing brightness and performance.
| Battery Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 66W FlashCharge |
| Charging Time | 0% to 70% in 30 minutes |
| Battery Optimization | Smart Power Management, Ultra Power Saving Mode |
Software and User Interface:
Operating System
The iQOO Z9 S Pro runs on Funtouch OS 13, based on Android 13. The user interface is clean, intuitive, and offers a range of customization options. Funtouch OS 13 is designed to enhance user experience with smooth animations, a responsive touch interface, and a host of features that make navigating the device enjoyable.
Customization Options
One of the strengths of Funtouch OS 13 is its customization capabilities. Users can personalize their home screens with various themes, wallpapers, and widgets. The system also offers extensive control over app permissions, notifications, and battery usage, allowing users to tailor the experience to their preferences.
Pre-Installed Apps and Bloatware
While the iQOO Z9 S Pro comes with several pre-installed apps, most of them are useful utilities that enhance the overall experience. However, there are a few apps that some users might consider bloatware. Thankfully, these can be easily uninstalled if not needed.
| Software Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 13, based on Android 13 |
| Customization | Themes, Wallpapers, Widgets, App Permissions |
| Pre-Installed Apps | Utility Apps, Minimal Bloatware |
| Software Updates | Regular OTA Updates |
Connectivity and Sensors:
5G Connectivity
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is equipped with 5G connectivity, ensuring faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection. This makes the device future-proof, as 5G networks continue to expand globally. The phone supports dual SIM functionality, with both slots compatible with 5G.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
In addition to 5G, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster speeds and better range compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable connection with wireless accessories, with improved range and lower energy consumption. The phone also supports NFC for contactless payments and quick file transfers.
Additional Sensors
The iQOO Z9 S Pro includes a comprehensive set of sensors, including an in-display fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor. The fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, providing secure access to the device. The phone also includes a face unlock feature that works well in various lighting conditions.
| Connectivity Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| 5G Connectivity | Dual SIM 5G Support |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| NFC | Yes |
| Sensors | In-Display Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light |
Audio and Multimedia:
Speaker Quality
The iQOO Z9 S Pro features a dual stereo speaker setup that delivers loud and clear audio. The sound quality is balanced, with a good mix of highs, mids, and lows. The speakers are well-suited for gaming, watching videos, and listening to music, providing an immersive audio experience.
Audio Formats Supported
The phone supports a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, and FLAC. For audiophiles, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for high-quality audio output through wired headphones. The phone also supports Hi-Res audio playback, ensuring that high-fidelity audio files are played back with excellent clarity and detail.
Multimedia Experience
With its vibrant display and powerful speakers, the iQOO Z9 S Pro offers an excellent multimedia experience. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing music, or browsing social media, the phone provides a rich and enjoyable experience. The device also includes an FM radio, which is a nice addition for users who enjoy listening to local stations.
| Audio and Multimedia | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speaker Setup | Dual Stereo Speakers |
| Audio Formats | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, Hi-Res Audio |
| Headphone Jack | Yes, 3.5mm |
| Multimedia Features | FM Radio, Hi-Res Audio |
Gaming Performance:
Gaming Features
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is designed with gamers in mind. It includes several gaming-oriented features, such as Game Space, which optimizes performance and blocks notifications while gaming. The phone also features 4D Game Vibration, which adds haptic feedback for a more immersive gaming experience.
Heat Management
The phone’s cooling system is designed to manage heat effectively during long gaming sessions. It includes a liquid cooling chamber that helps dissipate heat, ensuring that the phone remains cool to the touch, even when running graphics-intensive games. This prevents thermal throttling, allowing the device to maintain high performance throughout the gaming session.
Game Compatibility
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is compatible with a wide range of games, from casual titles to high-end AAA mobile games. Popular games like Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, and Fortnite run smoothly on the device, with high frame rates and no noticeable lag.
| Gaming Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Game Mode | Game Space, 4D Game Vibration |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooling |
| Gaming Performance | Smooth Gameplay, High Frame Rates |
| Game Compatibility | Compatible with High-End Games |
Comparison with Competitors:
iQOO Z9 S Pro vs. OnePlus Nord 3
The OnePlus Nord 3 is one of the closest competitors to the iQOO Z9 S Pro. Both phones offer similar performance and features, with the Nord 3 slightly edging out in terms of software experience due to OxygenOS. However, the iQOO Z9 S Pro offers a better display and faster charging, making it a more compelling option for users who prioritize these aspects.
iQOO Z9 S Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy M54
The Samsung Galaxy M54 is another competitor in the mid-range segment. While the Galaxy M54 offers a larger battery and Samsung’s One UI, it falls short in terms of display quality and gaming performance when compared to the iQOO Z9 S Pro. The Z9 S Pro’s higher refresh rate display and superior chipset make it a better choice for gamers and power users.
iQOO Z9 S Pro vs. Realme GT Neo 4
The Realme GT Neo 4 is a performance-focused device that competes directly with the iQOO Z9 S Pro. Both phones offer excellent gaming performance, but the iQOO Z9 S Pro has an advantage with its better battery life and faster charging speed. Additionally, the Z9 S Pro’s camera system is more versatile, making it a better all-rounder.
| Competitor | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord 3 | Software Experience (OxygenOS) | Slower Charging, Lower Display Refresh Rate |
| Samsung Galaxy M54 | Larger Battery, One UI | Inferior Display, Lower Gaming Performance |
| Realme GT Neo 4 | High Performance, Gaming-Oriented | Shorter Battery Life, Slower Charging |
Conclusion:
The iQOO Z9 S Pro is a standout device in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a perfect blend of performance, design, and features. With its sleek design, vibrant display, powerful processor, and versatile camera system, it caters to a wide range of users, from gamers to photography enthusiasts. The phone’s fast charging and long battery life make it a reliable companion for everyday use, while its software and connectivity features ensure a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
In comparison to its competitors, the iQOO Z9 S Pro holds its own, offering better value in terms of display quality, charging speed, and overall performance. Whether you’re looking for a phone that can handle intensive gaming sessions, capture stunning photos, or simply last through a full day of usage, the iQOO Z9 S Pro is an excellent choice.
Overall, the iQOO Z9 S Pro is a well-rounded device that delivers on all fronts, making it one of the best options in the mid-range segment. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that offers a premium experience without breaking the bank, the iQOO Z9 S Pro should be at the top of your list.
