iQOO Launches Z11 and Z11x Smartphones in Malaysia with High-End Specs
iQOO dropped its Z11 and Z11x smartphones in Malaysia today, marking the brand’s first Z11-series launch outside China. The Z11’s numbers jump off the spec sheet: a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1260x2800 resolution, a mammoth 9,020 mAh battery with 90W wired charging, and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset at the core, according to Gsmarena.
Camera specs punch above mid-range weight, with a 50MP main sensor and a 32MP selfie shooter. The Z11 comes in two configurations: 8GB RAM with 256GB of storage for MYR 1,599 ($407) and a 12GB/256GB version at MYR 2,199 ($560). Both models are cased in a 213g chassis measuring 163.73 x 76.18 x 8.25 mm. The Z11x, a slightly pared-down sibling, offers a more budget-friendly alternative but sticks to the brand’s focus on performance and battery life.
This launch signals iQOO’s intent to shake up the Southeast Asian mid-range market, where battery size, screen quality, and charging speed often define winners.
How iQOO Z11 and Z11x Stand Out in the Mid-Range Smartphone Market
A 144Hz AMOLED panel at this price undercuts rivals like the OnePlus Nord 3 and Samsung’s A-series, which typically top out at 120Hz in this segment. For gamers and video streamers, that refresh rate means smoother action with less ghosting—a tangible upgrade over the usual mid-range fare.
Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 might not turn heads like an 8-series chip, but it’s a leap above the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 700-900 series, which dominate most $300–$500 phones. That means better multitasking, snappier app loads, and more headroom for future Android updates.
The 9,020 mAh battery is an outlier in a market where 5,000–6,000 mAh is the norm. iQOO pairs that with 90W wired charging—enough to refill from zero to nearly full in under 40 minutes based on previous iQOO models. For power users, that’s a differentiator: no more battery anxiety on long days, and minimal downtime tethered to a wall.
On price, iQOO is threading the needle. At $407–$560, the Z11 undercuts Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and holds its own against Realme’s 12 Pro series. Users get more RAM and faster charging for their money, suggesting iQOO is betting on spec-hungry buyers who want flagship features without the flagship tax.
What to Expect Next for iQOO’s Expansion Beyond China
Malaysia is just the beachhead. iQOO has a track record of using Southeast Asia as a springboard for global rollouts—previous Z-series launches in Indonesia and India followed similar debuts by weeks or months. Expect Z11 and Z11x to hit Vietnam, Thailand, and possibly the Middle East next, with minor tweaks for regional carriers and regulations.
Software support could be a wildcard. iQOO, as a Vivo sub-brand, typically delivers at least two major Android updates for its international lines, but the pace can lag behind rivals like Samsung and Google. Power users should watch for Funtouch OS updates and how fast iQOO pushes security patches—key factors for longevity in this price class.
Strategically, this launch is iQOO’s clearest signal yet that it’s aiming to carve out a loyal following outside its home market. The Z11’s aggressive spec sheet and pricing are designed to woo value-focused buyers who might otherwise turn to Xiaomi, Realme, or Samsung’s A-series.
The next battleground: retail and online availability. iQOO’s real test will be how quickly it can get units into stores and online channels across Southeast Asia while keeping prices stable amid volatile component costs. If the Z11 gains traction, expect other brands to scramble for spec upgrades and price cuts in the coming quarter.
For buyers, the Z11 series raises the bar for what to expect from mid-range phones in 2024. Watch for carrier bundles, early-bird discounts, and—if iQOO’s past launches are any guide—a rapid-fire release schedule for follow-up models with incremental upgrades.
The Bottom Line
- iQOO's launch brings high-end specs like a 144Hz AMOLED display and 9,020 mAh battery to the mid-range market.
- The Z11 offers better performance and battery life than most rivals at a similar price point.
- This debut outside China signals iQOO's aggressive push to capture Southeast Asian smartphone buyers.
