iQOO 7 5G Review 2021: Complete Analysis, Software Issues & Buying Guide

<h2>iQOO 7 5G Review: Why Software Issues Might Make You Regret This Purchase</h2>

<p><strong>Quick Summary:</strong> The iQOO 7 5G smartphone offers flagship-level hardware with Snapdragon 870/888 processors, 120Hz AMOLED display, and impressive specifications in the ₹30,000-₹40,000 price range. However, software concerns with Funtouch OS and uncertain long-term support make it a risky purchase in 2021.</p>

<h3>iQOO 7 5G Specifications and Hardware Excellence</h3>

<p>The <strong>iQOO 7 5G</strong> lineup stands out in the competitive smartphone market with impressive technical specifications:</p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Processor:</strong> Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 (iQOO 7) and Snapdragon 888 (iQOO 7 Legend)</li>

<li><strong>Display:</strong> 120Hz refresh rate AMOLED screen with superior visual performance</li>

<li><strong>Touch Response:</strong> 1000Hz instant touch sampling rate and 300Hz normal touch sampling rate</li>

<li><strong>Cooling System:</strong> Advanced graphite layer liquid cooling technology</li>

<li><strong>Camera Module:</strong> Exceptional photography capabilities for the price segment</li>

<li><strong>Price Range:</strong> ₹30,000-₹35,000 (iQOO 7) and up to ₹40,000 (iQOO 7 Legend)</li>

</ul>

<p>From a hardware perspective, the <strong>iQOO 7 smartphone</strong> delivers flagship-level performance that rivals devices costing significantly more. The dual-chip technology and high refresh rate display make it particularly attractive for gaming and multimedia consumption.</p>

<h3>The Critical Software Problem with iQOO 7</h3>

<p>Despite excellent hardware, the <strong>iQOO 7 software experience</strong> presents significant concerns that potential buyers must consider before purchase.</p>

<h4>iQOO's Software Strategy Shift</h4>

<p>Understanding iQOO's relationship with parent company Vivo is crucial. <strong>iQOO is a subsidiary of Vivo</strong>, similar to how Realme operates under Oppo and Redmi under Xiaomi. This relationship directly impacts software support and updates.</p>

<p>The company made a controversial decision with the iQOO 7: abandoning its proprietary <strong>iQOO UI</strong> (used in iQOO 3) and reverting to Vivo's <strong>Funtouch OS</strong>. This strategic retreat signals potential software development challenges and raises questions about long-term device support.</p>

<h4>Why Funtouch OS is Problematic</h4>

<p>While <strong>Funtouch OS</strong> has improved from earlier versions, several issues remain:</p>

<ol>

<li><strong>Missing Stock Android Features:</strong> Despite resembling stock Android visually, Funtouch OS omits several native Android 11 features</li>

<li><strong>Update History:</strong> Vivo historically provides slower and less consistent software updates compared to competitors like Xiaomi</li>

<li><strong>Feature Limitations:</strong> The OS prioritizes performance by removing features, which may disappoint users expecting complete Android functionality</li>

<li><strong>Privacy Concerns:</strong> Multiple reviewers have documented questionable privacy policies in native iQOO 7 apps</li>

</ol>

<h3>Learning from Realme's Software Journey</h3>

<p>The smartphone industry provides valuable lessons about subsidiary brand software support, particularly from <strong>Realme's experience with ColorOS</strong>.</p>

<h4>Realme's Software Evolution</h4>

<p>Realme initially struggled with software support while using Oppo's ColorOS:</p>

<ul>

<li>Delayed updates due to Oppo prioritizing its own devices</li>

<li>Accumulating bugs and feature requests with slow resolution</li>

<li>Customer frustration leading to brand reputation damage</li>

</ul>

<p>The solution came when Realme launched <strong>Realme UI</strong>, gaining control over its software destiny. This independence allowed faster updates, better bug fixes, and improved user experience. Today, Realme successfully competes with Xiaomi's Redmi lineup.</p>

<h4>iQOO's Concerning Reverse Direction</h4>

<p>Unlike Realme's progression toward software independence, <strong>iQOO moved backward</strong> by abandoning iQOO UI for Funtouch OS. This regression suggests:</p>

<ul>

<li>Insufficient resources for independent software development</li>

<li>Inability to maintain update schedules for proprietary UI</li>

<li>Potential deprioritization of iQOO devices in Vivo's update pipeline</li>

<li>Abandonment of iQOO 3 users with orphaned software</li>

</ul>

<h3>Software-Hardware Integration: Why It Matters</h3>

<p>The <strong>iQOO 7 benchmark scores</strong> are impressive, but numbers don't tell the complete story. Apple's ecosystem demonstrates why software-hardware integration matters more than raw specifications – iPhones with 2GB RAM often outperform Android devices with 4-6GB RAM due to superior optimization.</p>

<p>The iQOO 7's high benchmark performance partly results from Funtouch OS's feature-stripped approach. While this creates impressive test results, it compromises the actual user experience by removing expected Android functionality.</p>

<h3>The User Base Challenge</h3>

<p>Software update frequency correlates directly with user base engagement and feedback quality.</p>

<h4>Xiaomi's Success Formula</h4>

<p><strong>Xiaomi and Redmi</strong> maintain excellent update records because:</p>

<ul>

<li>Large, engaged user community providing consistent feedback</li>

<li>Tech-savvy customers who identify and report issues quickly</li>

<li>Value-conscious buyers who thoroughly evaluate software experience</li>

<li>Unified MIUI across devices (except POCO series) simplifying development</li>

</ul>

<h4>Vivo and iQOO's Disadvantage</h4>

<p><strong>Vivo and Oppo</strong> target different demographics:</p>

<ul>

<li>Marketing emphasizes design, cameras, and brand image over technical specifications</li>

<li>Higher pricing compared to Xiaomi for similar hardware</li>

<li>Less tech-literate user base providing limited software feedback</li>

<li>Fewer users actively engaging with update programs or bug reporting</li>

</ul>

<p>This smaller, less engaged user base slows software improvement cycles. The recent <strong>Android 12 beta program for iQOO 7 Legend</strong> shows positive intent, but meaningful improvements require time and sustained commitment.</p>

<h3>iQOO 7 Alternatives to Consider</h3>

<p>Before purchasing the <strong>iQOO 7 in 2021</strong>, consider these alternatives in similar price ranges:</p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Xiaomi Mi 11X / Mi 11X Pro:</strong> Similar hardware with better software support track record</li>

<li><strong>OnePlus Nord 2:</strong> OxygenOS provides cleaner experience with reliable updates</li>

<li><strong>Realme GT:</strong> Comparable specifications with improving Realme UI ecosystem</li>

<li><strong>Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:</strong> One UI offers excellent software experience and guaranteed updates</li>

</ul>

<h3>Key Takeaways: Should You Buy iQOO 7 5G?</h3>

<p><strong>Reasons to Consider iQOO 7:</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Excellent hardware specifications for the price</li>

<li>Superior gaming performance with high touch sampling rates</li>

<li>Premium AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate</li>

<li>Strong camera performance</li>

</ul>

<p><strong>Reasons to Avoid iQOO 7:</strong></p>

<ul>

<li>Uncertain long-term software support after abandoning iQOO UI</li>

<li>Missing stock Android features in Funtouch OS</li>

<li>Poor track record of abandoning previous users (iQOO 3)</li>

<li>Potential privacy concerns with native applications</li>

<li>Better alternatives available with proven software support</li>

</ul>

<h3>Final Verdict: iQOO 7 5G Purchase Recommendation</h3>

<p>The <strong>iQOO 7 5G offers exceptional hardware</strong> that justifies its price tag from a specifications standpoint. However, <strong>software concerns significantly impact long-term value</strong>.</p>

<p>If you prioritize hardware performance and plan to use the device for 1-2 years maximum, the iQOO 7 delivers excellent value. However, for users expecting 3+ years of reliable service with consistent updates, alternative devices from Xiaomi, OnePlus, or Samsung provide better peace of mind.</p>

<p>The company's abandonment of iQOO UI and treatment of iQOO 3 users suggests potential software support issues ahead. Based on historical patterns from subsidiary smartphone brands, <strong>buying iQOO 7 in 2021 carries significant risk</strong> of experiencing software stagnation and lack of timely updates.</p>

<p><strong>Recommendation:</strong> Wait for iQOO to demonstrate consistent software support over 12-18 months before investing in their ecosystem, or choose established alternatives with proven update track records.</p>

<hr>

<p><em>Looking to buy a smartphone in the ₹30,000-₹40,000 range? Share your thoughts on the iQOO 7 5G or ask questions in the comments below. What features matter most to you – hardware specifications or software experience?</em></p>