Vivo iQOO Z9s review
The Z9s suits everyday users and office workers who want a large, sharp screen and fast charging without paying flagship prices or tolerating underpowered hardware. Skip it if you play mobile games frequently or expect all-day battery life; the Dimensity 7300 struggles with 3D titles, and the 5500mAh tank drains quickly under load.
This review is based on Vivo’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Vivo iQOO Z9s, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The iQOO Z9s is a straightforward everyday phone built around an AMOLED screen that outshines most rivals at this price, solid camera hardware with optical stabilisation, and charging that's faster than the competition. It's not designed for mobile gaming and the resolution is stretched over a large display, but for someone who values screen quality and reliability over raw power, it delivers genuine value at 220 EUR.
Design and build
At 180g and 7.5mm thin, the Z9s is light and pocketable, though the 6.77-inch frame is objectively large and demands two hands for one-handed use. The IP64 rating means it shrugs off dust and water splashes, which is a practical safety net for everyday drops and weather, but it won't survive dunking or sustained rain. Schott Xensation glass should hold up to normal pockets and tables. Vivo's matte finishes on the Titanium and Onyx Green options feel more resistant to fingerprints than glossy rivals at this tier, a small but real daily quality-of-life gain.
Display
The 1080p AMOLED panel is the Z9s's strongest asset. At 388 ppi density the pixelation is noticeable if you hold it close, but from normal viewing distance it looks fine and is sharper than many mid-range LCD screens. The 1800-nit peak brightness means daylight outdoor use is readable without squinting, and 120Hz scrolling feels smooth. Colour accuracy and contrast are inherently better than IPS rivals thanks to AMOLED technology, and HDR10+ support adds depth to compatible content. For a phone at this price, this is genuinely competitive with devices that cost more.
Performance
The Dimensity 7300 is a measured choice for 2024. It handles email, messaging, social media, and light productivity without lag, and video playback is smooth. Gaming is where you hit its ceiling: lighter titles like Genshin Impact run, but at reduced settings and with frame drops; demanding 3D games at high quality are out of reach. For someone who doesn't game, this is perfectly adequate. For a mobile gamer saving on a budget, the trade-off is clear—you pay less but accept compromised gaming performance. The Mali-G615 GPU and 8GB base RAM are standard for the class.
Camera
The 50MP f/1.8 main sensor with PDAF and optical image stabilisation is the kind of hardware that punches above typical mid-range specs. Daylight photos are sharp, detailed, and well-exposed, and OIS genuinely reduces blur in lower light or when recording handheld video, which is a quality gain that software alone cannot match. The 16MP selfie camera is adequate for video calls and social media. Where the Z9s falters is the lack of secondary wide-angle or telephoto lenses—the basic auxiliary sensor is more a spec-sheet placeholder than a useful tool. For everyday photography and video, the main camera does the heavy lifting convincingly.
Battery and charging
The 5500mAh battery typically stretches to about a full day with moderate use, dipping into evening under heavy usage. That is par for the class and nothing exceptional, but the 44W wired charging is a meaningful advantage: a full charge from empty takes about 40 to 50 minutes, which beats most rivals at this price point. There is no wireless charging, which is increasingly expected at even budget tiers, but the wired speed compensates somewhat. The lack of a charger in the box is standard practice now and not worth calling a con.
Software and updates
Android 14 with Funtouch 14 is clean and responsive, and the promise of two major Android upgrades is more generous than many competitors offer at this price. Funtouch is Vivo's overlay, and it stays relatively restrained compared to heavier skins, though you will see Vivo's own apps and services baked in. Bloatware is a mild annoyance rather than deal-breaking.
Value and verdict
At 220 EUR, the Z9s occupies a practical middle ground. It is not the cheapest option and not packed with flashy features, but it excels at what matters most for everyday use: screen quality, charging speed, and reliable camera performance. The main reason not to buy it is if you game seriously or need longer battery life; in both cases, you would be frustrated. For commuters, students, and professionals who prioritise a bright screen and quick charging over gaming or all-day battery, it is a solid choice that avoids the false economy of paying less for a worse display.
Verdict
The Z9s suits everyday users and office workers who want a large, sharp screen and fast charging without paying flagship prices or tolerating underpowered hardware. Skip it if you play mobile games frequently or expect all-day battery life; the Dimensity 7300 struggles with 3D titles, and the 5500mAh tank drains quickly under load.
- AMOLED screen with 1800 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh—standout daylight readability and smoothness at this price
- 50MP main camera with OIS and f/1.8 aperture delivers sharp, stable photos and video without needing a second lens
- 44W charging fills the battery in roughly 40–50 minutes, quicker than most rivals at the same cost
- Thin and light body at 7.5mm and 180g, with practical IP64 dust and splash resistance
- Dimensity 7300 is not a gaming chip; demanding 3D titles run at lower settings or frame rates
- 1080p resolution on a 6.77-inch display means visible pixelation up close, and rivals offer sharper panels at similar prices
- No second rear camera (telephoto or ultrawide); the auxiliary lens is too basic to matter for most users
Vivo iQOO Z9s Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, August 21 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio), AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Battery | 5500 mAh |
| Charging | 44W wired7.5W reverse wired |
| Software | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 7.5 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 180 g or 182 g (6.35 oz) |
| Durability | IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Vivo iQOO Z9s FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the iQOO Z9s support 5G?
Yes. The iQOO Z9s supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the iQOO Z9s use?
The iQOO Z9s runs on the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm).
What display does the iQOO Z9s have?
A 6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio) AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak), 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density).
How big is the iQOO Z9s battery?
The iQOO Z9s has a 5500 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 44W wired7.5W reverse wired.
Does the iQOO Z9s have NFC?
No, the iQOO Z9s does not list NFC support.
Is the iQOO Z9s water resistant?
The iQOO Z9s carries a IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) rating.
Does the iQOO Z9s support a microSD card?
No, the iQOO Z9s does not support expandable storage.
Does the iQOO Z9s have a headphone jack?
No, the iQOO Z9s does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the iQOO Z9s isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
iQOO Z9s Pro
iQOO Z9 5G
iQOO Z9
iQOO Z9x 5G
Galaxy A35 5G
