The iQOO Z3 5G has certainly caused a stir among the mid-range crowd. With India’s first Snapdragon 768G processor, silky smooth 120Hz screen, 55W FlashCharge, and support for 5G, it’s evidently going for the gamers and performance seekers who don’t have the will to spend Flagship prices. But is it the best budget gaming smartphone of 2025, or does it have drawbacks you should be aware of? Let’s see.
iQOO Z3 5G – Major Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G (7nm)
- Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate
- RAM & Storage: 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.2 storage, expandable through microSD
- Rear Camera: 64MP (Samsung GW3) + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
- Front Camera: 16MP selfie camera
- Battery: 4,400mAh, 55W FlashCharge (0-50% in ~19 mins)
- OS: Funtouch OS 11.1 based on Android 11 (upgradable)
- Weight: ~185.5g
- Other Features: Five-layer liquid cooling, 3.5mm headphone jack, side-mounted fingerprint
reader, 5G connectivity
Performance – Designed for Gamers
The Snapdragon 768G processor offers approximately 15%
more performance than the Snapdragon 750G and is therefore ideal for mobile gaming. At Antutu scores of over 450,000, it plays graphically heavy games such as Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and PUBG: New State at high graphics without any lag.
iQOO Z3 has five-layer liquid cooling system maintains temperatures in check to avoid thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.
Check out our full list of Best Gaming Smartphones on UrbanScroll to see how the iQOO Z3 5G stacks up against its competition.
Display – Smooth but Not AMOLED
iQOO Z3 has 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with 120Hz screen refresh and 180Hz touch sampling makes scrolling and gaming ultra-smooth. Although colors and contrast are good, it does not offer the deep blacks of an AMOLED panel. It is passable outdoors, and the 96% NTSC color gamut provides rich colors for video and games.
Camera – Good for the Price
iQOO Z3 comes with 64MP Samsung GW3 main sensor takes crisp and detailed daytime photos. The 8MP UW
angle lens is useful for landscape shots but
exhibits some warping and color cast.
Battery & Charging – Fast and Reliable
The 4,400mAh battery comfortably lasts an entire day with mixed use, such as gaming, streaming, and web browsing.
With the 55W FlashCharge, it’s possible to charge from 0-50% in approximately 19 minutes and completely charge in approximately 50 minutes — one of the fastest in its class.
Design & Build – Sleek but Plastic
The iQOO Z3 5G is available in stylish gradient colors such as Cyber Blue and Ace Black. The plastic back is light in weight but does not have the
same premium feel as glass.
The fingerprint sensor on the side is quick, and you also have a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a less common thing in most new-age devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Snapdragon 768G offers great gaming performance
- 120Hz refresh rate with 180Hz touch sampling
- 55W super-fast charging
- 5G-ready for future connectivity
- Effective cooling system for gaming
Cons:
- IPS LCD, not AMOLED
- Mono speaker instead of stereo
- Plastic build feels less premium
Check out our full list of Best Gaming Smartphones on UrbanScroll to see how the iQOO Z3 5G stacks up against its competition.
Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The iQOO Z3 5G offers a fantastic balance of performance, battery life, and fast charging under ₹25K, making it one of the best gaming-oriented smartphones in its price range. If you can live without AMOLED and stereo speakers, it’s an excellent value-for-money choice for gamers and power users.
