iQOO is out with a new series iQOO 9, which gets a Pro, SE and a 9 mid variant. iQOO has stormed the market with a set of good devices. Holding high value and giving good results. I review the iQOO 9 a device which is redefining the brand.
iQOO 9 succeeds the iQOO 7 which is now a full upgrade from its predecessor not just in specifications but in cost as well. So how does this full upgrade fair let’s find out?
DESIGN & DISPLAY:
Just like the iQOO 7 Legend which had collaborated with BMW M Motorsport iQOO 9 continuous the collaboration and gets similar design ques. The Legend (white) variant gets the iconic tri- colour stripes. I have the Aplha (Black) variant for review which gets a gratinated back which has grey lines running vertically giving some texture to the back. The camera module sits on the left in a rectangular shape which is well fitted in the back panel. The texture doesn’t get finger marks due to its matte finish.
The front of the device remains almost similar with thin bezel lines, flat display, and a punch- hole selfie camera. The device is thicker at the top and having thinner sides and slightly curved edges. The device is light, looks and feel premium when you hold it in your hand.
iQOO 9 gets a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen which is very responsive with a crisp and clear which gets a 120Hz refresh rate.
SOFTWARE & PERFORMANCE:
iQOO9 is Android 12 based Funtouch OS 12 right out of the box, so you do get some slightly different UI designs, new widgets, and an extended RAM support.
There is 12GB of physical RAM while the support boosts it with 4GB of additional RAM when needed for heavy operations.
iQOO 9 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ processor which makes the device run fast with no lags so far. Multi-tasking the device handled with ease. You have no problem using the device for long hours during social networking. The smartphone performs well and in terms of gaming and graphics you will find no lag, or the gaming experience will not feel a glitch at all.
CAMERA:
The smartphone features a triple camera on the rear side that consists of 50 MP (wide) + 12 MP (telephoto) + 13 MP (ultrawide) while on the front there is a single camera of 16 MP (wide).
The images derived from the main lens under natural light look well crafted. Under low light condition the images seem to be leaking color. Photo clicked in portrait mode gives a good bokeh effect being my favorite of the lot. Night mode does give some good pictures and does the work well.
The ultrawide lens does help capture decent images not the best I would say but a bit of edit can help you get social media friendly pictures. The front camera to my delight is very real and gives natural looking pictures. Portrait mode uses a beauty filter while clicking which just smoothens your skin and nothing more. All in all, the camera section will be a good experience on the iQOO 9.
BATTERY:
iQOO 9 powered by a 4700 mAh Battery geta a 120W fast charge and they claim a 100% charge in 19 mins. It also geta a 10W reverse wireless charging. I did use it extensively and the battery was just about ok.
VERDICT:
At a starting price of Rs 42,990 iQOO9 is not any mid segment device this one does place itself on the higher end. It is a device high on performance and looks good with a great display and super-fast charging. What it misses out on is an outstanding camera and battery life. iQOO 9 might have a few misses but it is for sure a game changer when it comes to its brand.
