Mobiletechjoint

Author: Oghenewokeme Sylvester

  • iQoo Z9x Review: A Budget 5G Powerhouse with Impressive Battery Life

    iQoo Z9x Review: A Budget 5G Powerhouse with Impressive Battery Life

    The iQoo Z9x has emerged as a compelling contender. Offering a blend of performance, long-lasting battery life, and an attractive price point, this device aims to redefine expectations in the sub-Rs. 15,000 segment. But does it truly deliver on its promises? Let’s dive deep into our comprehensive review of the iQoo Z9x to find out.

    iQoo Z9x Review: A Budget 5G Powerhouse with Impressive Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    • Impressive battery life with a 6,000mAh capacity and 44W fast charging
    • Solid performance powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
    • Decent display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits peak brightness
    • IP64 dust and water resistance, uncommon in this price range
    • Camera performance is adequate but not exceptional
    • Funtouch OS 14 offers extensive customization but comes with bloatware

    iQoo Z9x Review

    Whether you’re a student looking for a reliable device for online classes, a young professional needing a capable work companion, or simply a tech enthusiast on a budget, this review will help you determine if the iQoo Z9x is the right fit for your needs. Let’s begin our journey through the various aspects of this intriguing budget smartphone.

    Pros Cons
    Long-lasting battery Camera could be better
    Good performance for gaming Plenty of preinstalled apps
    IP64 rating Spammy notifications
    Fast 44W charging
    Stereo speakers

    Overall Rating: 8/10

    Design and Build

    The iQoo Z9x strikes a balance between aesthetics and durability. While it may not win any design awards, it offers a practical and functional build that should appeal to many users in the budget segment.

    Key Design Features:

    • Materials: Polycarbonate back and frame
    • Colors: Tornado Green and Storm Grey
    • Dimensions: 7.99mm thick
    • Weight: 199 grams
    • IP64 rating: Dust-tight and splash-resistant

    The Tornado Green variant features an interesting brushstroke pattern that shimmers under light, adding a touch of elegance to an otherwise utilitarian design. The matte finish on the rear panel does an excellent job of resisting fingerprints and smudges.

    One standout feature is the IP64 rating, which is rare in this price bracket. This offers protection against dust ingress and water splashes, providing some peace of mind for daily use.

    Display

    The iQoo Z9x comes equipped with a large 6.72-inch LCD display that offers a good visual experience for its price point.

    Display Specifications:

    • Size: 6.72 inches
    • Resolution: FHD+ (2408 x 1080 pixels)
    • Refresh Rate: 120Hz (adaptive)
    • Peak Brightness: 1000 nits
    • Protection: Widevine L1 certification

    The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations, while the 1000 nits peak brightness allows for comfortable outdoor visibility. The Widevine L1 certification enables full HD streaming on popular platforms.

    While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the display performs admirably for an LCD, offering vibrant colors and decent contrast. However, some users might notice a slight yellow tint at the bottom edge, particularly when viewing white backgrounds.

    Performance

    At the heart of the iQoo Z9x lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, which offers solid performance for a budget device.

    Benchmark Scores:

    • AnTuTu: 559,900
    • Geekbench 5: 940 (single-core), 2,838 (multi-core)
    • GFXBench: 92 (T-Rex), 39 (Manhattan 3.1), 20 (Car Chase)

    Real-world performance is smooth for everyday tasks, and the device handles multitasking well. Gaming performance is particularly impressive for its price range, with titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends running smoothly at medium to high settings.

    It’s worth noting that the 120Hz refresh rate is not always utilized to its full potential. Users may need to manually enable it for specific apps to experience the smoothest possible performance.

    Software

    The iQoo Z9x runs on Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14. This custom skin offers extensive customization options but comes with some caveats.

    Software Features:

    • Dynamic Effects for UI animations
    • AI Wallpaper Generator
    • Smart sidebar for quick access to apps
    • Ultra Game Mode for optimized gaming performance

    While the customization options are appreciated, the abundance of preinstalled apps and occasional spammy notifications from the native browser app can be frustrating. Fortunately, most of these apps can be uninstalled, and notifications can be managed in the settings.

    iQoo promises 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security updates, which is standard for this price range.

    Cameras

    The camera setup on the iQoo Z9x is functional but not exceptional. It consists of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, with an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies.

    Camera Performance:

    • Daylight: Good detail and color reproduction
    • Low-light: Soft images with limited detail
    • Portrait Mode: Decent edge detection but struggles with complex backgrounds
    • Selfies: Adequate in good lighting, tends to smooth facial details

    Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps on most variants, with 4K 30fps available only on the 8GB RAM model. Stabilization is better at 1080p, making it the preferred option for most users.

    Battery and Charging

    One of the standout features of the iQoo Z9x is its massive 6,000mAh battery, which offers exceptional battery life.

    Battery Performance:

    • PCMark Battery Test: 20 hours and 19 minutes
    • Real-world usage: Easily lasts a full day with heavy use
    • Charging: 44W fast charging
    • Charging Time: 0-100% in about 1 hour 39 minutes

    The combination of a large battery and efficient fast charging makes the iQoo Z9x an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery life.

    Audio

    The iQoo Z9x features a stereo speaker setup, which is a welcome addition at this price point. While the audio quality isn’t exceptional, with a tendency to sound tinny at high volumes, it does provide a more immersive experience compared to single-speaker setups.

    The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is also appreciated, offering flexibility for audio connectivity.

    Pricing and Variants

    The iQoo Z9x is available in three variants:

    1. 4GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 12,999
    2. 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 14,499
    3. 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs. 15,999

    This pricing strategy makes the iQoo Z9x competitive in the budget 5G segment, offering good value for money, especially in terms of performance and battery life.

    Comparison with Competitors

    When compared to its rivals, the iQoo Z9x holds its own but faces stiff competition:

    • Moto G64 5G: Offers a cleaner Android experience and OIS on the main camera
    • Samsung Galaxy M34 5G: Provides an AMOLED display and better camera setup
    • Vivo T3x: Similar specifications but lacks stereo speakers
    • POCO X6 Neo: Features an AMOLED display
    • Realme P1 5G: Offers better performance and an AMOLED display

    Conclusion

    The iQoo Z9x is a solid contender in the budget 5G smartphone market. Its strengths lie in its impressive battery life, good performance for gaming, and the inclusion of an IP64 rating. The 120Hz display and stereo speakers enhance the multimedia experience, making it a good choice for entertainment-focused users.

    However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The camera performance, while adequate, falls short of some competitors. The software experience, with its bloatware and occasional spammy notifications, may not appeal to all users.

    For those prioritizing battery life, performance, and durability on a budget, the iQoo Z9x is certainly worth considering. However, if camera quality or a cleaner software experience are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options in this price range.

    Final Verdict: The iQoo Z9x offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize battery life and performance over camera quality and software experience. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a capable 5G smartphone.

  • CMF Phone 1 Hands On: A Mid Range Marvel with Modular Design

    CMF Phone 1 Hands On: A Mid Range Marvel with Modular Design

    Nothing’s sub-brand CMF has made a splash with its inaugural device, the CMF Phone 1. This mid-range contender brings a fresh perspective to the market, combining innovative design elements with solid performance. Let’s dive into an in-depth hands-on review of this intriguing new entrant.

    CMF Phone 1 Hands On: A Mid-Range Marvel with Modular Design

    Key Takeaways:

    • The CMF Phone 1 features a unique, industrial-inspired design with customizable rear panels
    • It boasts a 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with impressive specs for its price range
    • Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset, it offers reliable performance for everyday tasks
    • The camera system, while decent, has some limitations in portrait mode and lacks ultra-wide capabilities
    • Priced at RM1,099, it presents a compelling option in the competitive mid-range smartphone market

    Design and Build: A Fresh Take on Smartphone Aesthetics

    The CMF Phone 1 marks a departure from Nothing’s signature transparent design language, opting instead for an industrial-inspired minimalist aesthetic. This bold move sets it apart not only from its cousins in the Nothing lineup but also from many of its mid-range competitors.

    Customizable Rear Panel

    One of the most striking features of the CMF Phone 1 is its modular rear panel. Available in four colors:

    • Black
    • Orange
    • Blue
    • Green

    Users can easily swap out the back cover to suit their style or mood. The process involves removing the rear screws using the included tools, allowing for a level of personalization rarely seen in modern smartphones.

    Accessory Point: Expanding Functionality

    At the bottom right corner of the device, you’ll find the innovative Accessory Point. This feature allows users to attach various first-party accessories by simply unscrewing the knob. Current offerings include:

    1. Lanyard
    2. Card holder
    3. Kickstand

    Each accessory is priced at RM59, providing affordable ways to enhance the phone’s utility.

    Build Quality and Durability

    While the CMF Phone 1 sports a rugged appearance, it’s important to note that this is primarily an aesthetic choice. The device is surprisingly lightweight and carries an IPX2 splash resistance rating, offering minimal protection against water ingress.

    Display: Punching Above Its Weight

    The CMF Phone 1 impresses with its display specifications, especially considering its price point. Let’s break down the key features:

    Spec Detail
    Size 6.67 inches
    Type Super AMOLED
    Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
    Refresh Rate 120Hz (adaptive)
    Touch Sampling 240Hz
    Peak Brightness 2000 nits

    The inclusion of an under-display optical fingerprint scanner is particularly noteworthy, as this feature is often reserved for more premium devices.

    Performance: Reliable Mid-Range Power

    At the heart of the CMF Phone 1 lies the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset. Initial impressions suggest that this processor handles everyday tasks with ease:

    • App Launching: Quick and responsive
    • Multitasking: Smooth transitions between applications
    • Gaming: Capable of running most games, though high-end titles may require reduced settings

    It’s worth noting that the first boot-up process was reported to be somewhat slow, but this is not uncommon for new devices.

    Software: Nothing OS Stripped Down

    The CMF Phone 1 runs on Nothing OS, the same platform found on the brand’s flagship devices. However, this version is tailored for the CMF experience:

    • Minimalist Design: Clean, intuitive interface
    • Customization Options: Allows users to personalize their experience
    • Bloatware-Free: Absence of unnecessary pre-installed apps

    Notably, Glyph-specific applications are absent, given the lack of the signature lighting system on this model.

    Camera System: Capable but with Limitations

    The camera setup on the CMF Phone 1 is respectable for its class, though it does have some limitations:

    Rear Camera:

    • 50MP main sensor
    • Depth sensor (for portrait mode)

    Front Camera:

    • 16MP selfie shooter

    Performance Impressions:

    Pros:

    • Fast focusing
    • Sharp and vivid images in good lighting conditions

    Cons:

    • High contrast in some scenarios
    • Portrait mode can produce artificial-looking bokeh
    • Lack of ultra-wide and telephoto lenses

    Video Capabilities:

    • 4K recording at 30fps
    • 1080p recording at 60fps
    • Action Mode for improved stabilization (with some cropping)

    Battery and Charging: All-Day Power

    The CMF Phone 1 comes equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which is standard for its class. While extensive testing is still needed, initial impressions suggest solid battery life. Charging features include:

    • 33W fast charging
    • 5W reverse wired charging via USB-C

    Price and Availability

    The CMF Phone 1 is set to hit the Malaysian market on July 15, 2024, with a competitive price tag of RM1,099. This positioning puts it in direct competition with other mid-range offerings, including Nothing’s own Phone (2a).

    Conclusion: A Promising Mid-Range Contender

    The CMF Phone 1 brings a fresh perspective to the mid-range smartphone market. Its standout features include:

    1. Unique, customizable design
    2. Impressive display specifications
    3. Solid performance for everyday tasks
    4. Clean, bloatware-free software experience

    While it may lack some of the flashier elements of its Nothing cousins, such as the Glyph lighting system, the CMF Phone 1 compensates with its attractive design, fun personalization options, and notably lower price point.

    For consumers seeking a mid-range device that stands out from the crowd without breaking the bank, the CMF Phone 1 presents a compelling option. As the smartphone market continues to evolve, it’s refreshing to see brands like CMF pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in this competitive segment.

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