When I first got my hands on the vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo, I couldn’t help but be impressed by its sleek, minimalist design and hefty specifications. As someone into gaming and multitasking on my phone, I was eager to see if the Z9 Turbo could live up to its reputation as a performance-driven smartphone. Here’s my in-depth review of its features, performance, and overall experience.
Key Specifications and Features
The iQOO Z9 Turbo boasts impressive hardware designed for power users and gamers. Here are the main specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 with Adreno 642L GPU
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 144 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Camera Setup: 50 MP + 8 MP dual primary camera with OIS; 16 MP front camera
- Battery: 6000 mAh with 80W fast charging
- Storage Options: 256GB and 512GB, with 12GB or 16GB of RAM
- Operating System: Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14
Right out of the box, these specs suggest a powerful phone ideal for gaming and multitasking.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed was its sleek and modern design. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate makes everything look fluid and sharp, whether I’m scrolling through apps or watching videos. The high brightness (2800 x 1260 pixels, 453 PPI) really enhances visibility, even outdoors.
Design Highlights:
- Slim and comfortable with a weight of 194g.
- IP64 rating adds durability by offering water and dust resistance.
However, despite its sturdy build, the phone feels a bit heavy in hand. This weight can make prolonged usage uncomfortable, especially during long gaming sessions.
Performance and Gaming Experience
If performance is your priority, the Z9 Turbo doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and an independent graphics chip, the phone handles heavy games with ease. I tested it on demanding games like BGMI and COD Mobile, and the frame rates were smooth and consistent at 60 FPS.
The liquid cooling system also helps manage the device’s temperature during intense gameplay, so I didn’t experience overheating. However, the Turbo Mode, while enhancing performance, can drain the battery faster than expected.
Gaming Performance Highlights:
- High frame rates on demanding games.
- Minimal lag, even with multitasking.
- Turbo Mode for an optimized gaming experience.
Despite these positives, battery consumption in Turbo Mode remains a concern, especially for heavy gamers.
Camera Quality
The camera setup on the iQOO Z9 Turbo is decent but falls short of flagship standards. The 50 MP main camera produces sharp and vibrant images in daylight, while the 8 MP secondary lens handles wide-angle shots. Portrait shots and selfies, thanks to the 16 MP front camera, have good skin tone accuracy.
Camera Highlights:
- Primary Camera: Clear and detailed shots with optical image stabilization (OIS).
- Front Camera: Ideal for selfies and portrait shots.
- Video Quality: Stable and clear, but struggles a bit in low-light conditions.
Low-light photography could use some improvement, as I noticed a bit of noise and lack of sharpness in darker environments. This is a downside if you’re looking for high-quality night photography.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features for me was the 6000 mAh battery. It easily lasts a full day with moderate usage, including browsing, streaming, and light gaming. However, if I switch to Turbo Mode for gaming, the battery drains faster.
Charging is quick with the 80W fast charger. In just about 30 minutes, I get up to 50% charge, which is incredibly convenient for a power user like me.
Battery Highlights:
- 6000 mAh capacity provides reliable all-day use.
- Fast charging reduces downtime.
While battery life is generally good, the phone’s power-hungry performance mode can be a drain. Heavy gamers may need to recharge more frequently, which can disrupt the experience.
Software and User Interface
The iQOO Z9 Turbo runs on Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14. The interface is customizable and responsive, but there’s noticeable bloatware, which took up some initial storage and slowed things down slightly. After uninstalling unnecessary apps, the experience improved.
UI Highlights:
- Clean, customizable interface.
- Regular updates and security patches.
- Bloatware Issue: Some pre-installed apps might feel redundant and take up storage.
This bloatware issue is one of the drawbacks of FunTouch OS, as it impacts the phone’s initial responsiveness.
Network, Connectivity, and Sensors
The Z9 Turbo offers comprehensive connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. The dual SIM capability makes it versatile, and the device’s wide compatibility with major network bands ensures reliable connections.
Connectivity Highlights:
- 5G support for faster speeds.
- Dual SIM for flexibility.
- Fingerprint reader and other essential sensors add to the functionality.
All in all, it covers essential connectivity needs and performs well in areas where signal strength might vary.
Competitor Comparison
Comparing the Z9 Turbo to other mid-range options, like the Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 3 and Realme 12+ 5G, I find the Z9’s display and gaming performance to be superior. However, if camera quality is a priority, some alternatives may offer better results, especially in low-light settings.
Final Verdict: Is the vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo Worth It?
For me, the iQOO Z9 Turbo shines as a gaming-ready smartphone with excellent performance, a high-quality display, and reliable battery life. It’s perfect if you’re a gamer or a power user who values smooth performance and vibrant visuals.
While it’s not without flaws—particularly the weight, bloatware, and average low-light camera performance—the Z9 Turbo is a strong contender in the mid-range segment. It’s worth the investment if gaming and multitasking are your top priorities.
Is the iQOO Z9 Turbo good for gaming?
Yes, the iQOO Z9 Turbo’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, Adreno 642L GPU, and Turbo Mode make it ideal for gaming, handling heavy games smoothly with minimal lag.
How long does the battery last on the iQOO Z9 Turbo?
The 6000 mAh battery typically lasts a full day with regular use. However, heavy gaming in Turbo Mode can drain the battery faster.
Does the iQOO Z9 Turbo have a good camera?
The 50 MP dual-camera setup performs well in daylight but struggles with low-light conditions. It’s decent, but not a standout camera phone.
What are the drawbacks of FunTouch OS 14 on the iQOO Z9 Turbo?
FunTouch OS 14 comes with some bloatware, which may initially slow the phone down. However, it’s customizable, and performance improves after removing unnecessary apps.
Is the iQOO Z9 Turbo water-resistant?
Yes, it has an IP64 rating, which means it is splash-resistant and protected from limited dust exposure.
