- Next-Gen Snapdragon Power: The iQOO 15 is expected to debut Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 “Elite Gen 5” chipset, making it one of the first phones with the next-gen flagship processor gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. A dedicated “Q3” co-processor for gaming and performance is also tipped to be on board notebookcheck.net gizmochina.com.
- Monster Battery & Fast Charging: Leaks point to a huge 7,000 mAh battery – a leap from the 6,000 mAh in iQOO 13 – with 100W wired fast charging and wireless charging support gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. This massive battery puts it ahead of most rivals in sheer capacity.
- Stunning 2K Display: The iQOO 15 will feature a 6.8–6.85 inch 2K Samsung AMOLED display with LTPO tech and up to a blazing 144 Hz refresh rate notebookcheck.net. It’s said to reach an unprecedented 6,000 nits peak brightness and has an anti-reflective coating, rivaling the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s acclaimed screen gadgets360.com notebookcheck.net.
- Colour-Changing Design: A leaked hands-on video shows the iQOO 15’s back panel shifting from grey to pink depending on the angle – a dramatic color-changing finish unlike any current flagship gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. Official teasers also reveal a large circular camera module with an RGB-lit ring for added flair gadgets360.com gizmochina.com.
- Triple 50 MP Pro Cameras: The rear setup is expected to house three 50 MP shooters, including a 1/1.5-inch main sensor with OIS, a 50 MP ultra-wide, and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens (3× optical zoom) for long-range shots gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. The camera island is thicker this year to accommodate the periscope module gizmochina.com.
- Flagship Build & Features: The iQOO 15 will likely sport a premium build with Crystal Diamond Glass for durability and an IP68-rated chassis for water/dust resistance notebookcheck.net. It integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner and dual stereo speakers gadgets360.com gadgets.beebom.com. Software-wise, it should ship with Vivo’s latest OriginOS 6 (Android 15/16) out of the box notebookcheck.net gizmochina.com.
Specifications and Hardware Highlights
The iQOO 15 is shaping up to be a specs powerhouse, blending cutting-edge internals with robust features. At its core, the phone is expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC (also referred to as Snapdragon 8 “Elite 2”), a next-generation 8-series chipset launching in late September 2025 notebookcheck.net. This chip promises significant performance gains and is likely built on a new architecture that maintains Qualcomm’s performance crown in benchmarks. Notably, iQOO is pairing the main CPU with a custom “Q3” secondary chip – a dedicated processor to enhance gaming and overall performance notebookcheck.net. This co-processor (successor to the “Supercomputing Chip Q2” in the iQOO 13) is expected to handle tasks like graphics optimization or frame interpolation for gaming, ensuring the Snapdragon chipset can “extract the most performance” with better thermal management notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. In fact, iQOO has boasted that the 15 will carry the industry’s largest vapor chamber cooling system (around “8K” mm³ in volume) to keep temperatures in check during heavy use notebookcheck.net.
Memory and storage configurations should satisfy power users. Leaked specs suggest up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB of UFS storage on the top model notebookcheck.net gadgets.beebom.com, with base variants likely offering 12 GB RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB storage. This aligns with iQOO’s positioning as a performance-focused flagship – ample memory for multitasking and generous storage for large apps and media. The handset is also tipped to run the latest Android OS available at launch (likely Android 15 or 16), with Vivo’s custom OriginOS 6 interface in China (or Funtouch OS in global markets) layering extra features notebookcheck.net gizmochina.com. Early Geekbench listings actually identify the device running Android 16 on the model V2505A, indicating iQOO might ship it with the very newest Android version if ready gadgets360.com gizmochina.com.
Importantly, iQOO isn’t skimping on the ancillary hardware. Security gets a high-end touch with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor – faster and more reliable than optical scanners gadgets360.com gadgets.beebom.com. Dual stereo speakers are expected for immersive sound gadgets.beebom.com, and connectivity will be flagship-grade too: 5G support (including upcoming bands), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.x, NFC, and an IR blaster (if inherited from Vivo’s design philosophy) are all on the table, though not explicitly confirmed in leaks. The phone’s frame is reportedly a flat metal frame with sharp, chiselled edges gizmochina.com, giving it a bold profile, while the body maintains durability with an IP68/69 rating against water and dust notebookcheck.net. Interestingly, iQOO is said to use a “Crystal Diamond Glass” protection on the display and back instead of Corning Gorilla Glass notebookcheck.net – possibly a marketing name for a hardened glass that offers similar scratch and drop resistance.
Design and Display
In terms of design, the iQOO 15 is turning heads even before launch. It marries an eye-catching aesthetic with serious display tech. Leaked images and videos reveal that iQOO has developed a striking color-shifting rear panel. In a 19-second hands-on clip, the phone’s glass back dramatically transitions from a slate grey to a pinkish hue as it tilts in the light gadgets360.com. This creates the illusion of “two separate phones” in one, and is being hailed as one of the most dramatic finishes seen on a flagship in recent years gizmochina.com gizmochina.com. The exact material or method behind this chameleonic effect isn’t confirmed – it could be electrochromic glass or a special optical coating – but it certainly underscores iQOO’s unconventional design streak. For those who prefer a more classic look, fear not: iQOO’s product manager hinted that the 15 will still offer the series’ signature color schemes like Track Black (a racing-inspired dark theme) and Legend White, alongside the new multi-tone editions notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net.
On the rear, the focal point is a large circular camera island positioned in the upper-left corner of the back cover gadgets360.com. Official teasers describe it as resembling a “floating spaceship” under the glass gadgets360.com – meaning the module has a raised circular design that almost appears suspended. This camera bump isn’t just about looks; it’s encircled by a hidden RGB light strip (an evolution of the “Halo Light” on last year’s model) that can glow in multiple colors gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. We might see this ring light up for notifications, camera countdowns, or simply as a gaming accent. Notably, the module is thicker this time, owing to the inclusion of a periscope zoom lens which requires extra depth gizmochina.com. The back panel itself is glass, and images show smoothly rounded corners for the device, which should aid ergonomics despite its large size gizmochina.com.
Turning to the front, iQOO 15 is all about that display. It sports a 6.85-inch flat OLED screen from Samsung – a rarity since many Chinese flagships use BOE or other suppliers notebookcheck.net. This panel carries a 2K resolution (≈1440p) for ultra-sharp visuals notebookcheck.net. In fact, insiders claim it’s the same next-gen Samsung E7/E8 panel that might appear in Samsung’s own Galaxy S26 Ultra notebookcheck.net. That means ultra-thin bezels, great viewing angles, and flagship-grade color reproduction. Impressively, the iQOO 15’s screen is confirmed to support extreme brightness up to 6,000 nits at peak gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. This would make it one of the brightest smartphone displays ever, ensuring easy outdoor visibility even under harsh sunlight. The panel also features an AR (anti-reflection) coating to cut glare – similar to what Apple introduced on the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 3,000-nit display gadgets360.com notebookcheck.net. In everyday use, this means the iQOO’s screen should remain readable and color-accurate in a wide range of lighting conditions.
Another highlight is refresh rate: unlike Samsung’s own flagships which stick to 120 Hz, iQOO is expected to push a 144 Hz LTPO refresh rate notebookcheck.net. This adaptive high-refresh display will make scrolling and animations incredibly smooth, and can dial down to low Hz to save power when static. Touch sampling should also be high, catering to gamers. With HDR10+ support and likely 10-bit color, content consumption on this phone will be a treat. Overall, the combination of QHD+ resolution, ultra-high brightness, and high refresh positions the iQOO 15’s display among the very best – even comparable to or better than the latest from Apple and Samsung in certain aspects notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. The only trade-off for these display upgrades might be cost: using Samsung’s top panel could raise production costs by ~$50 per unit, which might make the iQOO 15 pricier than its predecessor notebookcheck.net.
Performance and Geekbench Scores
With its top-tier internals, the iQOO 15 is geared to be a performance monster. As noted, the phone is expected to launch with the Snapdragon 8 “Elite Gen 5” chipset. This chip hasn’t been fully detailed publicly yet, but early indicators suggest it’s a next-gen 4 nm (or 3 nm) SoC with new Cortex-X series prime cores. A Geekbench 5 listing for a device believed to be the iQOO 15 (model V2505A) has already surfaced, giving a taste of its performance. The phone recorded a single-core score of 2,360 and a multi-core score of 7,285 in Geekbench’s tests gadgets360.com. For comparison, these numbers sit above current Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices, though interestingly they are slightly lower than the iQOO 13’s scores under Gadgets360’s own testing (3,063 single and 9,636 multi) gadgets360.com. This gap was unexpected, but experts attribute it to the iQOO 15’s unit possibly running on early software or an “underclocked” chipset sample gizmochina.com. In fact, tipsters say the device tested had the new Snapdragon chip dialed back on clocks, hinting that by launch the final tuning will yield higher scores.
Beyond synthetic benchmarks, iQOO’s performance focus extends to sustained output. The phone is confirmed to include an 8,000+ mm³ vapor chamber cooling system – the largest ever in an iQOO phone – to dissipate heat during intense workloads notebookcheck.net. This massive “8K VC cooling” should help the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 maintain its peak speeds for longer, benefiting gamers and power users. Additionally, the secondary Q3 gaming chip is likely to offload certain tasks from the main SoC. For example, iQOO could use it to handle AI tasks, image processing, or to boost frame rates via interpolation in games (as seen with dedicated chips in some gaming phones). The net effect is smoother performance and possibly features like MEMC (motion smoothing for videos/games) without taxing the main CPU/GPU.
Real-world use of the iQOO 15 should feel snappy. The combination of new CPU cores, faster GPU (an Adreno 840 is listed for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 gadgets360.com), and UFS 4.0 storage means app launches and multitasking will be instantaneous. Moreover, being on the cutting edge of silicon, the iQOO 15 will support advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing in games and AI upscaling in camera or video apps. We can also expect 5G performance to improve with Qualcomm’s latest modem, likely the Snapdragon X75, enabling faster and more efficient 5G connectivity.
One thing iQOO fans will appreciate is that despite the power, the phone shouldn’t be throttling aggressively. Early indications from the Geekbench listing show the chip’s prime cores clock up to 4.19 GHz with additional performance cores at 3.55 GHz gadgets360.com – serious speeds that, if sustained with the beefed-up cooling, could make the iQOO 15 one of the fastest Android phones in late 2025. It’s also notable that Android 16 was reported in one benchmark listing gadgets360.com, suggesting that iQOO is testing the device on Google’s upcoming OS version for performance optimizations. Overall, while benchmarks will likely soar higher by the time of official release, even the early numbers cement the iQOO 15’s position as a no-compromise performance flagship.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery longevity is a headline feature for the iQOO 15. The phone is rumored to pack a gigantic 7,000 mAh battery – an unprecedented capacity for a mainstream flagship device gadgets360.com notebookcheck.net. This is a full 1,000 mAh increase over the already generous 6,000 mAh pack in last year’s iQOO 13 notebookcheck.net. Such a large battery should translate to true two-day battery life for typical users, and all-day endurance even for heavy users or mobile gamers. In an era when most high-end phones (like Samsung’s Galaxy S series or even gaming phones) cap out around 5,000–6,000 mAh, iQOO is leaping ahead in capacity, likely using new silicon-carbon battery technology to achieve this without enormous bulk gadgets.beebom.com gadgets.beebom.com. Silicon-carbon anodes can increase energy density, meaning 7,000 mAh can fit in roughly the space older 6,000 mAh batteries would occupy.
Despite the large battery, iQOO isn’t compromising on charging speeds. The 15 is set to continue the brand’s fast-charging legacy with support for 100W ultra-fast wired charging via USB-C gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. According to leaks, this will be paired with a wireless charging solution as well gadgets360.com gizmochina.com – a first for iQOO’s flagship line, since the previous iQOO 13 lacked wireless charging gadgets360.com. The wireless charging wattage isn’t explicitly stated, but we can expect at least 50W wireless if it’s keeping pace with competitors’ flagships. With 100W wired, the massive 7,000 mAh cell could potentially fill from 0 to 100% in roughly 30 minutes (assuming similar charging curves to Vivo’s other 100W devices). Even a quick 10-minute top-up might provide several hours of use – a huge convenience for power users on the go.
Battery endurance should be excellent not just due to sheer size, but also optimizations. The combination of LTPO display (which can drop to very low refresh rates to save power) and the efficient 3 nm process of the Snapdragon chip means the iQOO 15 will intelligently conserve energy when high performance isn’t needed. OriginOS 6 likely includes smart battery management as well. Moreover, having 7,000 mAh in the tank makes features like the always-on display, 144 Hz mode, or intensive camera use less of a battery anxiety point. Early industry chatter suggests the iQOO 15 and its BBK sibling OnePlus 15 adopting ~7000 mAh batteries could set a new trend for 2025 flagships focusing on endurance notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. It’s worth noting that fast-charging at 100W on such a large battery is quite an engineering feat – iQOO likely utilizes a dual-cell design (two cells charged in parallel) to achieve this safely, with advanced thermal management (hence the vapor chamber).
One potential concern with a 7,000 mAh battery is weight, but interestingly, rival leaks (for OnePlus 15 with a similar battery) indicate only a minimal weight increase of 1–2 grams over the prior generation notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. If iQOO has managed a similar design efficiency, the phone might weigh around 215–220 grams, which is on par with other large flagships and not overly hefty for its class. In summary, iQOO 15 is poised to be an absolute battery champ, offering both marathon longevity and ultra-fast recharging – a combination that will appeal to heavy users and gamers who hate being tethered to an outlet.
Camera System
On the photography front, iQOO appears to be substantially upgrading the camera system of the 15, while sticking to a “triple 50 MP” formula. The phone is expected to feature a triple rear camera setup, all with 50-megapixel resolution sensors gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. This mirrors the iQOO 13’s megapixel counts, but improvements are coming in sensor size and lens capabilities. The primary camera is said to use a 50 MP sensor with a 1/1.5-inch size gadgets360.com gadgets.beebom.com, likely a high-end Sony or Samsung sensor. While not quite the 1-inch giant seen in some ultra-flagships, 1/1.5” is still very large, promising excellent light capture and low-light performance. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will steady this main lens for sharp shots and stable video, and iQOO’s image processing (perhaps enhanced by Vivo’s V-series imaging algorithms) will aim to deliver flagship-quality photos.
The star of the show might be the periscope telephoto camera. Leaks confirm a 50 MP periscope lens with optical zoom – reportedly around 3× optical zoom (85mm equivalent) in current info gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. However, one source teases “improved range,” suggesting iQOO may have extended the zoom further, possibly to 5×, or is using a high-megapixel sensor to enable crisp digital zoom beyond 3× gizmochina.com. Either way, this will be iQOO’s first periscope tele lens, enabling much better long-distance shots than the iQOO 13 (which lacked a true zoom lens). The inclusion of a periscope is also the reason the camera bump is larger this generation gizmochina.com, but it allows iQOO 15 to compete with the likes of Samsung and Huawei in zoom photography. We can expect features like OIS on the periscope as well, and perhaps up to 30× or 60× hybrid zoom when combining optical and digital.
Rounding out the trio is a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, likely with a field of view around 115–120 degrees. While leaks didn’t explicitly detail the ultra-wide, the consensus is that since “a previous leak hinted at a triple 50 MP unit,” the third lens will indeed be an ultra-wide shooter also at 50 MP gadgets.beebom.com gadgets.beebom.com. This would mirror setups seen in competitors (for example, Xiaomi’s 13/14 Ultra also used triple 50 MP including ultra-wide). A high megapixel ultra-wide means it could double as a macro shooter via autofocus, and maintain detail even at the edges of the frame. Color consistency between the three cameras should also be easier to achieve with similar sensors all around.
On the front camera, details are scarce in the leaks, but iQOO 13 had a 32 MP selfie camera gadgets360.com. The iQOO 15 likely carries over a similar high-res selfie shooter (perhaps improved with a wider aperture or better sensor). It will likely support 4K selfie video and all the usual AI beautification and portrait modes popular in Vivo’s camera apps.
Interestingly, iQOO’s parent Vivo is known for its camera prowess (with ZEISS partnerships, etc.), but iQOO being a performance sub-brand hasn’t heavily emphasized camera branding. This year, however, the iQOO 15’s camera specs put it in true flagship territory, and some rumors even suggest it could leverage Vivo’s imaging algorithms or a custom ISP. There’s talk that OnePlus (a sister brand) is dropping Hasselblad this year for an in-house imaging engine, and Vivo/iQOO might similarly use their own optimizations notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. In any case, expect features like Night Mode, Astro photography mode, advanced HDR, and possibly 8K video recording given the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5’s capabilities.
Early commentary from insiders is optimistic: the iQOO 15’s camera array with triple 50s and a periscope is seen as finally bringing iQOO’s photography on par with other 2025 flagships. We’ll have to see real-world results, but on paper it can compete with the multi-sensor setups of Xiaomi, Samsung, and OnePlus’s upcoming flagships. And that RGB illumination around the lens? Purely aesthetic, but it might make using the camera more fun (imagine it glowing as a countdown for selfies or when the shutter clicks). All told, the iQOO 15 aims to be as much a camera contender as it is a performance champ – a welcome evolution for the series.
Software and Other Features
The iQOO 15 will launch with the latest software and a host of modern features to round out the user experience. Out of the box, it is expected to run Android 15 or 16 (depending on Google’s release timing) with iQOO’s custom skin. In China, that means OriginOS 6, which has been officially confirmed as the software on the device notebookcheck.net. OriginOS is known for its unique widgets and customization, as well as gaming-focused optimizations – very fitting for iQOO’s audience. Internationally (e.g. in India), the phone would likely run Funtouch OS (Vivo’s global ROM) based on the same Android version. Users can expect a polished interface with lots of customization, and given iQOO’s track record, at least 2–3 years of major Android updates. (While Vivo/iQOO haven’t publicly committed to longer update policies like Samsung or OnePlus, their recent flagships have been getting about 3 Android version updates.)
One intriguing aspect is the gaming software features likely to leverage that Q3 co-processor. The iQOO 15 could introduce new Game Mode enhancements – for instance, boosting frame rates in supported games beyond 60 fps or providing real-time ray tracing effects. The presence of the Q3 chip suggests features similar to those on iQOO 13 (which had a “Super Frame” mode using the Q2 chip to interpolate frames for smoother gameplay). Mobile gamers should also benefit from pressure-sensitive controls or improved haptic feedback; iQOO often includes a linear motor for strong vibration feedback, and the 15 should be no exception.
Connectivity and security are up-to-date. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display not only unlocks the phone fast but can also be used for app lock and payments with a higher security grade gadgets360.com gadgets.beebom.com. Face unlock via the selfie camera will be available too for convenience (though less secure). On the connectivity side, the Snapdragon modem will bring support for dual-5G standby, likely including the new 5G mmWave bands (if iQOO decides to support mmWave in certain markets). Standard fare like Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band GPS (for high location accuracy), and NFC for Google Pay (or AliPay/WeChat Pay in China) will be present. There’s mention of an IR blaster on some Vivo prototypes this year – if iQOO 15 includes it, you could control appliances with your phone as a remote, but it wasn’t explicitly leaked, so it’s speculative.
In terms of additional hardware perks, the iQOO 15 will have stereo speakers with possibly Hi-Res audio certification gadgets.beebom.com. It may also support Dolby Atmos enhancements for spatial sound. With the large frame, iQOO might have fit in a stronger haptic motor and maybe even kept the 3.5mm headphone jack on lower models (though flagships nowadays typically omit it; iQOO 13 did not have a headphone jack). The USB-C port will support high-speed data (likely USB 3.2) and video output (maybe even HDMI-Out or DisplayPort Alt mode), which is useful for desktop modes or just watching content on a TV.
One small but notable rumor: iQOO 15 could introduce RGB lighting effects in software to complement the hardware RGB ring. For example, the ring might glow different colors for different app notifications, which users could customize. This is reminiscent of “breathing light” notification LEDs of old, reinvented in a modern RGB fashion. iQOO 13’s Halo light around the camera was mostly used as a fill light in photos or a notification blink; the iQOO 15’s implementation, being hidden under the camera ring, sounds more advanced and aesthetic gizmochina.com.
Lastly, since iQOO is a Vivo sub-brand, some camera software features from Vivo’s X-series might trickle down. Expect a Pro mode with extensive controls, Astro mode for star photography, and maybe even gimbal stabilization algorithms (though no gimbal hardware here). The presence of Android 16 in testing suggests new OS features like improved privacy controls, new widgets, and perhaps the “Ultra HDR” photo format will be supported. All said, the iQOO 15’s software and feature set should feel thoroughly modern and feature-packed, catering both to enthusiasts who tinker and average users who just want a smooth, capable smartphone.
Expected Pricing and Release Timeline
iQOO has begun laying the groundwork for the 15’s launch. Pre-reservations in China have officially started in mid-September 2025, indicating that the announcement is imminent gadgets360.com. According to company teasers and tipsters, the iQOO 15 will debut in China in October 2025, likely in the second half of the month gadgets360.com gizmochina.com. In fact, a leaked launch schedule points to a tentative October 20, 2025 launch event in China gizmochina.com. This timing aligns with Qualcomm’s annual Snapdragon Summit (late September) and Vivo’s own flagship launches – iQOO is strategically positioned to be among the very first with the new chipset.
After the China launch, iQOO typically brings its flagship to India and possibly other Asia markets a couple of months later. Following last year’s pattern (iQOO 13 launched in India in early December), the iQOO 15 is expected to hit the Indian market by December 2025 digit.in digit.in. Indeed, reports suggest an India release around the first week of December, which would let iQOO capitalize on holiday sales. Global availability beyond Asia is less certain – iQOO doesn’t officially sell in Europe or North America widely, but some enthusiasts import the devices. Vivo might rebrand or incorporate the iQOO 15’s tech into its global X-series or sub-brand phones if demand is there.
When it comes to pricing, iQOO is known for aggressive pricing relative to specs, but the 15’s advanced components could push it into a higher bracket than its predecessor. In India, industry sources speculate the iQOO 15 will launch at under ₹60,000 (approximately $720) for the base variant digit.in. For context, the iQOO 13 was introduced at ₹54,999 for 12GB+256GB digit.in. So we might see the iQOO 15 base model (likely 12GB+256GB) around ₹59k, with higher configs crossing ₹65k+. In China, the starting price of the iQOO 13 was around CNY ¥4,299 (~$600). Given the rumored cost increases (that fancy Samsung display, bigger battery, etc.), the iQOO 15 might start closer to ¥4,999–5,499 (roughly $700–750) in China for the base model notebookcheck.net. NotebookCheck notes that the crucial upgrades are “forecast to hike its starting price well above that of its ~$700 predecessor” notebookcheck.net. A ballpark could be ~$800 for base and up to ~$1000 for the maxed 16GB/1TB variant in China, though exact pricing will depend on how iQOO balances competitiveness vs. profit margins.
Still, compared to equivalent flagships from Samsung or Apple, an $800 iQOO 15 could be seen as good value given its specs. Moreover, OnePlus is rumored to price its upcoming OnePlus 15 significantly lower than the OnePlus 13 (which was $899+) by cutting some costs notebookcheck.net. If that’s true, iQOO may also try to keep pricing reasonable to undercut big-name rivals. Promotions and bank offers especially in India could further sweeten the deal at launch.
In summary, mark your calendars for late October 2025 for iQOO 15’s official reveal in China. By year’s end, enthusiasts in India should be able to get their hands on it. The phone will likely come in at least three variants (e.g., 12+256, 16+512, 16+1024 GB) and possibly be joined by an iQOO 15 Pro or Ultra sibling launching simultaneously gadgets360.com gadgets360.com. iQOO has even teased that a compact “iQOO 15 Mini” is in development for 2026, indicating a whole family of devices around the 15 series notebookcheck.net. Pricing will be premium, but still likely undercutting similar specced phones from Samsung and Apple, staying true to iQOO’s bang-for-buck ethos.
Comparisons: How iQOO 15 Stacks Up Against Flagship Rivals
Entering the late-2025 flagship arena, the iQOO 15 will face off against heavy-hitters from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, and others. Here’s how it compares based on what we know:
- OnePlus 15: Interestingly, OnePlus (a fellow BBK Electronics brand) is taking a similar path with its upcoming OnePlus 15. Both phones are expected to pack Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chips and 7,000 mAh batteries, bucking the industry norm notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. OnePlus 15 leaks indicate a 6.7–6.8 inch OLED (though possibly a 1.5K BOE-made panel at 165 Hz, not 2K Samsung like iQOO) androidheadlines.com notebookcheck.net. That suggests iQOO 15 will likely have the superior display (higher resolution and brightness), whereas OnePlus focuses on ultra-fast refresh (rumored 165 Hz) and cost-saving. Camera-wise, OnePlus is reportedly using a new square camera module, possibly with a periscope or high-res telephoto (there’s talk of a 64 MP or even 200 MP tele lens) english.mathrubhumi.com. OnePlus has also ditched Hasselblad branding to cut costs notebookcheck.net. If OnePlus 15 indeed comes at a lower price than its predecessor (~$900), it could undercut iQOO on price notebookcheck.net. However, the iQOO 15’s color-shifting design, RGB lights, and Samsung display might appeal more to those wanting flashy features that OnePlus lacks. Both phones push performance and battery life hard, so consumers in late 2025 will have at least two BBK flagships that prioritize speed and endurance – the choice may come down to price, software (OxygenOS vs OriginOS), and brand preference.
- Realme GT 8 Pro: Realme’s GT series is another rival from the BBK stable, expected around the same time. The Realme GT 8 Pro is rumored to share the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and could surprisingly also sport a battery “of at least 7,000 mAh” notebookcheck.net. If true, that means Realme is joining the big-battery club too. The GT 8 Pro is slated to have a 2K flat OLED display and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint – specs very much akin to iQOO 15’s youtube.com. Where Realme might differentiate is cameras and charging: leaks suggest a 200 MP periscope telephoto on the GT 8 Pro (possibly co-developed with Ricoh) notebookcheck.net, which could give it an edge in zoom over iQOO’s 50MP 3× lens. Additionally, Realme often leads in charging tech – it wouldn’t be surprising if the GT 8 Pro offers 150W or even 240W charging (given Realme’s past phones hit 240W), although balancing that with a huge battery is tricky. Design-wise, Realme’s style is different: expect bold colors or special edition backs, but iQOO’s color-shifting and RGB ring might still stand out as more novel. Both iQOO 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro aim to be performance-for-dollar champions, likely priced lower than Samsung/Apple. The competition within the BBK family will be fierce, with iQOO targeting gamers and power users, OnePlus targeting all-round flagship experience, and Realme often aiming at value-conscious enthusiasts.
- Xiaomi 15/17 Series: Xiaomi’s flagship cadence is a bit unclear from rumors (some mention a Xiaomi 17 Pro in the works notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net, implying they might skip numbers to align with year or just advance rapidly). Assuming Xiaomi’s next big flagship around late 2025 is the Xiaomi 16 or 17 series, iQOO 15 will be up against a camera-centric powerhouse. Xiaomi’s top phones (like the 13 Ultra or 14 Pro) usually feature a 1-inch main sensor, multiple telephoto lenses, and Leica co-engineering. So in pure camera hardware, Xiaomi might have an edge (larger main sensor, possibly longer zoom). However, Xiaomi typically sticks to ~4,500–5,000 mAh batteries, so iQOO trounces them in battery life by a significant margin. Xiaomi’s latest will also use Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, so performance should be similar, though iQOO’s cooling and gaming chip could give it more sustained performance. Display-wise, Xiaomi often uses 120 Hz LTPO 2K panels – if iQOO’s Samsung 144 Hz/6,000-nit screen lives up to the claims, it could one-up Xiaomi in brightness and refresh rate. Price-wise, Xiaomi’s flagships (Ultra models) tend to be expensive (~$1000), whereas iQOO might come slightly more affordable. Xiaomi’s MIUI vs iQOO’s OriginOS is another differentiation: MIUI is feature-rich but heavy; OriginOS is smooth and optimized. In summary, iQOO 15 might appeal more to those who want raw speed and battery, while Xiaomi caters to mobile photography enthusiasts – each carving its niche.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Samsung’s next Galaxy S Ultra (likely S26 Ultra if following sequence) will be a marquee rival in early 2026. By spec, the S26 Ultra might ironically share the same Samsung-made AMOLED panel as the iQOO 15, as rumors suggest Samsung considered using that new ultra-bright panel for its own flagship notebookcheck.net. That would put them on par in display quality. Samsung will likely either use its new Exynos 2400-series chip or a special Snapdragon, so performance could be comparable, though Samsung’s software is usually heavier. The Galaxy Ultra will probably stick to a ~5,000 mAh battery and 45W charging, which the iQOO dwarfs with 7,000 mAh and 100W – a clear win for iQOO in endurance and charging speed gadgets360.com notebookcheck.net. Camera-wise, Samsung brings a 200 MP main sensor and dual telephotos (3× and 10× periscope), plus its refined image processing. The iQOO’s triple 50s and single periscope might not quite match the versatility of Samsung’s quad-camera, especially for extreme zoom (Samsung’s 10× optical can reach 100× Space Zoom). However, iQOO 15’s camera setup is more than formidable for its price category and likely far cheaper than the Ultra. Also, iQOO’s fast innovation cycle means it’s packing bleeding edge tech (like 144 Hz display, color-changing design) that Samsung might not adopt yet due to risk or cost. Ultimately, Samsung’s Ultra wins on brand prestige, software support (4+ years updates), and camera versatility, but iQOO 15 could be seen as a better value performance phone with certain leading features (charging, screen refresh, battery) that even Samsung can’t match notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net.
- Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: While not an Android competitor, Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Pro Max was explicitly mentioned by analysts when discussing iQOO 15’s display and ambitions notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. The iPhone 17 Pro Max introduced a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with up to 3,000 nits brightness. iQOO is essentially leapfrogging that with 6,000 nits claim gadgets360.com notebookcheck.net. In areas like high refresh (144 Hz vs Apple’s 120 Hz ProMotion) and resolution (iQOO’s true 2K vs Apple’s slightly lower 2796×1290), the iQOO 15 could actually have the more advanced screen notebookcheck.net. Of course, Apple excels in areas like camera software, build (ceramic shield, stainless steel frame), and its A18 Bionic chip efficiency. But anecdotally, Chinese brands like iQOO positioning a device to “rival the iPhone 17 Pro Max” shows the confidence in their hardware notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. With a battery almost 2× the size of the iPhone’s and much faster charging, the iQOO 15 will certainly appeal to users who value those practical advantages over Apple’s ecosystem.
In conclusion, the iQOO 15 appears extremely competitive: it either matches or outclasses many rivals on core hardware. It’s one of the few offering a 7,000 mAh battery (matching OnePlus 15, beating others) and 100W charging (beating Samsung/Apple, on par or slightly below Realme’s fastest). Its display could be class-leading, nudging ahead of even the priciest competitors notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. Camera-wise it’s greatly improved, though phones like Samsung Ultra or a Xiaomi Ultra may still hold an edge in zoom or sensor size. Pricing will likely be more accessible than the ultra-premium flagships, giving iQOO a value proposition. For tech enthusiasts, the iQOO 15 versus OnePlus 15 versus Realme GT 8 Pro battle will be fascinating – each offers a twist on the formula. And for mainstream consumers, iQOO is making a strong case that you don’t need to pay a four-figure sum to get a device that can trade blows with the best of Samsung and Apple in many respects.
Early Verdict and Expert Commentary
The consensus among industry observers is that the iQOO 15 is poised to be a breakthrough device for the brand, pushing boundaries in several areas. Tech journalists have pointed out that iQOO is “projected to have one of the best displays of its class”, comparable even to the latest iPhone and potentially used by Samsung’s own flagship, which is high praise for a brand known primarily for performance phones notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. The move to incorporate a Samsung-made 2K OLED with advanced coatings shows iQOO’s intent to play in the big leagues of display quality. “It’s so good that Samsung is allegedly thinking of using the same panel,” notes one NotebookCheck report, highlighting how iQOO 15’s screen could set a new benchmark notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net.
Another area drawing commentary is the design. The color-shifting back panel and RGB camera ring have created buzz as a bold design choice. Gizmochina writes that this creates “one of the most dramatic finishes we’ve seen on a flagship smartphone in recent years” gizmochina.com, and that the device looks almost like a different phone from different angles. This kind of visual flair, combined with iQOO’s gaming DNA, gives the phone a distinct identity in a sea of uniform glass slabs. It’s an unconventional streak that, according to analysts, could either greatly attract buyers who want something unique or be seen as a gimmick – but initial reactions lean positive on the wow factor.
Performance expectations are sky-high, but some experts urge a bit of caution after seeing the early Geekbench numbers. The fact that the leaked scores were lower than the iQOO 13’s results surprised observers gadgets360.com. However, this has largely been attributed to pre-release optimization (an “underclocked” chipset in testing) gizmochina.com. By the time of launch, it’s believed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will comfortably surpass the outgoing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Elite) in both CPU and GPU metrics. Qualcomm’s track record and early rumors (like breaking the 4-million mark in AnTuTu benchmarks) reinforce that confidence notebookcheck.net. Moreover, the addition of the Q3 co-processor and massive cooling suggests iQOO is going all-in on sustained performance, something reviewers will certainly test. If the iQOO 15 can game for hours without throttling – thanks to that 8K vapor chamber – it will earn high marks from the tech community.
Battery life is another aspect where commentators are already enthused. “A ~7,000mAh beast,” one source called the iQOO 15, noting it in the same breath as its OnePlus namesake which is adopting a similar capacity notebookcheck.net. The prevailing sentiment is that 2025 could finally be the year flagship phones break the 5,000mAh ceiling in favor of truly long-lasting batteries – and iQOO is at the forefront of this shift. As AndroidCentral put it in a piece on OnePlus, a 7,000 mAh battery in a mainstream premium phone is a “game-changer for flagship endurance” oneplus.gadgethacks.com. The same applies to iQOO 15: tech reviewers are eager to see multi-day battery tests and how the large battery interacts with the power-hungry high-refresh display. If iQOO has optimized things well, the 15 might set new records for screen-on time in its category.
On the camera front, while iQOO doesn’t yet have the pedigree of an Apple, Google, or Samsung in imaging, experts are optimistic given the hardware choices. The triple 50MP setup with a periscope lens shows iQOO is serious about closing the camera gap. An Indian tech writer opined that with these specs, iQOO 15’s camera could finally “bring it in line with other big flagships” in terms of versatility, while still perhaps trailing in software finesse for things like portraits or video stabilization. That said, Vivo’s imaging algorithms are quite advanced, and if leveraged, iQOO 15 might pleasantly surprise reviewers with its results. The presence of OIS on multiple lenses and a big primary sensor are table stakes that iQOO is rightly delivering notebookcheck.net.
Importantly, the overall package has drawn favorable early comparisons to the best of Apple and Samsung. NotebookCheck remarked that iQOO’s next flagship is aiming to “target the iPhone 17 Pro Max even more directly” by matching or exceeding it in display tech and battery, and going after an Ultra-tier cooling system to entice power users notebookcheck.net. They also noted that such upgrades might push iQOO into a higher price bracket, albeit still below those ultra-premium rivals notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net. Meanwhile, industry analysts observing the Chinese market see the iQOO 15 as part of a broader trend: Vivo/iQOO, Oppo/OnePlus, and Xiaomi are all gearing up with big batteries, high-refresh displays, and top chips to capture consumers who are increasingly spec-driven. It’s a spec sheet arms race, and as one commentator jokingly put it, “iQOO just loaded the big guns.”
In conclusion, early impressions of the iQOO 15 among tech experts can be summed up as highly enthusiastic. The phone is expected to deliver on the hype of being a “performance-focused flagship” with meaningful upgrades across the board notebookcheck.net. If it lives up to its promises, the iQOO 15 could very well be one of 2025’s most impressive Android flagships, offering a combination of features (like that insane brightness display, huge battery, and flashy design) that few others can claim all at once. As Gadgets360 notes, iQOO has even started teasing key details officially, indicating their confidence in the device’s strengths gadgets360.com gadgets360.com. All eyes now turn to the October launch, where we’ll see if this ambitious smartphone can truly deliver a knockout punch in the flagship smartphone race.
Sources:
- Gadgets360 – iQOO 15 Spotted in Leaked Hands-On Video… gadgets360.com gadgets360.com
- Gadgets360 – iQOO 15 Live Image Hints at Design; 2K Samsung AMOLED… gadgets360.com gadgets360.com
- Gadgets360 – iQOO 15 Design Teased, Pre-Reservation Begins… gadgets360.com gadgets360.com
- NotebookCheck – iQoo 15 specifications leak ahead of Oct 2025… notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
- NotebookCheck – iQoo 15 backed to rival iPhone 17 Pro Max… notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
- NotebookCheck – iQoo 15: Fresh leak exposes specs & multi-color design notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
- Gizmochina – iQOO 15 continues unconventional streak with color-shifting back gizmochina.com gizmochina.com
- Gizmochina – iQOO 15’s new teaser showcases RGB-lit camera module… gizmochina.com gizmochina.com
- Beebom – iQOO 15 Leaked Specs Point to 7,000mAh Battery… gadgets.beebom.com gadgets.beebom.com
- Digit – iQOO 15 launch timeline, specs, price and more digit.in digit.in
