To understand why I choose iQOO mobiles today, it's important to first look at the phones I used previously. This history explains my current decision.

Between 2004 and 2014, I started using mobile phones, beginning with keypad models. At that time, I was a Nokia fanboy. The Nokia lineup I used included the 3310, 3315, 1100, 2600, 2690, 5310, and the Asha 308. I also used some Sony Ericsson phones, including flip models, slider models, and Cyber-shot mobiles.

In 2015, I used my first smartphone. As a loyal Nokia fan, I desired to go with the Microsoft Lumia 535 (1GB RAM, 8GB ROM). There were a lot of issues with Nokia at the time; they preferred Windows while most smartphone companies were moving to Android. Eventually, Nokia and Microsoft tied up, and Microsoft acquired the company's mobile division. Despite knowing these potential problems, they didn't affect my decision-making at the time, so I planned to purchase the Lumia 535. That's where the problems started.

At that time, the Android ecosystem had millions of apps, and their vast app collection was a major marketing point. Initially, I rejected Android because I only used major apps and didn't think I needed so many. However, new apps were developed for Android first and arrived on Windows much later. For example, Truecaller came very late to Windows, which was frustrating. Another major issue was setting a ringtone on Windows Mobile; it wasn't easily possible. You needed a computer to connect the Lumia 535 just to set a ringtone. Sharing images and videos between people via mobile apps was possible, but not very easy.

By using a Windows phone, I became isolated from other people because there were fewer connectivity apps available on the platform at the time.

So, I decided to move to Android to reconnect with everyone. Interestingly, Nokia itself took that same step shortly after I did.

Now, Rajakannan’s Android Ecosystem Journey Begins

In 2017, I purchased my first Android device, the Redmi 4 (3GB/32GB). It was within my 8k budget and bought via a retail shop. The Android ecosystem had all kinds of apps available. It was even possible to install apps by sharing them from one mobile to another. The Android ecosystem was versatile with a very large community.

However, there were some drawbacks. It only supported 4G on one SIM slot, while the other was restricted to 3G. After the launch of Jio 4G, I wanted to use both my Airtel and Jio SIMs. If I used the Airtel SIM as primary, the Jio SIM would turn off. Also, it had a power-hungry 28nm processor. Due to this situation, I decided to move to another mobile with dual 4G support, better battery backup, and a good processor.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 (3GB/32GB) - 8k budget - Purchased February 2019 via Flipkart.

That mobile was great for watching content due to its display. It had a good camera, dual 4G functionality, and an efficient 14nm Snapdragon 636 processor. It was powerful and efficient. However, by the end of that year, the mobile broke, so I decided to move on.

Realme 3 Pro (4GB/64GB) - December 2019.

My budget at the time was 10k, and I purchased this via Flipkart. My options seemed limited, but suddenly the Realme 3 Pro came within my budget. At launch, it was 13k, but due to a price cut, I purchased it for 10k along with wired Realme Buds.

It featured a Snapdragon 710 10nm processor, a 16MP Sony rear camera, and a 25MP selfie camera. It clicked good pictures with saturated colors, which I liked very much at the time. After two years of usage, the battery degraded, and software updates ended. So, I decided to move on to the next level of upgrades.

Now, it is time to connect with the iQOO community.

I searched for many devices for my upgrade, ensuring no compromise on quality within my increased budget range of 15k. I also needed updated storage capacity.

iQOO Z3 5G (6GB/128GB, Black) - January 2022.

I found this on Amazon. After applying all discounts and coupons, I purchased it for 16k. With the Snapdragon 768G processor for gaming, a good camera, and a nice LCD display, it was a very good deal at that price point 🤝. (As of 2026, the Z3 is still in good working condition; I will post a review of its usage in 2026).

After one year of usage, I gave it to my father as I planned to buy a better phone for myself.

iQOO 7 (8GB/128GB, Orange) - 22k budget - December 2022.

I saw an iQOO app notification for a deal on the iQOO 7 for 22k. So, I preferred to buy the iQOO 7 via the iQOO store app. That mobile came with the flagship Snapdragon 870 7nm processor. It had a great setup for my usage: a Sony 48MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide, and a 16MP selfie camera.

Every mobile user has a dream of using a flagship mobile with top-tier performance and camera quality. That dream came true with the iQOO 7. (In 2026, the iQOO 7 is also still working properly in good condition; reviews are coming next).

In 2025, I planned to buy another iQOO phone. Is it because I am a fanboy? No, not exactly. The major reason is the price-to-value ratio offered by iQOO mobiles; in every segment, they have value-for-money models.

Fanboy movement?

"Definitely Not", If you are just a fanboy, you only buy a particular brand's phones. But if there is a price-to-value product, more people will buy it. So, I am not a fanboy; I am a "value buyer."

iQOO = Value

iQOO 12 (16GB/512GB) - May 2025 - 43k via iQOO App.

I purchased the iQOO 12 in a bundle offer with the iQOO TWS 1e for 43k. It features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with flagship-level cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto, and a 16MP front selfie camera. It has a great camera, and I have shared samples in our community.

It offers great performance, and Origin OS 6 takes it to the next level.

Full reviews of the iQOO 12, Origin OS 6 with iQOO Buds 1e, the iQOO Z3 in 2026, and the iQOO 7 in 2026 are coming soon.

You can also see the full video of my mobile phone journey at the "Rajakannan with Sivabharani" link here RajaKannan journey  

With love 

@RajaKannan