Vivo iQOO Z9s Pro: Common Issues, Bugs, and User Experiences - Should You Buy It or Look for Alternatives?
The Vivo iQOO Z9s Pro has garnered attention as a powerful mid-range smartphone with excellent gaming capabilities, fast performance, and a sleek design. Powered by Vivo’s iQOO gaming sub-brand, it appeals to both mobile gamers and those looking for a feature-rich smartphone without a flagship price. However, no phone is perfect, and the Z9s Pro is no exception. This article delves into the common issues, bugs, and glitches users face, providing insights into each, alongside genuine user quotes and advice on whether this device is worth your investment.
1. Performance and Heating Issues
The iQOO Z9s Pro’s performance is a key selling point, especially for users looking to play resource-intensive games or multitask extensively. However, some users report overheating and performance throttling, particularly after extended usage.
Common Complaints Include:
- Overheating during gaming sessions, streaming, or heavy multitasking, leading to reduced performance.
- Lagging or frame drops during intense gameplay, which can impact the gaming experience.
- CPU throttling after prolonged use, which reduces processing speed to prevent overheating but affects performance.
User Experiences:
- One user, Kevin W., mentions: “The phone handles games like PUBG really well, but it does heat up quite a bit after about an hour of gameplay. The frame rate dips slightly, which is annoying in competitive games.”
- Another user, Sofia R., shared, “I was surprised at how fast it gets warm. It’s manageable for quick tasks, but for gaming or streaming, it definitely gets uncomfortably hot.”
Possible Causes:
- The high-performance processor and GPU generate considerable heat during gaming or multitasking, especially when the device is used in warm environments.
- Inadequate thermal management can exacerbate this issue, with heat dissipation lagging during intensive usage.
Solutions and Tips:
- Lower the graphics settings in games to reduce strain on the CPU and GPU.
- Take short breaks during gaming to allow the phone to cool down.
- Avoid using the device while charging, as this can significantly increase heat levels.
2. Battery Drain and Charging Issues
Despite a sizable battery capacity, some users find that the Z9s Pro’s battery drains faster than expected during regular use, especially when using data, GPS, or gaming.
Battery-Related Problems Noted by Users:
- Faster-than-average battery drain when using mobile data, streaming, or playing games.
- Inconsistent or slower charging speeds, despite using the official charging brick.
- Battery percentage drops more noticeably when the phone is left idle overnight.
User Quotes:
- James K. says, “The battery life is decent for light tasks, but when I’m gaming or watching videos, it doesn’t last as long as I expected. Sometimes it needs a mid-day top-up.”
- Aria L. mentions, “The fast charging works fine, but once in a while, the phone seems to charge slower, especially when it’s heating up.”
Possible Causes:
- High refresh rates and large displays can contribute to faster battery drain, especially in mobile games or when streaming videos.
- If the battery is subjected to frequent high-drain activities, it may degrade faster and perform less efficiently over time.
Solutions and Tips:
- Turn on battery-saving mode when performing less demanding tasks or when the battery is low.
- Lower the refresh rate (if adjustable) to improve battery longevity.
- Try disabling background apps that aren’t in use to preserve battery life.
3. Software Glitches and User Interface Bugs
The iQOO Z9s Pro runs on Vivo’s custom FunTouch OS, which has its fans and detractors. While FunTouch OS adds functionality, it also introduces some software glitches and UI bugs.
Reported Software Issues Include:
- Lagging in the user interface or delays in opening apps.
- Random app crashes or apps freezing unexpectedly.
- Issues with notifications not appearing on time or requiring repeated refreshing.
User Feedback:
- Marcus D. shared, “I like the features in FunTouch OS, but it’s a bit buggy. Sometimes, the apps freeze, especially when switching between them quickly.”
- Linda S. noted, “Notifications are sometimes delayed. I’ve missed a few important messages because they didn’t come through on time.”
Possible Causes:
- FunTouch OS updates may occasionally introduce bugs that interfere with performance and cause inconsistencies in app behavior.
- Third-party app compatibility issues with the FunTouch OS skin could lead to crashes.
Solutions and Tips:
- Regularly check for system updates, as Vivo often releases patches to address software bugs.
- Clear the cache of problematic apps or reinstall them to improve stability.
- Avoid using too many widgets and animations on the home screen, as these can affect performance.
4. Camera Quality and Low-Light Performance
The iQOO Z9s Pro boasts a powerful camera setup for a mid-range device, but users have raised concerns about the low-light performance and occasional glitches in the camera app.
Camera Issues Reported by Users:
- Blurry images in low-light settings, with noticeable graininess and loss of detail.
- Slow shutter speed, making it difficult to capture moving objects or quick moments.
- Occasional freezing in the camera app when using high-resolution or night modes.
User Quotes:
- Chris H. mentioned, “Photos look great during the day, but at night, it’s tough to get a clear shot. The low-light photos come out pretty grainy.”
- Emma J. shared, “The camera app froze once or twice when I was trying to take night shots, which was frustrating.”
Possible Causes:
- The Z9s Pro’s camera sensor may not be optimized for low-light photography, which is typical in mid-range devices.
- Certain software processes or effects may strain the camera app, causing it to lag or freeze.
Solutions and Tips:
- Use the night mode to improve image quality in low-light environments.
- Stabilize the phone or use a tripod to reduce blur in dim settings.
- Clear the camera app’s cache to help resolve any app-specific issues.
5. Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Mobile Data)
Connectivity is essential for a smooth user experience, and the iQOO Z9s Pro is equipped with multiple connectivity options. However, some users report Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data issues, which can impact the device’s performance.
Connectivity Issues Include:
- Weak Wi-Fi connections or intermittent signal drops.
- Bluetooth pairing issues with certain devices, including wireless headphones.
- Mobile data connectivity drops, where the device loses signal unexpectedly.
User Experiences:
- John L. states, “Sometimes, the Wi-Fi just disconnects randomly. It’s not my router because my other devices stay connected.”
- Mia P. shares, “Bluetooth connects fine, but with my earbuds, sometimes it cuts in and out, which is really annoying.”
Possible Causes:
- Connectivity modules in mid-range devices may lack the advanced stability found in higher-end devices.
- Firmware compatibility issues with third-party devices can lead to connectivity issues.
Solutions and Tips:
- Reset network settings on your phone if you experience connectivity drops frequently.
- Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices to refresh the connection.
- Keep your phone’s software updated to ensure any connectivity-related bug fixes are applied.
6. Fingerprint Sensor Inconsistencies
The iQOO Z9s Pro’s in-display fingerprint sensor is intended to offer quick and secure access to the phone. However, several users have noted inconsistencies in fingerprint recognition, especially when the sensor is used frequently.
Fingerprint Sensor Issues Include:
- Inconsistent recognition, where the fingerprint sensor fails to recognize a stored fingerprint.
- Delayed response or slow unlocking speed.
User Quotes:
- Liam T. said, “The fingerprint sensor works well most of the time, but sometimes it just doesn’t read my fingerprint right away.”
- Diana W. noted, “It’s good, but not as fast as I expected. I sometimes have to try a couple of times.”
Possible Causes:
- Dirt, sweat, or moisture on the finger can interfere with the sensor’s accuracy.
- Sensor calibration issues may cause inconsistency over time.
Solutions and Tips:
- Keep the sensor area clean and ensure your finger is dry when unlocking.
- Recalibrate the fingerprint sensor by deleting and re-adding fingerprints for better accuracy.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Vivo iQOO Z9s Pro?
The Vivo iQOO Z9s Pro is a solid mid-range device, particularly attractive to mobile gamers and users looking for a high-performance experience without a flagship device.