iQOO Z11x first impressions: A big battery, bold specs and plenty to explore under Rs 20,000

Just a few days after the launch of the iQOO 15R, iQOO has stepped into the entry-level segment with the new iQOO Z11x. The smartphone starts at Rs 18,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant and comes with a set of specifications that appear quite promising on paper.

For its price, the phone packs several notable features, including an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, a large 7,200mAh battery, and a dual rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor.

While the specifications look impressive, real-world performance is what ultimately matters. We have only spent a few days with the device so far, so a full verdict will come in the detailed review soon. For now, here are our first impressions of the iQOO Z11x.

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iQOO Z11x: Design and display

The iQOO Z11x features a boxy design with a smooth rear panel that feels clean and modern. On the back sits a squoval camera island that houses two lenses, a flash and a ring light. For a smartphone priced under Rs 20,000, the overall design feels well balanced.

The plastic back panel does remind you of the budget segment, but the glossy and smooth finish adds a bit of flair and helps it stand out among competitors in the same price range.

In hand, the device feels slightly heavy, though not uncomfortably bulky. The smooth back surface can make the phone a little slippery, but iQOO includes a transparent protective case in the box, which solves that issue.

On the front, the phone sports a 6.76-inch LCD display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The screen appears bright enough for everyday use, whether you are browsing the web or playing casual games. However, we will need more time with the device to properly evaluate its display performance in different lighting conditions.

Just like its flagship devices, the iQOO Z11x also sports an Origin island, which displays music controls, navigation updates from Google Maps, and even live order tracking, all within a compact floating bubble at the top of the screen.

The bezels, however, hint at the phone’s budget positioning. While the side bezels are relatively slim, the bottom chin is noticeably thicker, slightly breaking the visual symmetry of the display.

The device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that doubles as the power button. While this dual-purpose design may be convenient for some users, it can occasionally lead to accidental presses. Personally, I sometimes end up locking the phone while attempting to unlock it.

iQOO Z11x: Performance and battery

The iQOO Z11x is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo processor, which promises smooth everyday performance.

In the short time I have spent with the device, the phone has performed reliably without noticeable lag or stutters. I also tried playing a few basic games such as Temple Run, and the experience so far has been smooth.

That said, the device comes with several pre-installed applications, often referred to as bloatware. These include apps such as Netflix, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. The good news is that most of these apps can be easily uninstalled if you prefer a cleaner interface.

One of the biggest highlights of the phone is its battery. The iQOO Z11x packs a massive 7,200mAh battery, paired with 44W fast charging. While I have not yet been able to fully test the endurance, such a large battery capacity suggests that the device should comfortably last through heavy daily use.

iQOO Z11x: Camera

For photography, the iQOO Z11x 5G features a dual rear camera setup led by a 50MP primary sensor with an f/2.45 aperture. It is paired with a 2MP bokeh camera designed for portrait shots.

On the front, the phone carries a 32MP camera for selfies and video calls.

So far, I have mainly used the primary rear camera. The images appear bright and vibrant, producing pleasing colours in well-lit conditions.

The camera app also includes a variety of modes and filters designed to make photos ready for social media sharing.

One interesting addition is a feature called “Underwater Photography”. I have not tested this mode yet, but the concept is intriguing. When you exit this mode, the phone automatically plays a sound to help eject water from the device’s openings. It is a small but fascinating feature that adds a bit of novelty to the camera system.

iQOO Z11x first impressions: Verdict

At a starting price of Rs 18,999, the iQOO Z11x appears to offer a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers. The phone brings together a large 6.76-inch display, a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo processor, and a massive 7,200mAh battery. It also includes a 50MP primary camera on the back.

On paper, the smartphone looks quite promising for its price segment. However, the real test will be how well it performs over longer usage. For that, we will have to wait for the full review.