iQOO Z5 5G Unboxing: Design, Display and Key Features

In December 2021, AH Solution published a 13-second Short showing the unboxing and first look of the iQOO Z5 5G. The format is far too short to do more: no time for every accessory, and no room for a verdict. This article turns the information around that first look into something you can use before buying.

This is not a laboratory test, a long-term review, or a claim that we watched the video in full; the specifications come from public spec data. A 2021 spec sheet cannot decide a purchase in 2026, hence the checklist at the end.

At launch, the iQOO Z5 5G was a performance-focused mid-range phone: Snapdragon 778G 5G, a 120Hz display, a 64MP triple camera, a 5,000mAh battery and 44W FlashCharge. Today it appears mostly in the used or refurbished segment, so price and variant differ by seller.

Original video: iQOO Z5 5G 📱 Unboxing & First Look 🎁 #Shorts #smartphone Video published: 22 December 2021 · Duration: 00:13

What a 13-second short can actually tell you

A 13-second Short offers a visual first look only: how the phone looks and feels, and the box opening. There is no time for a benchmark or a camera test, so treating that clip as a "review" would be a mistake.

Its real value is confirming product identity: which model this is and what the design looks like. Every other judgement has to come from the specification sheet and hands-on testing. AH Solution publishes more short clips on vlogs.html#shorts, each a teaser, not a verdict.

Specification sheet: the 2021 highlights

The table below is the public specification context for 2021. Current-day purchase guidance lives in the checklist further down. Always match the figures against the official listing.

A note on variants: RAM and storage options change by region, so the box, invoice and About phone screen should match.

What 120Hz and the Snapdragon 778G mean in practice

The scope of the refresh rate

A 120Hz panel makes scrolling smoother in supported content, but brightness, colour, touch response and the panel type (an LCD) matter just as much. Many applications still run at a lower rate, so "120Hz always feels smooth" does not hold.

How to think about the processor

The Snapdragon 778G was a strong mid-range performer at the time, but the name alone does not describe the real experience. RAM, storage speed, thermals and the software build decide how the phone feels. On a used device, run a demanding app for 15–20 minutes and judge frame drops and heat yourself.

What to expect from the camera and the battery

Camera. A 64MP number is no guarantee of better photos; low-light performance, autofocus and image processing decide the result. Test it yourself rather than trusting a seller's samples: take a night shot, check portrait edges and stabilisation.

Battery. A 5,000mAh capacity was generous by 2021 standards and 44W charging fills the phone quickly, but in 2026 the useful figure depends on the charge cycles the battery has seen. Test the charging: how long it took, whether the port became hot, and whether the adapter was rated.

A used iQOO Z5 5G buying checklist for 2026

Hardware and physical checks

• Model number: the box, invoice and Settings/About phone screen should agree.
• Display: look for dead pixels, uneven brightness, touch response, and confirm the 120Hz toggle works.
• Body: check the frame for dents, the panel for gaps and the port for looseness.
• Cameras: test each lens separately, plus autofocus, flash and front-camera video.
• Audio and network: speakers, microphone, your carrier's bands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
• Battery: check whether drain is normal and the charger a rated unit.

Software and paperwork checks

• IMEI and ownership: match the IMEI against the invoice, then check blacklist and loan-lock status.
• Account locks: make sure no previous Google or brand account is still signed in.
• Security updates: check the current Android security patch level; it matters most on a 2021 phone.
• Software state: confirm the device is not rooted or running a custom ROM.
• Warranty and returns: check you get a written warranty, return window and invoice.
• Price: compare with current alternatives in the same condition, not 2021 launch figures.

Troubleshooting and limitations

• 120Hz does not apply everywhere: some apps and scenes run at a lower rate. Force it in Settings to check.
• Heat and throttling: some drop during long gaming is normal; if the phone heats up quickly, check battery condition and cooling.
• Slow charging: the usual cause is a non-rated adapter; test with an official rated charger first.
• Storage expandability: some listings have no card slot, so confirm before buying.
• Bands and variants: 5G depends on your carrier and region, and similarly named models differ. Read the full model number and check it against the GSMArena band list.

Safety and privacy

The biggest risk with a used phone is one with no paperwork, or a stolen one. Match the IMEI against the invoice and check blacklist status: this protects you legally and the network.

On receipt, remove every account left by the previous owner and run a factory reset, so no old data or FRP lock survives. If the battery is swollen or the port sparks, avoid the device; use only a certified, rated charger. Watch permissions when installing new apps, and read our choose-android-apps-safely.html guide for the checklist. Always ask for an invoice.

Frequently asked questions

Which processor does the iQOO Z5 5G use?

According to the reported specification, it uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G platform, which sat in the mid-range performance segment at the time. Real-world speed also depends on the RAM and storage variant, software condition and thermals; confirm the configuration on the official listing.

Does 120Hz mean the phone always feels smooth?

No. A 120Hz panel only helps with supported content; many applications run at a lower rate, and frame drops still happen under load. Never judge a display on refresh rate alone.

Is 44W FlashCharge fast by today's standards?

Speed depends on the adapter, temperature and battery health. Without the original rated adapter, charging slows considerably on a used phone. Read the rating on the charger and verify with a 20–30 minute test.

What should I check first when buying a used iQOO Z5?

Start by matching the IMEI against the invoice, then work through the checks above: account locks, display, battery drain, cameras, network bands and update status. Only then discuss the price — condition decides how safe the device is.

Can the iQOO Z5 5G still be bought new?

Stock availability has changed since the 2021 launch, and some sources list the model as discontinued. Before buying a new or refurbished unit, verify availability and warranty through official channels, and ask for a written invoice behind any "new" claim.

Final recommendations

The iQOO Z5 5G was a strong mid-range phone in 2021, but in 2026 the decision should not rest on those numbers alone. Confirm the exact variant, then check condition, battery health, update status and the seller's warranty before comparing prices. If the checklist passes and the device is in casual use, it can work as a budget option; otherwise current-generation alternatives at the same budget are more sensible. Treat the official listing and written invoice as the final word — not the video clip.

Resources and official links

• iQOO India store official listing — match the exact variant and stock.
• iQOO IMEI authentication page — verify the invoice IMEI and warranty.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G official page — official processor specifications.
• GSMArena iQOO Z5 specifications — bands and full specifications.

Watch the original AH Solution video

Watch on YouTube · AH Solution channel