The iQOO 15 has officially launched in India, and it has already sparked one major debate — will it become the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone of the last two years? With brands pushing flagship prices higher every year, iQOO seems to be positioning the iQOO 15 as a high-performance device that still remains somewhat accessible. As someone who has followed iQOO products closely over the years, this launch genuinely feels like a big step forward, not just in raw hardware, but also in long-term software commitment and user-focused features.
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick feature overview to help you get a snapshot of what the iQOO 15 brings to the table.
| Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Design & Display | Legend/Alpha Colors, 215.6g, Schott Xensation Alpha, 6.85″ QHD+ Samsung M14 LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 6000nits Peak, 2600nits HBM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Uniform Bezels, Dual Axis Vibration Motor, 3D Ultrasonic Fingerprint, IP69 |
| Performance | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm), 3,997,299 AnTuTu Score, 2K Game Super Resolution, 4D Game Vibration, 8K VC Ice Dome Cooling, OriginOS 16 (Android 16), 5 Years Major + 7 Years Security Updates, NFC, 12/16GB LPDDR5X, 256/512GB UFS 4.1 |
| Camera | 50MP IMX921 OIS, 50MP JN1 Ultrawide AF, 50MP IMX882 3X Periscope OIS, RGB Monster Halo Light, 32MP Front |
| Battery | 7000mAh, 100W Wired, 40W Wireless, Type-C Cable + Charger Included |
| Price | ₹72,999 (12GB+256GB) + Bank Discounts |
Design & Display
The iQOO 15 arrives in two premium color options — Legend and Alpha — both offering a sleek look and solid in-hand feel at 215.6 grams. What stands out is its durability: Schott Xensation Alpha protection and an IP69 rating make it one of the toughest flagship devices in this price segment.
The front showcases a stunning 6.85-inch QHD+ Samsung M14 LTPO AMOLED panel. The new M14 emitting materials offer improved brightness efficiency, and iQOO has pushed the peak brightness to an unbelievable 6000 nits, with 2600 nits HBM for outdoor use. Add a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, and impressively uniform bezels — the viewing experience feels top-tier.
Extra touches like the industry’s only Dual Axis Vibration Motor and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor add both refinement and functional value.
Performance
This is where the iQOO 15 tries to establish dominance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 based on a 3nm architecture, iQOO claims an AnTuTu score of 3,997,299, which speaks volumes about real-world speed. Heavy gaming, multitasking, and long sessions should feel extremely fluid, especially with the 8K VC Ice Dome cooling system keeping thermals under control.
The software experience gets a massive upgrade too. OriginOS 16 based on Android 16, combined with 5 years of major OS updates and 7 years of security patches, makes the iQOO 15 future-ready for the long run — something users genuinely appreciate today.
RAM and storage options include 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X and 256GB/512GB UFS 4.1, ensuring fast app loading and smooth performance across tasks. For gamers, features like 2K game super resolution and 4D game vibration enhance the overall immersion.
Camera
iQOO has packed a versatile and powerful triple-camera system here:
- 50MP IMX921 OIS primary
- 50MP JN1 ultrawide with autofocus
- 50MP IMX882 3X periscope telephoto with OIS
The RGB Monster Halo Light surrounding the camera module adds a unique visual flair, especially when shooting portraits or using it as a fill light. The front 32MP GC32E1 sensor keeps selfies crisp. Overall, the camera quality feels strong and balanced, especially considering iQOO’s gaming-centric reputation.
Battery & Charging
With a massive 7000mAh battery, the iQOO 15 easily positions itself as a long-lasting flagship. The best part? iQOO includes both the 100W wired charger and the USB Type-C to C cable inside the box — something rare these days. You also get 40W wireless charging, which is great for everyday use.
Price & Value
The iQOO 15 is priced at ₹72,999 on Amazon for the 12GB + 256GB variant. With bank discounts available, it may become an even stronger value pick. Considering the hardware, software support, battery, and display quality, it genuinely feels competitive against other flagships priced significantly higher.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on currently available specifications and pricing. Actual performance and user experience may vary depending on software updates, conditions, and usage patterns.