iQoo 11 Review: Power-Packed Performance and Display

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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 Review: Power-Packed Performance and Display

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.

Distinctive Design and Features

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

iQoo 11 Review: Price and Availability

Key Details
Release DateDecember 8, 2022
Western AvailabilityNot Available
PriceApproximately:
– $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

iQoo 11 Review: Specs

Specifications
Dimensions164.9 x 77.1 x 8.7mm
Weight205 grams
Main Display6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED
with 144Hz refresh rate
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM8GB / 12GB / 16GB
Storage128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Operating SystemAndroid 13
Primary Camera50MP (f/1.9) with OIS
Ultrawide Camera8MP (f/2.2)
Portrait Camera13MP (f/2.5) with 2x
telephoto
Front Camera16MP (f/2.5)
Battery5,000mAh
Charging120W (wired)
ColorsBlack, Green, White

iQoo 11 Review: Design

Design
Key Details
DesignGeneric 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 EditionSports 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 Weight8.7mm thickness, 205g weight; comfortable to hold with grippy vegan leather.
IP RatingNo official water resistance (lacks IP rating).
Bezel ThicknessScratches on the Camera Module
Stereo SoundDual 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

iQoo 11 Review: Display

Key Features
Display Size and Type6.78-inch AMOLED screen
PanelNext-gen Samsung E6 panel
ResolutionQHD+ (1440 x 3200)
Refresh RateAdjustable to a maximum of 144Hz
BrightnessPeak brightness of 1800 nits
Pressure-Sensitive ScreenSupports 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

iQoo 11 Review: Software

Key Points
SoftwareFuntouch 13 (layered over Android 13)
BloatwareLoaded with bloatware for the Indonesian market
UI BugsSome UI bugs and unfinished elements
Display Resolution IssueUI struggles to adapt to full QHD+ resolution
NotificationsWhatsApp notifications break through in Do Not Disturb mode
Android UpdatesPromised two-year Android updates seem limited compared to rivals.
Software Score2.5 / 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 Setup50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 13MP telephoto
Main Camera SensorThe camera app allows switching to a more natural look
Consistency Across CamerasSame 50MP sensor as the Samsung Galaxy S22
Color ScienceShots maintain a consistent tone across all three sensors
Toggle for Natural LookCamera app allows switching to a more natural look
Low-Light PerformanceDecent, but slight focusing issues in low light and indoor settings
Front Camera16MP front camera with a default beautifying effect
Overall AssessmentSolid camera setup, not top-tier, competitive pricing compared to rivals.
Camera Score3.5 / 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?

AttributesNotesRating
ValueOutstanding performance and display for the money.4.5 / 5
DesignGeneric design lifted by eye-catching BMW M Motorsport decal.4 / 5
DisplayTop-notch E6 AMOLED panel is big, bright, and sharp.4.5 / 5
SoftwareCluttered, buggy, and filled with bloatware.2.5 / 5
CameraNot top-tier, but a decent telephoto and a commendably even tone across all cameras.3.5 / 5
PerformanceJust about as fast as phones get right now, coupled with strong thermal performance.5 / 5
BatteryCapable 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.

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