iQOO just launched its new mid-ranger – the iQOO Z9 5G in India. The latest Z-series smartphone from iQOO is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset and includes attractive features like 4K video recording with OIS, an AMOLED display with 1800 nits of brightness, and more.
The smartphone competes directly with the likes of the Nothing Phone (2a) and the POCO X6. In this article, let us compare the iQOO Z9 with the recently launched Nothing Phone (2a) based on specifications. Have a look.
Table of Contents
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Specs at Glance
iQOO Z9
Nothing Phone (2a)
Display
6.67-inch AMOLED
120Hz, Full HD+, 1800nits
6.7-inch AMOLED
120Hz, Full HD+, 1300nits
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 7200
MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
Software
FunTouchOS 14
Android 14
NothingOS 2.5
Android 14
Camera
50MP (OIS) + 2MP (Bokeh)
50MP (OIS) + 50MP (UW)
Front Camera
16MP
32MP
Battery
5,000mAh
5,000mAh
Charging
44W
USB Type-C
45W
USB Type-C
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Price
Configuration
iQOO Z9 5G
Nothing Phone (2a)
8GB + 128GB
Rs 19,999
Rs 23,999
8GB + 256GB
Rs 21,999
Rs 25,999
12GB + 256GB
–
Rs 27,999
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Design
The iQOO Z9 5G has a generic design and comes in two colour options – Brushed Green and Graphene Blue. It features a full-screen display with a centred punch-hole notch. The handset features a polycarbonate frame and weighs 188 grams.
The Nothing Phone (2a) features transparent design with GLYPH interface.
The Nothing Phone (2a), on the other hand, features the brand’s iconic transparent design language with a proprietary GLYPH interface. The robot eye-shaped camera module of the Phone (2a) combined with transparent design language does look good and manages to stand out compared to any other phone in the segment.
The iQOO Z9 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1800nits peak brightness, and DT Star 2 Plus Glass protection. The Nothing Phone (2a) gets a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, 30-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1300 nits of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
iQOO Z9 5G features a 120Hz AMOLED display which supports 1800nits peak brightness.
In terms of display, the Nothing Phone (2a) seems to have an edge over the iQOO Z9 5G as it features a 10-bit display that supports adaptive refresh rate and comes with better Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Hardware
The iQOO Z9 5G sports a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, which brings with it an integrated Mali G610 GPU, up to 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. The Nothing Phone (2a) is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200Pro chipset, which comes with an integrated Mali G68 GPU, up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM, and up to 256GB UFS 2.2 storage.
Nothing uses “Pro” version of MediaTek Dimensity 7200 on its Phone (2a).
In terms of hardware, the iQOO Z9 5G and the Nothing Phone (2a) are similar. However, the real-world performance of smartphones also depends on several other factors such as software optimisations and memory management. Take a look at the synthetic benchmark comparison scores,
iQOO Z9
725,780
Nothing Phone 2a
692,449
AnTuTu Overall benchmark score analysis
iQOO Z9
1,182
Nothing Phone 2a
1,132
Geekbench single-core benchmark score analysis
iQOO Z9
2,644
Nothing Phone 2a
2,601
Geekbench multi-core benchmark score analysis
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Software
The Nothing Phone (2a) ships with Android 14-based NothingOS 2.5. Nothing has promised three Android version upgrades and four years of security patch updates. The iQOO Z9 5G comes pre-loaded with FunTouchOS 14, based on Android 14. iQOO has promised two Android version upgrades and three years of security patch updates.
iQOO Z9 will be upgraded to Android 15 and Android 16 versions.
Nothing uses NothingOS on its smartphone which is very close to stock Android. The company has incorporated several software optimisations to keep the user experience fluid and snappy. Also, NothingOS follows the company’s design philosophy and has some interesting elements baked in.
The Nothing Phone (2a) has an advantage over the iQOO Z9 as it will be upgraded up to Android 17. In contrast, the iQOO Z9 will be upgraded to Android 15 and Android 16.
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Cameras
The Nothing Phone (2a) features a dual-rear camera setup, including a 50MP Samsung sensor with OIS. It is accompanied by a 50MP Samsung JN1 sensor, which adds ultra-wide-angle (114° field of view) functionality. For selfies, it relies on a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor.
Nothing Phone (2a)’s Robot Eye-shaped Camera Module
The iQOO Z9 also gets a dual-rear camera setup with an LED flash. The primary shooter on the handset is a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with optical image stabilisation, which is coupled with a 2MP bokeh sensor and an LED flash. The smartphone gets a 16MP front snapper which takes care of selfies and video calls.
In terms of optics, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a more versatile camera setup with an ultra-wide-angle lens, compared to the iQOO Z9. The Nothing’s offering also has a better front snapper. However, the iQOO Z9 has a Sony IMX882 sensor, which we have seen on the Realme 12 Pro and is capable of producing good image outcomes.
iQOO Z9 5G vs Nothing Phone (2a): Battery
The iQOO Z9 5G houses a 5,000mAh battery, which is supported by 44W FlashCharge fast charging. Whereas, the Nothing Phone (2a) comes equipped with a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
iQOO Z9 supports 44W FlashCharge and comes with a 44W charging adapter.
It is worth noting that Nothing doesn’t bundle a charging adapter in the retail box. On the other hand, iQOO provides a 44W fast charging adapter in the retail package. With an in-box charger, the iQOO Z9 5G has an advantage the Nothing’s offering as the battery capacities and charging abilities of both these handsets are similar.
Verdict
The iQOO Z9 is a balanced product and offers a good value-for-money proposition. However, the lack of an ultra-wide-angle lens in this price segment is surprising and might be a deal breaker for many. For those looking for a good gaming handset without spending a lot, the iQOO Z9 might just be the device.
The Nothing Phone (2a) seems to be checking all the boxes when it comes to delivering on the fundamentals. The smartphone has a head-turning design and offers one of the most balanced specs that you will find in a sub-Rs 25,000 segment.
However, keep in mind that Nothing Phone (2a) is about 20% costlier compared to the iQOO Z9. So, if you’re tight on budget, the iQOO Z9 could be a good pick.
