The iQoo 11 limited availability is unfortunate because it offers an impressive package. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, its performance stands out. Additionally, its E6 AMOLED display uniquely combines clarity and fluidity. Although the software is busy and the camera setup is average, we eagerly await Vivo to introduce its exciting sub-brand to the Western market.
Pros:
- Outstanding performance
- Superb E6 AMOLED display
- Strong battery life
Cons:
- No IP rating or wireless charging
- Complex Funtouch 13 software
- There are better main camera options for a similar price.
iQoo 11: Quick Overview
The iQoo 11 might not hit Western markets, but it’s worth noting as one of the first phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. While it caters primarily to Asian customers, its willingness to provide a UK power adapter for pre-launch tests signals potential expansion.
With its impressive package, we’d gladly welcome the iQoo 11 or a future model in our region, perhaps filling OnePlus’s void as a market disruptor and flagship contender.
Distinctive Design and Features
iQoo’s collaboration with BMW introduces a unique design, featuring a white vegan leather back with a three-stripe decal, adding a touch of fun compared to the standard black option.
The standout feature, however, is its cutting-edge chipset, elevating the iQoo 11 to one of the most potent smartphones available. Catering to gamers, it effortlessly handles demanding titles like Wreckfest and Genshin Impact at max settings.
The gaming experience is further enhanced by a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, utilizing the latest Samsung E6 panel. It offers a rare combination of QHD sharpness and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, along with excellent brightness.
Camera and Battery Performance
While not reaching the heights of the iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, or Google Pixel 7 Pro in the camera department, the iQoo 11 impresses with its ability to capture bright and balanced shots with its three cameras. Low-light performance could use improvement.
Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, it delivers a full day of usage and boasts rapid 120W wired charging (though wireless charging is absent). This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an entry-level flagship phone.
iQoo 11 Review: Price and Availability
| Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 8, 2022 |
| Western Availability | Not Available |
| Price | Approximately: |
| – $700 | |
| – £580 | |
| – AU$1,050 | |
| Launch Dates | – Indonesia: Dec 8, 2022 |
| – Malaysia: Dec 8, 2022 | |
| – Thailand: Dec 15, 2022 | |
| – India: Jan 13, 2023 |
The iQoo 11 made its debut on December 8, 2022, in Indonesia and Malaysia, followed by Thailand on December 15 and India on January 13, 2023. Unfortunately, there are no plans for the iQoo 11 to reach the US, UK, or Australia, which is disappointing. With an Indonesian launch price of IDR10,999,000 (approximately $700 / £580 / AU$1,050), it could have potentially competed with the Pixel 7 and the OnePlus 10T.
We hold hope for a broader release in the future, especially since the company provided a UK power brick with our test iQoo 11, indicating potential expansion.
Value Score: 4.5 / 5
iQoo 11 Review: Specs
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 8.7mm |
| Weight | 205 grams |
| Main Display | 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED |
| with 144Hz refresh rate | |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB / 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Primary Camera | 50MP (f/1.9) with OIS |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP (f/2.2) |
| Portrait Camera | 13MP (f/2.5) with 2x |
| telephoto | |
| Front Camera | 16MP (f/2.5) |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Charging | 120W (wired) |
| Colors | Black, Green, White |
iQoo 11 Review: Design
| Key Details | |
|---|---|
| Design | Generic with flat display, subtly curved back, and metal frame. |
| Special Edition (Legend Model) | Generic with a flat display, subtly curved back, and metal frame. |
| Alpha Edition | Sports a sober black shade with a glass back. |
| Features fiberglass and vegan leather in brilliant white with colorful triple stripe, thanks to the BMW M Motorsport partnership. | Paint coating on the metal frame around the camera module may scratch easily. |
| Size and Weight | 8.7mm thickness, 205g weight; comfortable to hold with grippy vegan leather. |
| IP Rating | No official water resistance (lacks IP rating). |
| Bezel Thickness | Scratches on the Camera Module |
| Stereo Sound | Dual speakers with one on the bottom edge; may be covered during landscape gaming. |
The iQoo 11’s design is fairly standard, featuring a flat display, curved back, and metal frame. However, the Legend model stands out with its fiberglass and vegan leather finish, while the Alpha Edition offers a more classic black design.
One issue is the potential for the camera module’s metal frame to scratch easily. Despite its thickness (8.7mm) and weight (205g), the phone is comfortable to hold, with the vegan leather providing grip even in cold weather. The absence of an IP rating for water resistance and the thicker chin bezel hint that it’s not a flagship device.
While it offers stereo sound, one speaker’s placement on the bottom edge can be problematic during landscape gaming.
Design Score: 4 / 5
iQoo 11 Review: Display
| Key Features | |
|---|---|
| Display Size and Type | 6.78-inch AMOLED screen |
| Panel | Next-gen Samsung E6 panel |
| Resolution | QHD+ (1440 x 3200) |
| Refresh Rate | Adjustable to a maximum of 144Hz |
| Brightness | Peak brightness of 1800 nits |
| Pressure-Sensitive Screen | Supports gaming controls in certain games. |
The iQoo 11’s display matches its powerful chipset in terms of cutting-edge technology. It utilizes the Samsung E6 panel, offering a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200).
Notably, it provides an impressive 144Hz maximum refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1800 nits, surpassing even the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and approaching the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Additionally, it features a pressure-sensitive screen, allowing for unique gaming controls in select games. This technology, while not as deeply integrated as Apple’s 3D Touch, adds a nice touch to the gaming experience.
Display Score: 4.5 / 5
iQoo 11 Review: Software
| Key Points | |
|---|---|
| Software | Funtouch 13 (layered over Android 13) |
| Bloatware | Loaded with bloatware for the Indonesian market |
| UI Bugs | Some UI bugs and unfinished elements |
| Display Resolution Issue | UI struggles to adapt to full QHD+ resolution |
| Notifications | WhatsApp notifications break through in Do Not Disturb mode |
| Android Updates | Promised two-year Android updates seem limited compared to rivals. |
| Software Score | 2.5 / 5 |
The iQoo 11’s software, Funtouch 13 layered over Android 13, is crowded with bloatware for the Indonesian market. The UI exhibits some bugs and unfinished aspects, notably struggling with full QHD+ resolution and problematic WhatsApp notifications during Do Not Disturb mode. However, these issues could be addressed in future updates, but the promise of just two years of Android updates appears less generous than other high-end phones.
iQoo 11 Review: Cameras
| Key Features | |
|---|---|
| Camera Setup | 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 13MP telephoto |
| Main Camera Sensor | The camera app allows switching to a more natural look |
| Consistency Across Cameras | Same 50MP sensor as the Samsung Galaxy S22 |
| Color Science | Shots maintain a consistent tone across all three sensors |
| Toggle for Natural Look | Camera app allows switching to a more natural look |
| Low-Light Performance | Decent, but slight focusing issues in low light and indoor settings |
| Front Camera | 16MP front camera with a default beautifying effect |
| Overall Assessment | Solid camera setup, not top-tier, competitive pricing compared to rivals. |
| Camera Score | 3.5 / 5 |
The iQoo 11’s camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, and 13MP telephoto, with the main sensor matching the one in the Samsung Galaxy S22. Shots maintain a consistent tone across all three sensors, though it tends to be slightly cool with enhanced greens. A toggle in the camera app allows for a more natural look. In low light, it performs decently but may have focusing issues and produce slightly washed-out results in indoor environments. The 16MP front camera does a reasonable job with selfie skin tones but has a default beautifying effect that can be turned off. Overall, it’s a solid camera setup, although not in the top tier like other aspects of the iQoo 11.
iQoo 11 Review: Performance
- Features Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
- Impressive Geekbench scores, outperforming Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones.
- Excellent GPU performance with stability over time.
- Efficient thermals due to multi-layer vapor chamber.
- Supports high-intensity gaming without thermal issues.
- V2 chip enhances gaming smoothness even in games with lower frame rates.
Performance Score: 5 / 5
iQoo 11 Review: Battery
- Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery.
- Delivers all-day battery life with QHD+ and 144Hz display settings.
- Rapid 120W wired charging provides quick refills.
- Lacks wireless charging capability.
Battery Score: 4 / 5
Should You Buy the iQoo 11?
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Outstanding performance and display for the money. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Design | Generic design lifted by eye-catching BMW M Motorsport decal. | 4 / 5 |
| Display | Top-notch E6 AMOLED panel is big, bright, and sharp. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Software | Cluttered, buggy, and filled with bloatware. | 2.5 / 5 |
| Camera | Not top-tier, but a decent telephoto and a commendably even tone across all cameras. | 3.5 / 5 |
| Performance | Just about as fast as phones get right now, coupled with strong thermal performance. | 5 / 5 |
| Battery | Capable of a solid day of heavy usage. | 4 / 5 |
Buy it If:
- You want to power for a reasonable price with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
- You seek an outstanding display that’s big, bright, sharp, and fluid at 144Hz.
- You don’t mind importing since the iQoo 11 isn’t available in Western markets.
Don’t buy it if:
- You highly value camera quality, especially in indoor lighting.
- You prefer a clean or stock Android experience as Funtouch 13 is busy, buggy, and bloated.
- You want high-end extras like water resistance and wireless charging.
iQoo 11: Also Consider
For alternatives to the iQoo 11, consider:
- Google Pixel 7: $599 / £599 / AU$999, 6.3-inch AMOLED @ 90Hz, 50MP Wide, 12 MP Ultrawide.
- OnePlus 10T: $649 / £629 (around AU$970), 6.7-inch AMOLED @120Hz, 50 MP Wide, 8MP Ultrawide, 2MP Macro.
- Nubia Red Magic 7: $629 / £529 / AU$900, 6.8-inch AMOLED @165Hz, 64MP Wide, 8MP Ultrawide, 2MP Macro.
Key Differences: Pricing, display size and type, camera setups, chipsets, RAM, battery capacity, and water resistance.