For years, the name iQOO has been synonymous with one thing: the “flagship killer.” They were the brand that packed the latest, most powerful hardware into a phone and sold it for a price that undercut the competition. But with the new iQOO 15, something significant has changed. Carrying the massive weight of the best specs currently available, the iQOO 15 has finally moved out of the budget zone and landed squarely in the premium flagship territory.
With a starting price now matching direct competitors like the OnePlus 15, iQOO has taken off the training wheels. The question isn’t about value anymore; it’s about whether iQOO’s raw power, dramatic new software, and unique design can truly challenge the established players at their own game.
🎨 Design and Aesthetics: Classy Look with an Edgy Glow
The iQOO 15 strikes a fine balance between sophistication and aggressive gamer flair. Our review unit, the Legend White variant, exudes a marble-like texture on its glass back, giving it a subtle, classy elegance. The flat display up front is framed by narrow bezels, staying right on trend.
However, the element that truly defines the iQOO 15’s look is the Monster Halo. This panel of customizable LEDs surrounds the large, square camera unit on the back. It’s not just for show; the lights flash in different colors for calls, notifications, and charging, making it a genuinely useful notification system when the phone is facedown. While perhaps less spectacular than some other RGB interfaces, it adds a distinct, edgy signature to an otherwise very premium package.
The phone is constructed with an aluminum frame, giving it a reassuringly solid feel. At 8.17 mm thick and 220 grams, it’s on the heavier side, largely due to its massive battery. Durability is well-covered, boasting an IP68/IP69 rating for excellent dust and water resistance, which means it can easily survive a serious dunking or even high-pressure water jets.
🧠Specs and Hardware: A True Monster on Paper
The iQOO 15’s hardware list reads like a dream sheet for any tech enthusiast. The company has held nothing back, cementing its status as a performance leader.
- Processor: It is powered by the top-tier mobile flagship chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Paired with a dedicated Q3 gaming chip, this ensures sustained, high-level performance for any task.
- Memory and Storage: Configurations are suitably flagship-level: 12 GB RAM / 256 GB and 16 GB RAM / 512 GB, both using the latest, fastest LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage technologies.
The Display: A Visual Powerhouse
The screen is simply magnificent and one of the best in the business:
- Panel: Large 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a crisp 3168 x 1440 (2K) resolution.
- Speed: A silky-smooth 144 Hz refresh rate that can dynamically drop to 1 Hz to save power, depending on the content.
- Brightness: With a local peak brightness of up to 6,000 nits and a High Brightness Mode (HBM) of 2,600 nits, this is easily one of the brightest and most legible screens available, even in direct sunlight.
đź’» Software Evolution: Hello, OriginOS
One of the biggest, most surprising changes is the software. The iQOO 15 is the first phone in India to ship with the new OriginOS 6, layered over Android 16. This is a crucial move away from the often-criticized, cluttered Funtouch OS.
OriginOS 6 delivers a much cleaner, sleeker, and more premium interface with fluid animations and refined aesthetics. While some third-party apps are still pre-loaded, the overall user experience is less intrusive and far more elegant, giving the phone a sophisticated vibe that finally matches its price tag. Importantly, iQOO is backing this up with a commitment of five years of major Android updates and seven years of security patches, a warranty on future-proofing that rivals the best in the market.
🎮 Performance and Gaming: The Beast Unleashed
The hardware combo—Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a huge 2K display, and UFS 4.1 storage—guarantees that the iQOO 15 is a phenomenal performer.
- Gaming: It handles the most demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty flawlessly, even on high settings. Reviewers noted the gaming experience was noticeably better than competitors like the OnePlus 15, largely thanks to the bigger, higher-resolution screen that enhances immersion. While the phone can get warm during extended, heavy sessions, it was never described as worryingly hot, thanks to its advanced cooling system.
- Daily Use: For everyday tasks, the phone is lightning fast, with instant app loading and zero lag. The addition of cutting-edge AI features, including Gemini and Circle to Search, ensures its software remains competitive in the modern flagship landscape.
📸 Camera Performance: Vivid, Versatile, and Feature-Packed
The camera system on the iQOO 15 consists of three powerful 50-megapixel sensors:
- Main: 50MP Sony IMX921 with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation).
- Telephoto: 50MP Sony IMX882 with 3x optical zoom.
- Ultrawide: 50MP with autofocus.
- Selfie: 32MP front-facing camera.
The cameras are tuned to deliver bright, vivid, and pleasing colors. While color purists might find the output a little oversaturated, most consumers will appreciate the lively, eye-catching snaps. The telephoto lens is a standout, particularly in portrait mode, offering a choice of focal lengths up to 100mm for impressive close-up portraits with great edge detection. Furthermore, its 3x optical zoom can be digitally enhanced to produce surprisingly clear 10x zoom shots.
The cameras are backed by a generous array of software tools, including AI erase, image expansion, and various portrait filters, ensuring users have plenty of options to edit and enhance their shots.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Champion
The iQOO 15 packs a massive 7,000 mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
Despite the demanding 2K 144 Hz display, the battery endurance is exceptional. The phone comfortably sails through a full day of heavy use and can even stretch to two days with moderate care, a truly rare feat for a modern flagship. The included 100W charger is quick, taking the phone from empty to full in around 55 minutes, with enough juice for a full day being topped up in just about half an hour.
đź’° The Elephant in the Room: Flagship Pricing
The biggest change, and the hardest hurdle for iQOO, is the price jump.
| Variant | India Price (Rs) |
| 12 GB / 256 GB | â‚ą72,999 |
| 16 GB / 512 GB | â‚ą79,999 |
This pricing directly places the iQOO 15 against the likes of the OnePlus 15 (which starts at the exact same price) and other premium flagships like the Realme GT8 Pro and the Vivo X300. The massive price hike from its predecessor means iQOO can no longer rely on its “flagship killer” discount; it must win purely on merit.
Verdict: A Premium Contender That Earned Its Place
The iQOO 15 is undoubtedly a highly impressive device. It delivers a perfect blend of style, incredible substance, and raw power. The shift to the clean OriginOS 6 is a welcome change, the 2K 144 Hz display is a cinematic gaming experience, and the 7,000 mAh battery delivers best-in-class endurance.
The challenge is purely psychological: can iQOO persuade its loyal, performance-focused user base to spend premium money, while simultaneously proving to new customers that it offers more value than the established giants? The iQOO 15 certainly has the hardware to back up its price tag. It’s a genuine premium flagship that finally fulfills the brand’s quest for top-tier recognition. It’s a compelling choice for anyone prioritizing gaming, battery life, and a brilliant display.
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