Realme Narzo 70 Pro vs. Realme 12 Plus vs. iQOO Z9: Which Is the Best Sub-20K Phone?

The mid-range smartphone segment is a battleground, with manufacturers constantly vying for your hard-earned rupees. Choosing the right device can feel like navigating a minefield, bombarded with specs and features. But fear not, for we're here to dissect three contenders: the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, the Realme 12 Plus, and the iQOO Z9.

We'll compare their strengths and weaknesses across key areas, helping you pick the champion for your needs.

Design & Durability - A Tale of Glass, Plastic, and Preference

Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Sporting a glass back and a plastic frame, the Narzo 70 Pro offers a premium look at first glance. However, the added weight (195g) might not be for everyone.

Realme 12 Plus (review): This contender goes for a unique approach with a vegan leather back, and a plastic frame. It's a touch lighter (190g) than the Narzo 70 Pro and offers a different grip experience.

iQOO Z9: All plastic construction makes the iQOO Z9 the lightest (188g) of the bunch. While it might not scream luxury, it prioritizes weight reduction and potentially a lower chance of shattering compared to glass backs.

Display - Bigger, Brighter, or Smoother?

Realme Narzo 70 Pro & Realme 12 Plus: Both champions enter the ring with a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate for silky smooth visuals, and a peak brightness of 2000 nits for excellent outdoor readability.

iQOO Z9: This fighter brings a slightly smaller 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate as well. However, its peak brightness dips to 1800 nits, which is satisfactory in very bright environments.

Performance Punch

Realme Narzo 70 Pro & Realme 12 Plus: Both pack the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, an octa-core processor that can handle everyday tasks and some light gaming with ease. They run on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0, a familiar interface for Realme users.

iQOO Z9: Stepping up the game, the iQOO Z9 boasts the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, offering a slight performance edge for multitasking and future-proofing. It also runs on Android 14, but with Funtouch OS 14.

Gamers and heavy users might find the iQOO Z9's extra processing power appealing.

Cameras Compared

Realme Narzo 70 Pro & Realme 12 Plus: These contenders boast a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes, and a 2MP macro lens for close-up details.

iQOO Z9: This fighter takes a different approach with a dual-camera system. It features a high-resolution 50MP main sensor, but ditches the ultrawide and macro lenses in favor of a 2MP depth sensor.

Photography enthusiasts who want versatility will likely favor the Realme Narzo 70 Pro and 12 Plus with their ultrawide and macro options.

Battery Life and Charging Speeds

Realme Narzo 70 Pro & Realme 12 Plus: Both come equipped with a beefy 5000mAh battery, promising a full day's usage on a single charge for moderate users. Additionally, they boast 67W fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed.

iQOO Z9: This contender also sports a 5000mAh battery, offering similar endurance capabilities to the other two. However, its fast charging tech falls behind at 44W. While still respectable, it might take slightly longer to recharge compared to the Narzo 70 Pro and 12 Plus.

Price Point - The Financial Face-Off

All the phones start at Rs 19,999, however, if cameras are a top priority for you, then the Realme Narzo 70 Pro and the Realme 12 Plus are the obvious choices. If you want the best possible performance for your money, then the iQOO Z9 is the way to go.

Who Wins the Smartphone Smackdown?

There's no single champion here. The "best" phone depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Choose the Realme Narzo 70 Pro or Realme 12 Plus if:

• You prioritize a large, bright display and a versatile camera system.
• Battery life and fast charging speeds are important to you.

Choose the iQOO Z9 if:

• You need the most powerful processor for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
• A high-resolution main camera and a different UI experience appeal to you.

Ultimately, the best way to choose is to weigh your priorities and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each phone. We hope this comprehensive comparison has equipped you to pick the perfect smartphone player for your needs!