iQOO has set March 26th as the launch date for its upcoming Z11 smartphone in China, following a series of teasers that highlighted its hardware. The company has now confirmed key details, including a 9,020mAh battery, the largest ever on an iQOO phone, and a 6.83-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. Alongside the Z11, iQOO will also introduce the Z11x in China, carrying over the same specifications from its recent India launch while adding a white colour option to the existing lineup.
The Z11’s battery is its most important feature. At 9,020mAh, it sits well above the typical range for this segment, where most devices still offer around 6,000-7,000mAh. Even among recent launches that have pushed battery sizes higher, this is a noticeable step up. iQOO is pairing it with 90W fast charging, which should help keep charging times manageable despite the larger capacity.
The display is another key spec. The Z11 is expected to feature a 6.83-inch OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. While 120Hz panels are now standard and 144Hz is increasingly common, 165Hz is still relatively rare in this category. In fact, the OnePlus 15 and 15R (Turbo 6 in China) are the only phones to sport a 165Hz refresh rate. The benefit will depend on software support, but it does give the Z11 an advantage on paper when compared to most rivals.
Performance is expected to be handled by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500 chipset, based on early benchmark listings. Built on a 4nm process, the chip is designed to deliver strong results in gaming and multitasking. The phone is likely to be offered in configurations with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
In terms of design, iQOO has moved away from the circular camera module seen on the Z10 and introduced a square layout on the Z11. The phone retains flat sides and a flat display, with a plastic frame that is standard for this price range. It will be available in black, white, and blue.
The Z11 is expected to sit below the iQOO Z11 Turbo, which launched earlier this year with more powerful internals, offering a more accessible option within the same lineup. Among competition, the Z11 could stand out with its battery size, which is significantly higher than most alternatives, combined with a display that pushes beyond typical refresh rate limits. For users who prioritise longer usage between charges and smoother on-screen performance, it is shaping up as a practical option on paper. Those who place more importance on camera performance or premium materials may find more balanced choices elsewhere in the same price range.
There is no confirmation yet on an India launch, but given iQOO’s recent releases, the Z11 is expected to arrive here as well. Pricing will ultimately determine how competitive it is once it goes on sale.
