iQOO Z7s 5G: Even in early 2026, the iQOO Z7s 5G holds its ground as a no-frills warrior in India’s mid-range smartphone scene, blending snappy performance with a camera that overdelivers for casual shooters.
Launched back in May 2023, this Vivo sub-brand offering hit shelves at around ₹18,999, targeting students, commuters, and first-time 5G upgraders who want reliability without the hype. Its sleek form and Snapdragon power make it a sneaky favorite for those dodging overpriced newcomers.
Sleek Design That Feels Premium on a Dime
Weighing just 172 grams and measuring 158.9 x 73.5 x 7.8mm, the Z7s 5G slips into pockets like it belongs there, with an IP54 rating fending off dust and splashes during Mumbai monsoons or dusty Delhi rides.
Available in Norway Blue and Pacific Night, the matte finishes resist fingerprints, giving it a classy edge over plasticky rivals. The flat frame houses a USB-C port, 3.5mm jack, and dual SIM trays, with a shared microSD slot for expandable storage up to 1TB—perfect for hoarding music or family pics.
That slim profile doesn’t scream luxury, but it nails everyday grip comfort, balancing lightness with sturdiness for one-handed scrolling through Instagram or quick UPI payments. Lava’s build quality shines in real-world tests, holding up after drops on tiled floors common in Indian homes.
Display Delivers Vibrant Views Without Drain
A 6.38-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution and 90Hz refresh rate lights up at 1300 nits peak brightness, cutting through harsh sunlight for clear navigation on bustling streets.
The 20:9 aspect ratio and 84.1% screen-to-body ratio make videos from YouTube or Hotstar pop, while Schott Xensation glass adds scratch resistance for worry-free use. In-display fingerprint scanner unlocks in under 0.3 seconds, blending speed with that modern glow.
Colors stay punchy across angles, ideal for binge-watching series during long train commutes, and the 413ppi density keeps text crisp for reading news or e-books. Battery sipping stays efficient thanks to smart dimming, outlasting LCD peers in mixed daylight sessions.
Snapdragon 695 Fuels Smooth Multitasking
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G on a 6nm node, with Kryo 660 CPU (2×2.2GHz Gold + 6×1.7GHz Silver) and Adreno 619 GPU, it clocks AnTuTu scores over 410,000 for lag-free app hopping.
Choose 6GB/128GB or 8GB/128GB configs with UFS 2.2 storage, handling WhatsApp, Chrome tabs, and light edits in Canva without hiccups. 5G bands cover Jio and Airtel networks seamlessly, future-proofing data guzzling in crowded stadiums or traffic jams.
Funtouch OS 13 on Android 13 runs clean, with slim bloat and gestures mimicking stock Android for intuitive swipes. Gaming like BGMI runs steady at high frames, thermal throttling minimal during hour-long matches— a win for casual esports fans on lunch breaks.
Camera Magic with OIS Stabilization
The 64MP main sensor (1/1.97″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS) grabs sharp daylight shots of bustling markets or golden hour sunsets, with natural skin tones that flatter group selfies.
Paired with a 2MP depth auxiliary, portraits nail edge detection for creamy bokeh, while LED flash and HDR modes brighten low-light feasts or night walks. Video at 1080p@30fps stays steady handheld, great for vlogging street food hauls.
Front 16MP shooter handles Zoom calls and TikTok clips with ease, auto-focusing on faces amid chaos. AI scene detection tweaks colors on the fly, pulling details from shadows better than non-OIS budget cams, making it a content creator’s sidekick without pro prices.
Battery Life and Charging That Keep Pace
The 4500mAh cell lasts a full day of heavy use—social scrolls, calls, and streaming—thanks to efficient 6nm silicon and adaptive refresh.
44W FlashCharge hits 50% in 24 minutes, full top-up under an hour, so you’re never sidelined during power outages common in tier-2 cities. No wireless option, but wired reliability trumps gimmicks here.
Sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass enable full-motion gaming and AR filters, with dual-band Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS for spot-on navigation. No NFC skips wallet taps, but UPI apps fill the gap effortlessly.
Software Perks and Gaming Edge
Out-of-box Funtouch brings Ultra Game Mode, boosting frames and blocking notifications for immersive play in COD Mobile or Free Fire. Updates have kept it secure into 2026, with promises of Android 14 paths smoothing the ride. Loudspeaker pumps clear audio for videos, complemented by the headphone jack for wired bass heads.
Also Read This : Redmi Note 15 Pro Max 5G – 200MP HD camera quality smartphone with AI features
iQOO Z7s 5G Price and Where to Grab It Now
Originally ₹18,999 for 6/128GB and ₹19,999 for 8/128GB, street prices dipped below ₹15,000 by January 2026 on Flipkart, Amazon, and Vivo stores, with EMI and cashback deals aplenty. It undercuts fresh 2026 launches while matching their speed, a smart pick for upgraders from 4G relics.
The iQOO Z7s 5G proves timeless value in a churn-happy market, blending 5G speed, stellar snaps, and stamina that endures daily grind. If you’re scouting a dependable daily driver without splurging, this one’s still calling your name—grab it before discounts vanish.