iQoo Z9s Pro Challengers: iQoo has recently updated its mid-segment Z series and introduced the iQoo Z9s and iQoo Z9s Pro. Not surprisingly, the Pro version is the more eye-catching one. It comes with a starting price of Rs 24,999, some really impressive specs and a distinct design, with the orange variant standing out especially. 


In terms of specs, the iQoo Z9s Pro comes with a 6.67-inch full-HD+ curved AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate with a surprisingly high 4500 nits peak brightness.


The phone brings a dual camera setup to the table with a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS and an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor, while on the front, a 16-megapixel sensor handles selfies and video calls. It is powered by a big 5,500 mAh battery which comes with 80W wired charging support. 



The phone runs on Android 14 out of the box with iQoo's FunTouchOS on top of it and also has an IP64 rating. It is powered by the very capable mid-segment Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, paired with an ample amount of RAM (it comes in 8GB and 12GB RAM variants). 


But while it does seem to deliver some very decent value for money at its price, the iQoo X9s Pro also faces some very stiff competition in what is a very crowded price segment. 


Here are five devices that can be lethal for the prospects of the iQoo Z9s Pro: 


Redmi Note 13 Pro: Megapixel Monster


Price: Rs 24,999 onwards


The Redmi Note is no longer a budget mid-segment series. It has now made its way to the premium mid-segment, which is why the iQoo Z9s Pro has to face the wrath of a Redmi Note - the Redmi Note 13 Pro. 


It too features  6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate like the iQoo Z9s Pro and while its peak brightness is capped at 1800 nits, it comes with a 1.5K resolution. The phone runs on a comparatively less powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor but what it lacks in processor power, it more than makes up for in camera megapixel count. 


The phone comes with a 200-megapixel main Samsung Isocell HP3 sensor which takes the phone to a different photography level altogether. The 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor and 2-megapixel macro sensor accompanying it are unlikely to be used much, but a 16-megapixel sensor in front takes good selfies. 


The phone runs on a 5,100 mAh battery with support for a brisk, but relatively slower 67W charging support, although you get a charger in the box. The phone also brings stereo speakers, Dolby Vision, a 3.5 mm audio jack, the display comes with Gorilla Glass protection and the phone has IP54 rating as well. 


It does come with Android 13 out of the box with MIUI 14 on top, but it has been updated to HyperOS on Android 14. 



OnePlus Nord CE 4: Similar Specs Paired With OxygenOS


Price: Rs 24,999 onwards


The Nord series has done wonders in cementing OnePlus in the mid-segment. While there are several Nords in the mid-segment, it's the OnePlus Nord CE 4 that goes up against the iQoo Z9s Pro. 


The phone boasts a 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate and runs on the same processor as the iQoo Z9s Pro– the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. 


That said, its RAM is capped at 8 GB while storage goes up to 256 GB. The device has a 50-megapixel Sony LYT600 main sensor with OIS paired with an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor on the back while a 16-megapixel sensor that takes care of your selfie and video call needs. 


It too, has a 5,500 mAh battery which comes with even faster 100W charging support as compared to the Z9s Pro’s 80W fast charging support. 


You get an IP54 rating, stereo speakers, and Android 14 with OnePlus’ OxygenOS on top which is much cleaner as compared to iQoo’s FunTouch OS. With almost matching specs and price, this Never Setller could unsettle the new iQoo. 



Poco X6 Pro: Power-Packed performer


Price: Rs 23,999 onwards


If it is processor power you seek from a sub-Rs 30,000 phone, then the Poco X6 Pro is the phone for you. 


It comes with a close to flagship-level MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra processor with up to 12 GB RAM and 512 GB, which makes the phone an absolute beast at handling tasks, regardless of whether they are power-hungry or casual. 


The phone has a 6.67-inch full HD+ AMOLED display which comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5 protection and Dolby Vision making it very impressive indeed. The triple camera set up on the Poco X6 Pro’s back brings a 64-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro one. 


On the front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie snapper. It has a slightly smaller 5,000 mAh battery with relatively slower 67 W charging support but comes with dual speakers, and an IP54 rating and runs on Android 14 topped with Xiaomi’s new HyperOS right out of the box. This one packs a powerful punch. 


Nothing Phone 2a: More Than Just Shiny LEDs 


Price: Rs 25,999 onwards


Distinct looks may be its biggest highlight, thanks to its LED-laden, transparent-ish back, but the Nothing Phone 2a brings more than just looks to the table, which is why it is a major roadblock in iQoo Z9s Pro’s way of success. 


The phone comes with a 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate which has Gorilla Glass 5 protection.


It runs on a mid-segment MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip which can be paired with up to 12 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage. One of the major highlights of the phone is its cameras, it has two 50-megapixel sensors on the back – one main with OIS, another ultrawide. 


There is a 32-megapixel sensor on the front for selfies and video calls, making this a standout combination in this segment. Its battery specs may disappoint some as it runs on a 5,000 mAh battery which comes with 45 W wired charging support, and you will not find a charging brick in the box either. 


It comes with Android 14 out of the box and another edge it enjoys is the NothingOS which is very close to stock Android, unlike the FunTouchOS on iQoo Z9s Pro. The phone also has an IP54 rating and stereo speakers, making it sturdy and a multimedia master too.  



Samsung Galaxy M55: Samsung's Smooth Operator


Price: Rs 24,999 onwards


The Samsung Galaxy M55 is another mid-segment master eyeing the iQoo Z9s Pro’s audience. The phone comes with a stunning 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ display with 120 Hz refresh. It runs on a comparatively less powerful  Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip but it is paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, making it a smooth operator. 


On a very typically plain Samsung back, the phone carries a triple camera arrangement spearheaded by a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS which is followed by an 8-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. Another highlight of the device is its 50-megapixel selfie sensor, the only one on the list. 


You also get a 5,000 mAh battery which comes with relatively slow 45W charging support, and with no charger in the box. The phone comes with stereo speakers, and Android 14 out of the box, with Samsung's OneUI on top of it and promises four years of major updates and five years of security updates. 


This one is designed to keep going for years. And well, it is a Samsung - a big factor for many consumers in this segment.