India’s budget 5G smartphone market is on fire, and two contenders are heating things up — the newly launched iQOO Z10R and the increasingly popular CMF Phone 2 Pro. Priced under ₹20,000, both phones aim to deliver flagship-like experiences without burning a hole in your pocket.
While the iQOO Z10R banks on raw performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and fast charging, the CMF Phone 2 Pro pulls ahead with a versatile triple-camera setup and a clean, bloat-free software experience. If you’re stuck choosing between these two, here’s a complete breakdown of how they stack up in performance, battery, camera, and design.
Performance: Power Users, Take Note
At the heart of both phones are capable 4nm MediaTek processors:
- iQOO Z10R: MediaTek Dimensity 7400
- CMF Phone 2 Pro: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
On paper, these chipsets are neck-and-neck in terms of CPU and GPU power. Both offer smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance. However, iQOO gains a slight edge by offering a 12GB RAM variant, ideal for heavy users and gamers who love switching between multiple apps.
Battery Life & Charging: Who Lasts Longer?
Battery is a key battleground in the budget segment, and here’s how both phones fare:
iQOO Z10R: 5700mAh battery with 44W fast charging, 50% charge in 33 minutes, Up to 26 hours YouTube playback / 9 hours gaming
CMF Phone 2 Pro: 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
While the CMF’s battery is decent, iQOO simply offers more juice and faster top-ups, making it the go-to choice for binge-watchers and mobile gamers.
Display & Design: AMOLED vs Minimalism
Both phones offer FHD+ resolution, but iQOO goes big in display quality:
iQOO Z10R: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits peak brightness, curved design, SCHOTT Xensation protection
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Flat display with limited info on panel tech (likely LCD or basic AMOLED)
iQOO’s AMOLED panel with high brightness and 120Hz refresh rate makes it a visual treat — whether you’re gaming, watching Netflix, or just scrolling Instagram. Plus, the premium curved design adds flair.
Camera Setup: Sharp Shots vs Stable Shots
This is where CMF Phone 2 Pro makes a strong comeback. Its camera module is clearly designed for flexibility:
CMF Phone 2 Pro: 50MP Main, 50MP 2x Telephoto, 8MP Ultra-Wide, 16MP Front (1080p recording)
iQOO Z10R: 50MP Sony IMX882 with OIS, 2MP Depth Sensor, 32MP Front (4K recording)
The CMF delivers more versatility for photographers and vloggers with its triple-lens rear setup and telephoto zoom, while iQOO relies on a high-quality Sony sensor and better selfies with 4K front video recording.
Also Known:
1. Realme 15 Series with 7,000mAh Battery & 144Hz AMOLED Display Launching Soon
Pricing & Availability: Where to Buy?
iQOO Z10R: Launched on 24 July, available on Amazon and iQOO India website from 29 July
CMF Phone 2 Pro: Already on sale, available via online platforms
Both phones start around the ₹18,000–₹20,000 mark, with minor price differences based on RAM/storage variants.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iQOO Z10R (12GB RAM option) |
| Battery Life | iQOO Z10R (5700mAh + 44W) |
| Display & Design | iQOO Z10R (AMOLED + curved body) |
| Camera Versatility | CMF Phone 2 Pro (Triple-lens setup) |
| Software UI | CMF Phone 2 Pro (Nothing OS) |
Choose iQOO Z10R if you want powerful performance, immersive display, long battery, and sharp selfies.
Pick CMF Phone 2 Pro if your priority is camera flexibility, minimal software, and a balanced daily experience.