iQOO’s new 15 flagship is set to debut with a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, a dazzling 6.85-inch 2K display, and a massive 7,000mAh battery – all at a premium price point. Launching in China in October (and expected in India soon after), the iQOO 15 brings big upgrades like ultra-bright screen tech and wireless charging. Here’s an in-depth look at everything we know so far about its specs, features, and whether it’s worth an upgrade.

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder of DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs (at a glance)

What’s new vs iQOO 13?

• Next-gen performance boost: Jumps to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset (up ~20% faster than the previous gen) plus a new “Q3” companion chip for gaming. This means smoother gameplay and better future-proofing than last year’s iQOO 13, which already was a performance beast on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
• Brighter, smoother display: Upgraded to a Samsung “Everest” 2K LTPO panel with 144Hz refresh. It can hit an astonishing 6000 nits peak brightness – dramatically higher than the iQOO 13’s display – making outdoor visibility and HDR content really pop. Despite the higher brightness, the new screen is more power-efficient (44% less consumption per leaks) and offers an instant 3200Hz touch response for ultra-fast gaming input.
• Bigger battery + wireless charging: Battery capacity jumps from 6000mAh to 7000mAh, tackling two-day use for moderate users. And unlike the iQOO 13, the new model finally adds wireless charging support (on top of 100W wired charging). No more battery anxiety – you get longer endurance and more ways to top up.
• Fresh design touches: While the core design language (glass back, metal frame) remains, the 15 introduces a flashy color-changing “Lingyun” edition that shifts from silver to red at different angles. The camera module now has an RGB light strip around it, creating a red “blade” glow when notifications arrive – a unique flair absent on the previous model. It retains the premium build quality (IP68 durability, ultrasonic fingerprint) but in a slightly bulkier form due to the larger battery.

Rivals to consider

Display & Design

The iQOO 15 features a flat 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display that pushes a crisp 2K resolution. It’s not just high-res on paper – iQOO touts this as one of the brightest and most advanced phone screens in the world. In fact, it can reach up to 6000 nits peak brightness in certain HDR scenarios, eclipsing even flagship displays from Samsung and Apple. Combined with a 144Hz refresh rate and an insane 3200Hz touch sampling, everything from scrolling to gaming feels ultra-responsive. Colors should be vibrant and punchy (the panel supports HDR10+), and an anti-reflective coating helps with outdoor visibility.

In terms of design, the iQOO 15 follows a robust build ethos: a sturdy aluminum alloy frame with flat sides, a slightly thick profile, and curved corners for comfort. It has a premium glass back – in fact, a special “Crystal Diamond Glass” that’s said to be tougher than standard Gorilla Glass. The phone carries an official IP68 rating against dust and water, so it can survive accidental splashes or a drop in the sink. One striking new element is the rear camera island: it’s a squarish module housing the three lenses and LED flash, now outlined by an RGB light strip. This can glow in different colors (reportedly red by default) for notifications or while charging, giving the phone a gaming-phone aesthetic flair.

Notably, iQOO is offering the 15 in some eye-catching finishes. The headline colorway is the “Lingyun” edition, which has a marble-like pearlescent silver back that dramatically shifts to streaks of red when viewed at an angle. It’s a color-changing effect built into the glass – lending the device a bold, fiery character under certain lighting. More traditional options will also be available: a classic matte black (“Track”) and a white “Legend” edition are expected to return as staple choices, along with a straightforward metallic silver variant. Overall, the design feels sleek and premium, though the iQOO 15 is on the heavier side – understandable given the huge battery. It’s a phone that definitely stands out, both visually and literally (it’s likely over 8.5mm thick and around 220+ grams). Still, the solid build, flashy RGB accents, and that showstopper display make a strong first impression in the hand.

Performance & Thermals

Under the hood, the iQOO 15 packs some serious silicon. It will be one of the first phones powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset – a 3rd-generation 4nm SoC that boasts significant gains in speed and efficiency. This octa-core chip uses an unconventional 2+6 architecture: two prime performance cores blasting up to 4.6 GHz and six additional high-performance cores at 3.62 GHz. In early benchmarks, this platform is breaking records – leaked Geekbench scores suggest around a 15–20% uplift in CPU multi-core performance over the previous generation, putting it at the very top of the 2025 Android pack. Paired with up to 16 GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, the iQOO 15 should chew through any task, from intense 3D games to heavy multitasking, without breaking a sweat.

To ensure sustained performance, iQOO has doubled down on cooling. The phone reportedly uses an enormous vapor chamber (around 8000 mm² surface area) to dissipate heat during prolonged gaming. Additionally, the company collaborated with Qualcomm on a “Monster Hyper-Core” engine for game optimization – likely tuning the CPU/GPU scheduling for smoother frame rates. There’s also a dedicated “Q3” gaming chip on board, which offloads certain tasks (perhaps graphics processing or frame interpolation) to keep the main Snapdragon chip running cool. All this means the iQOO 15 is built to handle sustained high performance without severe throttling. Early hands-on reports (the device was even showcased at a Snapdragon Summit e-sports event) indicate it stays relatively cool under pressure. Of course, we’ll need to test it in real-world conditions, but on paper this phone is a bona fide powerhouse. Whether you’re pushing 120fps in an intensive game or juggling multiple productivity apps, the iQOO 15 should deliver buttery smooth performance with headroom to spare.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

On the back, the iQOO 15 packs a triple 50-megapixel camera array – just like its predecessor in resolution count, but there are some notable enhancements. The primary camera is a 50MP shooter with a large 1/1.56″ sensor and optical image stabilization. We expect this to be a high-quality Sony sensor (last year’s model used an IMX921), capable of capturing sharp and detailed images in good light. Daylight shots from iQOO flagships have been excellent historically, with punchy colors and plenty of detail. With the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5’s improved ISP, image processing should be even faster and better, potentially yielding improved dynamic range and noise reduction. We’ll have to see how it handles low-light scenarios – the iQOO 13 struggled a bit in very dim conditions – but iQOO might have tweaked the night mode algorithms to take advantage of that large sensor and OIS for steadier long exposures.

The secondary cameras include a 50MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots (likely around a 115° field of view) and a 50MP telephoto. Importantly, the telephoto camera is a periscope-style lens setup, meaning it uses folded optics to achieve optical zoom without a huge bump. It offers 3x optical zoom natively, and up to 100x digital zoom for far-off subjects. While 100x “Space Zoom” is mostly a party trick (we’ve seen it on Samsung Ultras – usable up to maybe 30x), the presence of a periscope indicates iQOO is serious about zoom quality. Expect clear and detailed 3x shots and decent 5x–10x hybrid zoom results, thanks to the high resolution sensor and OIS keeping things steady. This is a step up from last year’s telephoto lens, which did ~3x without a folded optic. For video, the iQOO 15 should easily handle 4K 60fps recording and likely 8K video capture given the chipset’s capabilities. Electronic stabilization combined with OIS should make for stable footage, though we’ll see if iQOO has introduced any fancy video modes (such as super night video or HDR10+ recording).

Selfie duties are expected to be handled by a 32MP front camera (as on the iQOO 13), situated in a tiny punch-hole cutout at the top of the screen. It should be perfectly fine for sharp selfies and video calls, though it lacks autofocus. One area where iQOO phones have an opportunity to improve is tuning the cameras for more natural color and handling low-light scenes. Competing flagships like the Pixels and iPhones still lead in night mode and HDR. It remains to be seen if the iQOO 15 can close that gap. But overall, this triple-50MP setup is nothing to scoff at – it’s a versatile array that covers wide, ultra-wide, and zoom needs with consistent resolution, which could make for a very balanced mobile photography experience. At the very least, you won’t miss a moment, whether it’s a large group photo or a distant landmark, without having a camera to cover it.

Battery Life & Charging

Big performance requires big stamina, and iQOO answered with a gigantic 7,000mAh battery in the 15. That’s one of the largest capacities in any mainstream flagship to date (for comparison, most rivals hover around 4,500–5,000mAh). In practical terms, this could translate to true two-day battery life for moderate users. Even heavy users should comfortably get through a full day of intensive use – think 7–8+ hours of screen-on time with games, streaming, navigation, etc., which is a level many phones struggle to achieve. Contributing to its endurance, the new LTPO display can dynamically drop its refresh rate to save power, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is touted to be more power-efficient than its predecessor by roughly 35%. All these efficiencies suggest the iQOO 15 will be a battery champ.

When you do need to recharge, the phone supports blazing fast 100W wired charging. This is slightly lower wattage than last year’s 120W on paper, but in real-world terms it’s still incredibly fast – expect a full 0 to 100% charge in roughly 30 minutes or less. Just a 10-minute top-up could give you around 40–50% juice, which is hours of use. The slight reduction to 100W (versus 120W) might be to manage heat and battery longevity, but it’s still well ahead of what most competitors offer. Even more noteworthy: iQOO is finally adding wireless charging support on the 15 series, a first for the brand’s flagship. You can simply drop the phone on any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad for convenient cable-free charging. (While iQOO hasn’t confirmed the wireless wattage, leaks suggest it could support fast wireless charging – possibly around 50W – which would be exceptionally quick even by wireless standards.)

Importantly, iQOO continues to include the necessary charger in the box. The 15 is expected to ship with its proprietary 100W FlashCharge adapter and a USB-C cable, so you don’t have to buy any extras to take full advantage of the speed (unlike some pricier brands). Additionally, the phone has smart battery management features – likely an AI Charging mode to adapt charging speed overnight for better battery health – and extensive cooling to ensure the phone doesn’t overheat while turbocharging. With the combination of a massive battery and super-fast top-ups, battery anxiety should be virtually nonexistent with the iQOO 15. This device is built to keep up with power users and then some.

Software & Updates

The iQOO 15 will run on Vivo’s latest Origin OS 6 out of the box, layered on Android 16. This is a significant shift for Indian users, because previously iQOO devices here ran Funtouch OS. Origin OS is Vivo/iQOO’s custom interface that, in its newest iteration, focuses on sleek design and smart features. Expect a polished UI with lots of customization – from always-on display themes to dynamic weather-driven wallpapers. Origin OS 6 is reported to bring improved widgets, more fluid animations, and a host of AI features (like an AI assistant, smart home controls, etc.). Early info also suggests better memory management, which, combined with 16GB RAM, should keep the 15 feeling snappy even after months of use.

In terms of bloatware or ads – iQOO has made progress in minimizing spammy notifications in its flagships. There might still be a few pre-installed apps (Netflix, Facebook, etc. are often loaded out of the box), but you can uninstall most of them. The interface is geared towards a “performance-centric” audience, so expect built-in game mode optimizations, real-time CPU/GPU monitors, and granular controls to tweak performance vs. battery usage to your liking.

One area where iQOO is really stepping up is software support. They have promised for the previous generation at least four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security patches. If that policy holds for the 15, it would receive updates through Android 20 and security fixes up to 2030. That’s a huge vote of confidence, bringing iQOO closer to Samsung and Google’s class-leading update commitments (though still a couple years shy). For a relatively new brand, it’s reassuring to know your expensive device won’t be abandoned after two years. (Do note that update rollouts might not be as immediate as on Pixels – there could be a short wait for each new Android version – but the long-term support is what counts.)

Overall, the software experience on the iQOO 15 aims to blend the bleeding-edge (new Android 16 features and Origin’s bespoke tricks) with reliability. And for those concerned about the switch from Funtouch to Origin OS: it’s essentially a rebranding with some design and feature improvements; core Android functionality like the app drawer, Google services integration, and system settings remain familiar and easy to use. In short, you get a feature-rich, highly customizable Android experience that should remain secure and up-to-date for years.

Price & Availability

• Starting price: ₹69,990 (expected) for the base 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant in India. (Official pricing will be confirmed at launch; this leaked price suggests iQOO is positioning the 15 at a premium tier.) Higher-end configurations (like 16GB+512GB) will likely cost more, possibly crossing ₹75,000. In China, pricing is anticipated to start around CNY 5,999 (approximately ₹68,000), keeping it competitive with other Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 flagships.
• Availability: The iQOO 15 is launching first in China in October 2025 (pre-orders are already live there). An India release is anticipated by late 2025 – if iQOO follows last year’s pattern, we could see an India launch event by December 2025. Sales in India should be through online channels: Amazon India and iQOO’s official web store will be the primary retailers (with possible launch offers or bank discounts to sweeten the deal). Note that limited edition variants like the Lingyun color-changing model might be initially exclusive to China, with classic Black and Legend White likely making it to India at launch. We’re awaiting official confirmation on the exact India sale date – iQOO India’s CEO has hinted it will be “soon after” the China debut, but as of now no fixed date has been announced.

Should You Upgrade?

From last year’s model (iQOO 13): If you own the iQOO 13, the jump to the 15 offers some nice improvements – a brighter 144Hz display, a larger battery with wireless charging, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip – but the core experience isn’t a night-and-day difference. The iQOO 13 is already extremely fast and has a similar triple-camera setup. Upgrading to the 15 will get you better battery life and some extra bells and whistles (like wireless charging and a cool design), but it comes at a steep price. Unless you absolutely need the new features or you’re a tech enthusiast who must have the very latest, you won’t be at a big disadvantage sticking with the 13 for another year. It might be worth waiting for a price drop on the 15 or seeing what the next generation brings, since the 13 still holds up well in performance and features (and is slated to get software updates for a while).

From a 2-year-old phone: For those coming from a 2023 or older device (say iQOO 11/12 or a similar-era flagship), the iQOO 15 will feel like a substantial upgrade. You’ll gain a much faster processor, meaning everything from app launches to high-end games will run noticeably smoother. The display upgrade is huge too – going to a 6.85″ 2K 144Hz panel means a sharper and more fluid visual experience than the 1080p or 60/120Hz screens common a couple of years ago. The jump in battery life is also significant; if your current phone struggles to last a day, the 15’s 7000mAh cell will be a revelation (plus the charging is way faster). Add to that better cameras (especially the versatile triple 50MP setup with zoom) and modern extras like wireless charging, and it’s clear that the iQOO 15 offers a comprehensive leap forward. In short, if your phone is two or more years old and you’re looking to upgrade, the iQOO 15 should be high on your list – it’s built to feel cutting-edge for years to come.

For budget-conscious buyers: The iQOO 15 is undeniably a premium phone with a premium price tag. If ₹70,000+ is hard to justify, you have a few options. One is to wait – flagship prices often drop a bit after a few months, or you might snag a good deal during big sales. Another option is last year’s iQOO 13 or even the iQOO 12, which should see price cuts; they offer a lot of bang for your buck if you can live without the absolute newest features. Also consider alternatives in the same range: for example, OnePlus’s current flagship or the Google Pixel (if you value camera quality and software experience) sometimes come slightly cheaper or have bank offers that effectively lower the cost. There are also top-tier midrange phones around ₹30-40k that, while not as powerful as the iQOO 15, provide excellent performance and features for everyday use – something like a OnePlus 12R or Samsung Galaxy A-series might be more wallet-friendly. Essentially, if you’re on a budget, the iQOO 15 is probably overkill. It’s a fantastic device, but you should weigh whether you truly need all of its high-end features, or if a more modest phone (or waiting for a discount) could meet your needs without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Does the iQOO 15 include a charger in the box? Yes – iQOO continues to bundle a fast charger. The 15 is expected to come with a 100W FlashCharge adapter and USB-C cable in the box (the previous iQOO 13 indeed shipped with a 120W charger included). So you won’t have to purchase a separate charger to get those top charging speeds.

Is there an IP rating for water resistance? Yes. The iQOO 15 is designed to be water and dust resistant. It carries an IP68 rating, meaning it’s tested to survive in up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes. (Some reports hint at an IP69 rating, which would indicate resistance to high-pressure water jets as well, but practically speaking IP68 already covers everyday water safety.) In short, rain, splashes, or accidental dunks shouldn’t be a problem – just don’t go scuba diving with it.

Does it support wireless charging? Yes, the iQOO 15 finally brings wireless charging to the lineup. You can charge it on any Qi-compatible wireless pad. While the exact wireless charging speed hasn’t been announced, it’s expected to support fast wireless charging (rumors suggest around 50W). Even on a standard wireless charger, it’s convenient for desk or bedside charging without plugging in. Note that reverse wireless charging (using the phone to charge accessories) hasn’t been mentioned, so it likely isn’t a feature here.

Is there a headphone jack or microSD slot? No, like most modern flagships, the iQOO 15 omits both. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack – audio is handled via the USB-C port or Bluetooth wireless earbuds. And there’s no microSD card slot for storage expansion, so you’ll be relying on the internal 256GB/512GB storage (which should be plenty for most users). If wired audio or expandable storage are must-haves for you, you might need to use a USB-C audio adapter or consider other phone models, but this omission is pretty standard in the high-end segment now.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Spectacular 6.85″ 144Hz display – Incredibly bright and sharp panel that’s excellent for outdoor use, gaming, and HDR media.
• Blazing-fast performance – Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset (with a gaming co-processor) delivers top-tier speeds and smooth multitasking for years to come.
• Excellent battery life + charging – Huge 7000mAh battery easily lasts a full day or two, and the 100W fast charging + wireless charging support make recharging convenient and quick.
• Premium build & unique design – Sturdy aluminum and glass construction with IP68 waterproofing. The color-changing “Lingyun” back and RGB lighting add a fun, distinctive touch.
• Long software support – Promised software updates for around 4 years (Android 20) and security patches for 5 years, ensuring longevity and up-to-date features.

Cons

• Bulky and heavy – The large battery comes at the cost of thickness and weight; the phone might feel unwieldy for some who prefer compact devices.
• Good but not class-leading cameras – While versatile, the camera system still struggles in ultra-low light and lacks the larger sensor or advanced processing of some rivals (meaning night shots aren’t best-in-class).
• No expandable storage or headphone jack – You’re limited to onboard storage (no microSD slot) and need USB-C or Bluetooth for audio. Common trade-offs in flagships, but worth noting.
• Premium pricing – Positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum; you pay a lot for the cutting-edge specs, and it faces stiff competition from more established brands in the same price bracket.
• Software quirks for some – Origin OS 6 is feature-rich but a departure from stock Android; a learning curve or occasional bloatware might be an issue if you prefer a cleaner UI.

Verdict

The iQOO 15 firmly cements iQOO in the ultra-flagship category – it’s a performance-first smartphone that doesn’t shy away from going all out. From the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip to the brilliant 2K 144Hz display and enormous 7000mAh battery, it ticks the boxes that matter to power users and gamers. In daily use, this phone should feel effortlessly fast and last longer than you’d expect, eliminating many common compromises (like battery anxiety or outdoor screen visibility). It even adds polish with an IP68 build and wireless charging that previous iQOOs lacked.

That said, the iQOO 15 isn’t trying to undercut rivals on price – it’s priced alongside established players, which means expectations are high. The camera system, while very capable, isn’t likely to dethrone the likes of Google or Apple in the photography arena, and the phone’s sheer size and weight could be a drawback for some. Origin OS 6 brings a refreshed software experience, and the long update promise inspires confidence, but iQOO’s brand recognition still isn’t as strong as Samsung’s or OnePlus’s in markets like India.

Overall, if you’re someone who prioritizes raw performance, a top-of-the-line display, and battery endurance above all else, the iQOO 15 is an absolute beast that will serve you extremely well – it feels purpose-built for enthusiasts. It easily competes with (and in some ways outshines) more expensive flagships on those fronts. However, if you already have last year’s model or you’re more of a mainstream user, you might find the upgrades incremental and the price a bit steep. In a market filled with great options, the iQOO 15 stands out as a technologically ambitious choice – one that truly delivers a “no-compromise” experience for those who can leverage its strengths, while reminding us that even the mightiest devices come with a few trade-offs.