iQOO is preparing to expand its Z11 smartphone lineup in China with the addition of the iQOO Z11i, a new entry-level 5G handset that has quietly appeared for pre-orders before its official launch.

The company has not yet confirmed a release date for the device, but pre-order listings are already live through iQOO’s online store and several major retailers in China. The move places the Z11i below the existing Z11, Z11x and Z11 Turbo models, strengthening the brand’s presence in the lower-cost segment of the market.

Ahead of the launch, iQOO has revealed the phone’s design and colour options. Buyers will be able to choose from Green Peak, Desert Gold and Ink Shadow finishes. The overall appearance closely resembles the recently introduced Vivo Y60, adding weight to industry speculation that the Z11i may be a rebranded version of that device.

Neither iQOO nor Vivo has publicly confirmed such a relationship. However, the similarity in design has drawn attention, particularly given the two brands’ history of sharing hardware across selected products.

If the Z11i follows the Vivo Y60’s specifications, it is expected to feature a 6.72-inch HD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device could be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, paired with LPDDR4x memory and UFS 3.1 storage.

Battery capacity appears set to be one of the handset’s main selling points. The expected configuration includes a 6,500mAh battery with support for 15W charging, a combination likely aimed at users who prioritise long battery life over faster charging speeds.

The camera setup is expected to remain modest. Based on the available information, the phone may include a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Other reported features include OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an infrared blaster, a notification LED and IP65-rated dust and splash resistance.

Taken together, the expected specifications suggest a device designed primarily for affordability and everyday reliability. The emphasis appears to be on 5G connectivity and battery endurance rather than advanced photography or premium display technology.

For now, many details remain unconfirmed. While pre-orders have already begun, a fuller picture of the iQOO Z11i is likely to emerge once the company formally introduces the device and publishes its final specifications.