The QMobile Noir Z14 is a smartphone that attempts to carve out a niche in the competitive mid-range market. With a blend of decent specifications and an affordable price tag, it aims to cater to users who want a reliable device without breaking the bank. However, does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Noir Z14 sports a sleek and modern design, with a plastic back panel that mimics the look of glass. The rear houses a dual-camera setup along with a fingerprint sensor, positioned conveniently for quick access. The phone feels lightweight in hand, weighing around 160 grams, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The 6.2-inch display dominates the front, with relatively thin bezels, though the chin is noticeably thicker than the sides.

One downside is the lack of any official IP rating, which means users should be cautious around water. The build quality is decent for the price, but it doesn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors. The power and volume buttons are tactile and responsive, while the USB-C port at the bottom is a welcome addition in this price segment.

Display Performance

The QMobile Noir Z14 features a 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. While the HD+ resolution isn’t the sharpest in its class, the display is vibrant and offers decent color reproduction. Outdoor visibility is acceptable, though direct sunlight can make it a bit challenging to read. The brightness levels are adequate for most scenarios, but don’t expect AMOLED-level contrast or deep blacks.

Watching videos or playing games on this display is a reasonably enjoyable experience, though the lack of a higher refresh rate is noticeable when scrolling through content. If you’re coming from a device with a 90Hz or 120Hz panel, the 60Hz refresh rate here might feel a tad sluggish.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Noir Z14 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset paired with 3GB of RAM. This combination is sufficient for day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light multitasking. However, heavy apps or games can cause noticeable lag, and the device isn’t the best choice for power users. Storage comes at 32GB, which is expandable via a microSD card, but the limited internal storage might be a constraint for some.

The phone runs on Android 10 with QMobile’s custom skin on top. While the UI is relatively clean, it does come with some bloatware that can’t be uninstalled. The software experience is functional but lacks the polish of stock Android or more refined skins like OneUI or OxygenOS. Security updates are infrequent, which could be a concern for long-term users.

Camera Capabilities

The dual-camera setup on the Noir Z14 consists of a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the primary camera captures decent shots with acceptable detail and color accuracy. However, dynamic range is limited, and highlights can often be blown out in high-contrast scenes. The depth sensor helps with portrait mode, but edge detection is hit or miss.

Low-light performance is where the camera struggles the most. Images tend to be noisy, and the lack of a dedicated night mode means you’ll have to rely on the basic camera app’s capabilities. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, but don’t expect flagship-level results.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the stronger aspects of the Noir Z14 is its 4000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with moderate usage. Light users might even stretch it to a day and a half. However, the included 10W charger is underwhelming, taking nearly two hours to fully charge the device. The absence of fast charging is a notable omission, especially when some competitors in this price range offer 15W or even 18W charging.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone features a single bottom-firing speaker that gets loud enough for casual media consumption but lacks depth and clarity. The 3.5mm headphone jack is present, which is a plus for wired audio enthusiasts. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS. While these specs are serviceable, they are a generation behind what some competing devices offer.

Final Verdict

The QMobile Noir Z14 is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers basic functionality without any major frills. It’s best suited for users who prioritize battery life and a decent display over performance or camera quality. While it doesn’t excel in any particular area, it gets the job done for everyday tasks. However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly, there are better options available with more modern features.

QMobile Noir Z14 Full Specifications:

Display: 6.2-inch IPS LCD, 1520 x 720 pixels (HD+), 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: MediaTek Helio P22

RAM: 3GB

Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 13MP primary + 2MP depth sensor

Front Camera: 8MP

Battery: 4000mAh, 10W charging

Operating System: Android 10 with custom skin

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS

Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Weight: 160 grams

Dimensions: 156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm