In January 2022, I took a chance on the iQOO Z5 5G. I was drawn to its sleek Arctic Dawn design and its reputation for solid performance without breaking the bank. Little did I know that this device would become an everyday companion, seeing me through countless moments—from spontaneous photo sessions to intense mobile gaming marathons. Here’s a look back at my experience with this incredible phone and why parting with it last October was bittersweet.

Why I Chose the iQOO Z5 5G: A Journey of Research, Savings, and the Perfect Fit

I got my iQOO Z5 5G at a time when I was on the cusp of major life changes. My 10th exams had just wrapped up, and I was preparing to embark on a new chapter: moving to Hyderabad for my higher studies. I knew I needed a reliable phone, one that could keep me connected, handle all my study apps, and still fit within my budget. That’s where my search for the “perfect phone under 15k” began.

After scouring reviews, watching countless videos, and reading up on the latest options, I stumbled upon the iQOO Z5 5G on Amazon, priced a bit higher than my budget at around 22k. But luck was on my side—a 2k coupon was available, and I just knew this was the one! I excitedly told my mom about my find, and with her green light, I placed the order right away.

The Right Choice at the Right Time

The Z5 felt like a long-term investment from the get-go, a phone I could rely on throughout my studies and beyond. When it arrived, everything fell into place perfectly: it was sleek, had great camera quality, fast performance, and an excellent battery. I remember feeling like I had made the smartest choice for my needs.

For almost two years, my iQOO Z5 became more than just a phone— it was an essential part of my day-to-day life, helping me stay connected, productive, and entertained. Here’s what I loved about it:

A Performance Beast That Never Backed Down

From the moment I powered it on, the iQOO Z5 felt like a workhorse. The Snapdragon 778G processor and 8GB of RAM made everything from daily browsing to multitasking a breeze. I’d often find myself switching between apps without a hiccup. And when it came to gaming? Well, I’ll just say this: It handled everything I threw at it. I’ve had my fair share of lagging experiences on other phones, but not once did the Z5 freeze up or stutter during even the most intense games. Paired with the ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it was a gamer’s delight that made everything feel lively and responsive.

Capturing Moments With a Remarkable Camera

I’m someone who’s always snapping photos, so the 64MP main camera on this phone was like a trusted friend. It managed to capture details beautifully, especially in good lighting, and I loved how true-to-life the colors turned out. The front 16MP selfie camera was just as reliable, often giving me photos that looked almost studio-shot in quality. Now, while it wasn’t flawless in low-light situations (some shots would end up a bit grainy), the dedicated Night Mode often saved the day by making darker scenes look better. Honestly, it gave me the confidence to capture moments without worrying too much about lighting conditions.

The Display and Battery That Just Worked

The display may not have been AMOLED, but it was sharp, vibrant, and never left me wanting more. Watching videos, playing games, and scrolling through social media felt easy on the eyes. The 5000mAh battery turned out to be a powerhouse, too. With just one charge, I could go through my day comfortably and even push it into the next morning sometimes. Plus, with fast charging, I never felt tied to the wall for too long. It was practical, reliable, and simple—a combination that made it so easy to live with daily.

Farewell to a Trustworthy Companion

But like many good things, my journey with the iQOO Z5 came to an unexpected end on October 20, 2023. I lost it that day, and it felt like misplacing a piece of my routine. From handling work calls and texts to capturing memorable photos, it had been a device that felt like a constant companion. The realization that it was gone was a mix of disappointment and nostalgia; it had simply been there, without needing me to worry about much.

If you’re looking for a phone that won’t let you down in the performance department, gives you great photo memories, and simply makes life easier, the iQOO Vivo Z5 5G is one I’d confidently recommend. I may no longer have mine, but it left a positive impression that’s hard to forget.

Read more about my iQOO journey here.

Reflecting back on nearly two years with this phone, I can confidently say it was worth every bit. The iQOO Z5 may have been with me for a relatively short time, but it was a memorable and practical companion that went above and beyond.

Rating: 4.9/ 5 (Because I never saw anything that much perfect)