In 2025, if you’re a mobile gamer looking to buy a phone under ₹30,000, two names dominate the conversation: POCO F7 and iQOO Z11. Both offer flagship-grade performance at mid-range prices and are powered by high-end Snapdragon chipsets, large batteries, and smooth displays.
But when it comes to gaming — every millisecond, frame rate, and temperature drop matters.
So, which one should you pick for smooth PUBG/BGMI, lag-free COD Mobile, or Genshin Impact at ultra settings?
Let’s break down the specs, real-world performance, and features in a simple, no-nonsense comparison to help you decide: POCO F7 vs iQOO Z11 — Which One is Best for Gamers?
⚙️ Processor & Performance: Snapdragon Showdown
🔸 POCO F7
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
- AnTuTu Score: 1.8 million+
- Cooling System: Dual vapor chamber cooling
- UFS 4.0 Storage + LPDDR5 RAM
🔹 iQOO Z11
- Chipset: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- AnTuTu Score: Around 1.4 million
- Cooling System: Graphite-based vapor chamber
- UFS 3.1 Storage + LPDDR5X RAM
🎮 Verdict:
POCO F7 clearly wins here. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a flagship-level chip, offering better sustained performance in longer gaming sessions. It handles BGMI HDR + Extreme, Genshin on high settings, and even emulation without frame drops. iQOO Z11 is solid, but the 7+ Gen 3 lags behind in heavy loads or prolonged gaming.
🖥️ Display & Touch Response
🔸 POCO F7
- 6.72″ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- 2400 x 1080 resolution
- 2160Hz touch sampling rate
- HDR10+ support
🔹 iQOO Z11
- 6.67″ AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate
- 2400 x 1080 resolution
- 360Hz touch sampling rate
- HDR support
🎮 Verdict:
iQOO Z11 takes the lead in refresh rate (144Hz), which feels ultra-fluid, especially in games that support high FPS. But POCO counters with a massive 2160Hz touch sampling rate, meaning super-fast response time for pro-level gamers.
If you play competitive shooters where every tap matters, POCO has the edge here despite having a slightly lower refresh rate.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
🔸 POCO F7
- Battery: 7550mAh (India’s biggest battery in a smartphone)
- Charging: 90W fast charging
- Game Time: 8+ hours of BGMI on HDR
🔹 iQOO Z11
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Charging: 80W fast charging
- Game Time: 5–6 hours of continuous gaming
🎮 Verdict:
POCO F7 is an absolute battery monster. No contest here. You can grind for hours without touching the charger. Perfect for streamers, tournament players, or long sessions.
🎧 Audio, Haptics & Gaming Features
POCO F7:
- Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Z-axis linear motor for haptics
- Game Turbo Mode with FPS meter, GPU load, voice changer
- Hi-res audio with 3.5mm jack (adapter)
iQOO Z11:
- Dual stereo speakers
- X-axis linear motor
- Ultra Game Mode with 4D vibrations, performance booster
- Native voice changer and screen recorder
🎮 Verdict:
Both phones offer immersive sound and custom game modes. POCO wins on louder, more immersive speakers and better haptics, while iQOO’s Ultra Game Mode is slightly more customizable. It’s a close call, but POCO’s Game Turbo is smoother and cleaner in UI.
🌡️ Thermals & Sustained Gaming
- POCO F7 stays cooler during extended sessions thanks to a larger vapor chamber and better thermal design.
- iQOO Z11 starts strong but shows minor thermal throttling after 45+ mins of heavy gaming like Genshin Impact or Apex Legends.
🎮 Verdict:
If you’re into hour-long gaming sessions or competitive play, POCO offers better thermal control and consistent FPS over time.
📸 Camera (Just in Case)
We know gamers care less about this, but quick look:
- POCO F7: 64MP OIS, decent low light, average ultra-wide
- iQOO Z11: 50MP GN5 sensor, better sharpness in daylight, lacks OIS
🎮 Verdict: POCO is better for video stability (with OIS), which helps if you record gameplay clips with the rear cam.
✅ Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy for Gaming?
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor & Performance | POCO F7 |
| Display Smoothness | iQOO Z11 (144Hz) |
| Touch Response | POCO F7 |
| Battery & Charging | POCO F7 |
| Cooling System | POCO F7 |
| Game Optimization UI | POCO (slightly better) |
| Price-to-Performance | POCO F7 (at ₹28,999 approx.) |
🏆 Winner: POCO F7 – The Gaming King Under ₹30K
If your priority is gaming, the POCO F7 delivers raw power, longest battery life, and the most consistent performance in this price range.
That said, iQOO Z11 is still a solid choice for casual gamers who prefer a slightly smoother UI and higher refresh rate — but for hardcore gamers, POCO F7 is the clear winner.
