iQOO Z9 Turbo Review: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Power at Mid-Range Price
iQOO Z9 Turbo Review: Mid-Range Killer with Flagship Performance?
The smartphone market in 2025 is buzzing with powerful mid-range devices, but iQOO Z9 Turbo has taken the spotlight for all the right reasons. Launched as a performance-centric phone, the Z9 Turbo is grabbing headlines thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, ultra-fast display, and massive battery. But does it really live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.
In this detailed article, we’ll cover every major aspect – from performance, gaming, display, camera to battery life – in a human, easy-to-understand tone. Whether you’re a gamer, casual user, or someone who just wants a powerful phone without paying flagship prices, this review will help you decide.
iQOO Z9 Turbo Specifications at a Glance
Before diving deep, here’s a quick look at what the Z9 Turbo offers:
| Feature | iQOO Z9 Turbo Specs |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) |
| Display | 6.78″ AMOLED, 144Hz, 1.5K Resolution |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X, 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Camera (Rear) | 50MP Sony IMX882 + 2MP Depth Sensor |
| Camera (Front) | 16MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 6000mAh with 80W Fast Charging |
| OS | OriginOS 4 (Based on Android 14) |
| Cooling System | Turbo Graphene Vapor Chamber Cooling |
Design & Display – Sleek Looks, Pro Performance
From the first glance, iQOO Z9 Turbo looks sharp. Its clean, minimal design with a matte finish gives it a flagship vibe. It’s available in vibrant colors like Black, Blue, and Silver, each with a different texture.
The display is super-smooth – thanks to a 144Hz AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution. Colors are rich, brightness is solid even outdoors, and the bezels are minimal. Whether you’re scrolling Instagram, watching Netflix, or playing BGMI, the experience is fluid and immersive.
Performance – Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: Game Changer in Mid-Range?
This is where Z9 Turbo dominates. Equipped with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, it offers flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. Benchmark scores are insane for this price segment, and daily usage is buttery smooth.
Heavy games like BGMI, COD: Mobile, and Genshin Impact run at high settings with zero frame drops. Thanks to the Turbo Vapor Chamber Cooling system, even after 30 minutes of gaming, the device remains cool.
RAM management is excellent too – the LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 combo ensures super-fast app launches and multitasking.
Camera – Good for Daylight, Decent for Night
The 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor clicks sharp and vibrant images in daylight. You get great dynamic range, and portraits have good edge detection. But, the secondary 2MP depth sensor feels more like filler.
Low-light shots are decent with night mode, though some noise can be seen. The 16MP selfie camera is good for social media use – sharp and skin-tone friendly.
For video, it supports 4K recording, and stabilization is decent enough for casual vloggers.
Battery Life – Marathon Performer
If battery life is your priority, the iQOO Z9 Turbo won’t disappoint. With its massive 6000mAh battery, the phone easily lasts more than a day even with heavy usage.
And the 80W fast charger in the box takes the phone from 0 to 50% in just 20 minutes. That’s fast!
Thanks to Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s power efficiency, the battery holds well even while gaming or streaming.
Software – Smooth, But a Bit Heavier UI
The phone runs on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14. It’s feature-rich, with custom themes, always-on display, app cloner, and more. However, some bloatware is present, which you can uninstall.
The animations are fluid, and updates are expected regularly since iQOO has improved its software rollout promises in recent months.
iQOO Z9 Turbo vs Rivals – A Clear Winner?
Here’s how iQOO Z9 Turbo compares with its competitors:
| Feature | iQOO Z9 Turbo | Poco F6 | Realme GT Neo 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Battery | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | 5500mAh |
| Display | 144Hz AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED | 144Hz AMOLED |
| Fast Charging | 80W | 90W | 120W |
| Camera | 50MP | 64MP OIS | 50MP OIS |
Despite some trade-offs in camera or charging speed, Z9 Turbo offers unmatched value, especially in performance and battery.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy iQOO Z9 Turbo?
Absolutely, yes – if you’re looking for a powerful mid-range phone under ₹30,000 (expected India price). It’s perfect for gamers, performance lovers, and even everyday users who want a smooth, long-lasting phone.
Why Buy?
- Flagship-level chipset
- 144Hz AMOLED display
- Massive 6000mAh battery
- Competitive pricing
What Could Be Better?
- Secondary camera is weak
- UI still has bloatware
FAQs – iQOO Z9 Turbo
1. What is the processor in iQOO Z9 Turbo?
It runs on the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset built on 4nm architecture.
2. Does iQOO Z9 Turbo support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports multiple 5G bands for Indian networks.
3. Is iQOO Z9 Turbo good for gaming?
Absolutely, it’s a beast for gaming with its flagship processor and vapor chamber cooling.
4. Does it have stereo speakers?
Yes, it comes with stereo speaker setup and Hi-Res audio support.
5. What is the charging time for iQOO Z9 Turbo?
It charges up to 50% in 20 minutes with the 80W charger.
