iQOO Z10R vs Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro: Which Is the Better 5G Phone Under ₹20,000?
If you’re planning to buy a new 5G smartphone around ₹20,000, two strong contenders are grabbing attention — the iQOO Z10R and Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro. Both devices offer impressive hardware and balanced pricing, making the decision challenging for buyers. Here’s a complete breakdown of their specifications, performance, and value to help you decide which one better suits your needs.
iQOO Z10R vs Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro: Detailed Specs Comparison
| Category | iQOO Z10R | Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 24 July 2025 | July 2025 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro (4nm) |
| RAM Options | 8GB / 12GB | 8GB only |
| Storage Variants | Up to 256GB | Up to 256GB |
| Battery Capacity | 5700mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 44W wired fast charging | 33W wired charging |
| Main Camera Setup | 50MP (wide) + 2MP (depth) | 50MP (wide) + 50MP (telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (supports 4K video) | 16MP (supports 1080p video) |
| Video Recording | 4K @30fps, 1080p @60fps | 4K @30fps, 1080p @60fps, 120fps slow-mo |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 15 (Android 15) | Nothing OS 3.2 (Android 15) |
| Software Experience | Feature-rich, slightly bloaty | Clean, ad-free UI |
| Fingerprint Sensor | In-display optical sensor | In-display optical sensor |
| AI Features | Supported | Supported |
| Starting Price | ₹19,499 (effective ₹17,499 with offers) | ₹18,999 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹23,499 (12GB + 256GB) | ₹20,999 (8GB + 256GB) |
Performance and Battery: iQOO Takes the Lead in Power
The iQOO Z10R, launched on 24 July 2025, is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, a 4nm octa-core chipset. In comparison, the CMF Phone 2 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro, which is also based on a 4nm process and offers similar GPU performance.
While both phones start with 8GB of RAM, the iQOO Z10R has a higher variant with 12GB RAM, giving it an edge for multitasking.
On the battery front, the iQOO Z10R also takes the lead with a 5700mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging, which is slightly behind in capacity and speed.
Camera Setup: Nothing CMF Offers More Versatility
When it comes to camera features, the CMF Phone 2 Pro delivers more versatility with a triple-lens setup:
- 50MP main camera
- 50MP 2x telephoto lens
- 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor
In contrast, the iQOO Z10R offers a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor, which limits its range of focal lengths.
For video capabilities, both phones support 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro goes a step further by offering 120fps recording. On the front, the iQOO Z10R provides a 32MP selfie camera capable of 4K video recording, whereas the CMF Phone 2 Pro has a 16MP camera limited to 1080p.
Software and User Experience: CMF Has a Cleaner UI
The CMF Phone 2 Pro ships with Nothing OS 3.2, based on Android 15, offering a minimal, ad-free, and intuitive software experience. This is the same clean UI found in the premium Nothing Phone 3.
On the other hand, the iQOO Z10R runs Funtouch OS 15, also based on Android 15. While Funtouch OS has seen significant improvements, it still includes some pre-installed apps that might not appeal to everyone.
Both smartphones come with in-display fingerprint sensors and offer basic AI features like scene detection, app optimization, and face unlock.
Pricing and Value for Money
The CMF Phone 2 Pro starts at ₹18,999 for the base 128GB variant, with higher models reaching ₹20,999. The iQOO Z10R starts slightly higher at ₹19,499 for the 8GB RAM variant and goes up to ₹23,499 for the 12GB + 256GB model.
However, with available bank offers, you can purchase the iQOO Z10R for as low as ₹17,499, making it a more budget-friendly option if you prioritize performance and battery.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you value clean software, versatile cameras, and a sleek design, the CMF Phone 2 Pro is a strong choice, especially for photography lovers. However, if your priority is performance, battery life, and future-ready RAM options, the iQOO Z10R delivers better specs for the price.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer photography and clean UI or power and longer usage. Both phones bring great features to the under-₹20,000 segment and stand out as two of the best 5G options available right now in India.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available specifications and official announcements as of the time of writing. Actual product features, pricing, and offers may vary by region or retailer. Readers are advised to verify with official sources or authorized sellers before making any purchase decisions. This comparison does not imply any endorsement or criticism of either brand.
