If you need a dependable 5G phone under ₹10,000, the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G nails the basics: long battery life, decent performance for everyday apps, and an IP64 rating you rarely see at this price. Downsides: HD+ display, slow 15W charging, and an average low-light camera. For students and first-time 5G buyers, it’s an easy shortlist.
Price, Variants, and Availability in India
- 4/128: ₹9,999
- 6/128: ₹10,999
- 8/256: ₹12,999
First sale began June 25, 2025 on Amazon and iQOO e-store; introductory bank discounts applied during launch week. Colors: Titanium Blue and Cyber Green.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm, up to 2.4GHz)
- Display: 6.74-inch HD+ LCD, 90Hz, up to 1000 nits HBM
- RAM/Storage: 4/6/8GB + 128/256GB, microSD up to 2TB
- Rear cameras: 50MP main + 2MP bokeh; Front: 5MP
- Battery: 6,000mAh, 15W in-box charger
- Build: IP64 dust/splash resistance, ~202g
- Software: Android 15, 2 years OS + 3 years security updates
- Connectivity: SA/NSA 5G (n1/n3/n5/n8/n28B/n38/n40/n77/n78), Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 5, USB-C, FM, side fingerprint.
Real-World Performance
For everyday stuff WhatsApp, Instagram Reels, Maps the Z10 Lite feels smooth enough. Dimensity 6300 isn’t a gaming chip, but it holds 40–60fps in lighter titles at medium settings. Keep expectations modest in graphically heavy scenes; the extra RAM on the 6GB/8GB variants helps with app switching. If you’re coming from older 4G phones, the jump to 5G and a 90Hz panel is noticeable in scrolling.
Battery and Charging
The 6,000mAh cell is the star. Casual users can stretch to 1.5 to 2 days. With the included 15W adapter, expect roughly 2 hours+ for a full charge from single digits slow, but predictable. If you often game or shoot videos, a 15 to 20 minute top up during lunch keeps it going. iQOO claims 80% capacity after 1500 cycles (~5 years), which is encouraging for long term buyers.
Cameras: What to Expect
Daylight images from the 50MP main sensor look punchy with decent detail. Portraits are fine for social posts; edge detection can clip hair strands, but it’s acceptable. At night, noise control is the challenge; the built-in night filters are fun but stylistic. Video caps at 1080p/30 both sides steady enough for casual clips, not for action footage. The AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance tools are a nice touch for quick fixes.
Display, Audio, and Design
This is an HD+ panel, not Full HD. Text isn’t as crisp as higher priced phones, but the 90Hz refresh helps the overall feel. The 1000 nit high brightness mode helps outdoors, and the single speaker gets loud enough for shorts and podcasts. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the camera module looks clean. Weight sits around 202g not feather light, but balanced.
Software and Updates
Ships with Android 15 plus Funtouch OS 15, with a promise of 2 years of OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates. That’s solid for this price, and it matters if you plan to keep the phone 2 to 3 years.
5G and Connectivity
You get SA/NSA 5G, dual SIM, and a healthy band list including n77/n78 for India. There’s microSD expansion up to 2TB, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 5, FM radio, and a side mounted fingerprint reader. No NFC is listed.
Durability & IP Rating
An IP64 rating at this budget is rare. It’s splash friendly and dust resistant, with several lab test claims for drops and button presses. Don’t dunk it, and don’t charge it wet standard caveats apply.
iQOO Z10 Lite vs Rivals (under ~₹10 to 11K)
| Phone | Processor | Display | Battery/Charge | Base Price (street) | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iQOO Z10 Lite 5G | Dimensity 6300 | 6.74″ HD+, 90Hz, 1000 nits HBM | 6000mAh, 15W | ₹9,999 | IP64, huge battery, Android 15 at launch |
| Redmi 13C 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | 6.74″ HD+, 90Hz | 5000mAh, 18W | ≈₹9 to 10.5K | Wide offline availability, MIUI familiarity. |
| POCO M6 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | 6.74″ HD+, 90Hz | 5000mAh, fast charge | ≈₹9.2 to 10.9K | Aggressive pricing, clean design. |
Takeaway: Z10 Lite wins on battery and IP64. Redmi/POCO counter with lighter weight and often better accessories/availability. If you value longer runtime and a splash rating, iQOO makes sense.
Who Should Buy It
- Students and first time 5G users who want battery life over camera wizardry.
- Delivery, field, and on-road users who need a splash resistant phone with expandable storage.
- Budget gamers sticking to casual titles.
Who Should Skip
- If you want fast charging or FHD+ sharpness, look higher up (₹12 to 15K segment).
- If night photography matters a lot, consider stepping up to Z10 or other mid-range options.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 6,000mAh battery with good endurance
- IP64 rating in the sub ₹10K bracket
- Android 15 with 2 OS + 3 years security
- microSD up to 2TB, FM, side fingerprint
Cons
- 15W charging is slow
- HD+ panel won’t impress spec hunters
- Average low light camera
FAQ Section
- Is iQOO Z10 Lite good for gaming?
Light games run fine; heavier titles need medium/low settings. The 6GB/8GB variants help with background apps. - Does it include a charger?
Yes, 15W charger in the box. - Does it support expandable storage?
Yes, up to 2TB via microSD. - Front camera quality?
5MP for basic selfies and 1080p/30 video; fine for video calls. - Is the display Full HD?
No, HD+ at 90Hz; bright enough outdoors with 1000-nit HBM. - Gorilla Glass / NFC?
Not specified on the official page; assume no unless listed in a future update. - Weight and feel?
About 202g with a matte finish that hides fingerprints. - Waterproof?
No. It’s IP64 (splash/dust), not waterproof.
Conslusion
For under ₹10,000, the iQOO Z10 Lite 5G gets the essentials right and adds durability you don’t usually see at this price. If you value battery life and basic reliability over spec trophies, it’s a smart buy.
Source: iQOO Global
