iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Review: Best Gaming Phone Under 15000 in India (July 2023)
With the official launch of 5G in India, smartphone brands are introducing multiple devices across various price points to support the next-generation network. Among them, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G stands out as the most affordable 5G smartphone in the country, priced under Rs. 15,000. This review aims to determine if the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is the best smartphone in its price range and help you decide if it's worth considering.
The phone features a flat frame design with a rectangular camera module on the back, reminiscent of the Vivo V25 series. Despite weighing 194g, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G feels lighter due to its flat frame design. The power and volume buttons on the right side, while clicky, may feel a bit recessed for some users. At the bottom, you'll find the USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and speaker grille.
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G runs on the Android 12-based Funtouch OS 12. While it offers some customization options, such as animation effects and personalized themes, it still lags behind other skins in terms of features and functionality. The preinstalled third-party apps can be uninstalled if needed. It's worth mentioning that the default Browser app tends to push several notifications daily, which can only be disabled by going into the 'App Info' window, making the process slightly inconvenient.
In benchmark tests, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G outperforms some pricier competitors, scoring higher in AnTuTu than devices like the Moto G72 and Redmi 11 Prime 5G. The phone features a four-component cooling system, ensuring it doesn't get too warm during intense usage.
The device's 5000mAh battery provides solid battery life, easily lasting a full day on a single charge. Even with heavy usage involving gaming and camera usage, the phone manages to deliver around nine hours of screen-on time. With lighter use, it can surpass 10 hours. In our battery loop test, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G lasted for an impressive 15 hours and 2 minutes. It's important to note that the phone does not include a charger in the box, but it supports 18W fast charging.
Night mode on the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G ensures a black and grey appearance of the sky but compromises the white balance by introducing a pinkish cast. Unfortunately, Night mode is not available in the 4GB RAM variant, which is a notable omission considering the device's support for extended (virtual) RAM.
The 8-megapixel front camera produces decent selfies with good color reproduction and detail. However, portrait mode tends to excessively smooth the skin, even with the beauty mode toggle turned off. Selfies taken in the standard Photo mode yield better skin tone and texture.
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports video recording at up to 1080p 60fps using the rear camera, while the front camera is limited to 1080p at 30 fps. Although the overall colors in videos are satisfactory, the dynamic range performance is not as impressive as some other phones in this price segment.
iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Price:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is priced at Rs. 13,999 for the variant with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It also supports expansion up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD card slot. Currently, this phone is available at a significant discount on Amazon for the 6GB and 128GB storage variant.iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Design:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is available in two colors. The Stellar Green variant, which appears more blue than green, features a gradient finish on the back panel that shines when exposed to light. This color scheme lends a premium look to the phone. Additionally, the back panel is resistant to fingerprints and smudges. For those preferring a more classic color, the Mystic Night variant is also available.The phone features a flat frame design with a rectangular camera module on the back, reminiscent of the Vivo V25 series. Despite weighing 194g, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G feels lighter due to its flat frame design. The power and volume buttons on the right side, while clicky, may feel a bit recessed for some users. At the bottom, you'll find the USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and speaker grille.
Display and Software:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G boasts a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a full-HD+ resolution. While an AMOLED display would have provided a brighter and more vibrant viewing experience, iQoo opted for a 120Hz refresh rate instead. Although the software experience isn't the smoothest, considering the price tag, it's still acceptable. The screen offers decent brightness for outdoor use when the brightness bar is pushed to its limits. However, the water-drop notch at the top of the display gives the phone a slightly dated appearance.The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G runs on the Android 12-based Funtouch OS 12. While it offers some customization options, such as animation effects and personalized themes, it still lags behind other skins in terms of features and functionality. The preinstalled third-party apps can be uninstalled if needed. It's worth mentioning that the default Browser app tends to push several notifications daily, which can only be disabled by going into the 'App Info' window, making the process slightly inconvenient.
iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Performance and Battery Life:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G shines in terms of performance, standing among the best smartphones in its price segment. It handles day-to-day tasks smoothly and delivers a commendable gaming performance. Games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 Legends can be played at high graphic settings and maximum frame rates, which is quite impressive for a phone in this price range. While occasional minor stutters may occur, they are tolerable considering the device's price.In benchmark tests, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G outperforms some pricier competitors, scoring higher in AnTuTu than devices like the Moto G72 and Redmi 11 Prime 5G. The phone features a four-component cooling system, ensuring it doesn't get too warm during intense usage.
The device's 5000mAh battery provides solid battery life, easily lasting a full day on a single charge. Even with heavy usage involving gaming and camera usage, the phone manages to deliver around nine hours of screen-on time. With lighter use, it can surpass 10 hours. In our battery loop test, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G lasted for an impressive 15 hours and 2 minutes. It's important to note that the phone does not include a charger in the box, but it supports 18W fast charging.
iQoo Z6 Lite 5G Cameras:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is equipped with a dual-camera setup consisting of a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Surprisingly, the primary camera performs well, capturing detailed photos with slightly saturated colors. The post-processing algorithm enhances the dynamic range of the images. However, white balance accuracy can sometimes be inconsistent, resulting in cooler colors or a pinkish cast.Night mode on the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G ensures a black and grey appearance of the sky but compromises the white balance by introducing a pinkish cast. Unfortunately, Night mode is not available in the 4GB RAM variant, which is a notable omission considering the device's support for extended (virtual) RAM.
The 8-megapixel front camera produces decent selfies with good color reproduction and detail. However, portrait mode tends to excessively smooth the skin, even with the beauty mode toggle turned off. Selfies taken in the standard Photo mode yield better skin tone and texture.
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports video recording at up to 1080p 60fps using the rear camera, while the front camera is limited to 1080p at 30 fps. Although the overall colors in videos are satisfactory, the dynamic range performance is not as impressive as some other phones in this price segment.
Verdict:
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G impresses in many aspects as a budget 5G smartphone, offering excellent features without significant compromises. Its high refresh rate display, gaming performance, and battery life make it one of the best options in its price range. While the absence of a charger in the box may disappoint some, it can be seen as a trade-off for the device's superior hardware and performance. However, it is unfortunate that iQoo chose to exclude Night mode in the base 4GB RAM variant. Additionally, the limited 5G band support is another minor drawback. Nevertheless, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is a fantastic choice for gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
FAQs:
Q. What is the price of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is priced at Rs. 13,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G support expandable storage?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports expansion up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD card slot.
Q. What is the display size and resolution of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G features a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a full-HD+ resolution.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have an AMOLED display?
No, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G does not have an AMOLED display, but it offers a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q. What operating system does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G run on?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G runs on the Android 12-based Funtouch OS 12.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G support fast charging?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports 18W fast charging.
Q. What is the battery capacity of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a 5000mAh battery, providing solid battery life.
Q. How many cameras does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have a Night mode?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a Night mode, but it is not available in the 4GB RAM variant.
Q. What is the video recording capability of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G can shoot videos at up to 1080p 60fps using the rear camera and 1080p at 30 fps using the front camera.
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G is priced at Rs. 13,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G support expandable storage?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports expansion up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD card slot.
Q. What is the display size and resolution of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G features a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a full-HD+ resolution.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have an AMOLED display?
No, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G does not have an AMOLED display, but it offers a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q. What operating system does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G run on?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G runs on the Android 12-based Funtouch OS 12.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G support fast charging?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G supports 18W fast charging.
Q. What is the battery capacity of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a 5000mAh battery, providing solid battery life.
Q. How many cameras does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Q. Does the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G have a Night mode?
Yes, the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G has a Night mode, but it is not available in the 4GB RAM variant.
Q. What is the video recording capability of the iQoo Z6 Lite 5G?
The iQoo Z6 Lite 5G can shoot videos at up to 1080p 60fps using the rear camera and 1080p at 30 fps using the front camera.