The iQOO 12 and 13 were impressive value-for-money flagships, and now the iQOO 15 takes things up a notch. We’ve already got a unit from China, and it looks promising.

Powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, this phone is built for serious performance. But what really stands out is its new display, which feels like a glimpse of what future flagships will offer — brighter, smoother, and more advanced.

The global launch is expected around November, so we’ll know more about pricing and variants soon. For now, the iQOO 15 already looks like one of the most exciting flagships of 2025.

Unboxing –What’s Inside the Box

We finally have the iQOO 15, and it’s time for the unboxing and first impressions. If you’re curious about what comes with the phone, here’s everything you need to know.

Inside the box, you get:

• The iQOO 15 smartphone
• A protective case with good build quality
• A 100W fast charger
• A USB-C to USB-C cable
• The usual documentation and a SIM ejector tool

Last time, when the Chinese variant of the previous model launched, there were slight differences in the battery and charging speeds compared to the Indian version. It’ll be interesting to see if that happens again with the iQOO 15.

Now, let’s put the accessories aside and take a look at the phone itself — because that’s where things get really exciting.

Design and Build – Sleek, Solid, and Flat

The iQOO 15 sticks to a clean and flat design language that looks modern and premium. It features flat sides, a metal frame, and glass on both the front and back, giving it a solid feel in hand.

Since this is the Chinese variant, the exact display protection hasn’t been confirmed yet. Still, the overall build quality feels sturdy and well-balanced.

The phone weighs around 223 grams and packs a massive 7000mAh battery, which is impressive for its size. On the back, there’s a squircle-shaped camera module, giving it a distinct and recognisable look.

Display – Bright & Efficient

The display is one of the strongest highlights of the iQOO 15, and it easily competes with the best flagships out there. It’s not just bright and sharp — it’s also highly power-efficient thanks to its new panel structure. Here’s what makes it stand out:

✨ Key Display Highlights:

• 6.85-inch 2K OLED panel for crisp visuals and vivid colours
• 144Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming
• Peak brightness: 2600 nits (HBM) and up to 6000 nits at max — incredible for outdoor visibility

• LEED OLED technology for improved power efficiency
• Super thin, uniform bezels with an excellent screen-to-body ratio
• Supports Dolby Vision & HDR10+ for stunning contrast and cinematic visuals
• Innovative panel structure that removes traditional layers to reduce light loss by up to 50%

Overall, the iQOO 15’s display feels future-ready — bright, efficient, and perfect for users who care about both performance and quality.

Specifications and Performance

The iQOO 15 delivers flagship-level performance powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It’s one of the fastest Android phones available right now, with impressive benchmark scores and well-balanced thermal management.

Core Specifications:

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• AnTuTu Score: Around 3.8 million
• RAM: LPDDR5X (12GB or 16GB)

• Storage: UFS 4.1 (256GB, 512GB, and up to 1TB for the Chinese model)
• Battery: 7000mAh
• Charging: 100W wired and 40W wireless
• Cooling: 7800mm² vapour cooling chamber

Performance and Gaming:

• Geekbench Scores: 3,600 (single-core) and 11,200–11,300 (multi-core)
• Games Tested: BGMI (currently capped at 60FPS) and Arena Breakout — both run smoothly

• Q1 Gaming Chip: Boosts 60FPS gameplay up to 144Hz and supports 2K resolution in compatible games

• Excellent temperature control even during extended gaming sessions

Overall, the iQOO 15 stands out as a true performance flagship, combining powerful hardware, efficient cooling, and smart gaming optimisations for a smooth experience.

Software – First Look at Origin OS 6

The iQOO 15 runs on Origin OS 6, and this will be the first flagship device to launch with it. We’ve done a few quick tests, and the experience so far has been smooth and responsive.

A few key points about the software:

• It’s based on Origin OS 6, designed for better performance and fluid animations.
• Both the Chinese and global variants appear to run the OS smoothly.
• The phone launching around November will mark the official debut of Origin OS 6 on a flagship model.
• More detailed testing will be needed to see how it performs in real-world use.

We’ll hold off on a full verdict until we’ve spent more time with it, but early impressions suggest a polished and stable experience.

Connectivity and Haptics

The iQOO 15 covers all the essentials when it comes to connectivity and user experience. From fast wireless standards to premium haptics, everything feels well-tuned and refined.

Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi 7 for faster and more stable connections
• Bluetooth 6.0 for improved range and reliability

Security and Sensors:

• Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor
• Face unlock option
• Both authentication methods are fast and accurate

Haptics and Feedback:

• Equipped with a 2-axis vibration motor
• Strong, precise, and responsive haptic feedback
• Noticeably good while gaming — feels tight, accurate, and premium

Overall, the iQOO 15 offers flagship-grade connectivity and haptics, enhancing both daily use and gaming experience.

Multimedia Experience

The iQOO 15 delivers an excellent multimedia experience, combining its bright, high-quality display with powerful stereo speakers for an immersive setup.

Display and Visuals:

• 6.85-inch 2K OLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate
• Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for rich colours and deep contrast
• Large screen size enhances video and movie viewing

Audio Performance:

• Dual stereo speakers with balanced and clear output
• Loud enough for media consumption without distortion
• Great stereo separation that complements the vivid display

Overall, the iQOO 15 offers a premium multimedia experience, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, and entertainment.

Camera – Improved Optics with Vivo’s Processing Touch

The iQOO 15 brings a noticeable upgrade in the camera department, borrowing image processing strengths from Vivo’s premium X-Series lineup. While iQOO phones are usually known for performance, this one delivers surprisingly strong results in photography and video.

Camera Setup:

• Primary: Sony IMX921 sensor
• Ultra-wide: Samsung JN1 sensor
• Telephoto: Sony IMX882 sensor with 50MP and 3x optical zoom
• Front Camera: 32MP selfie shooter

Performance Highlights:

• All three rear cameras support 4K 60FPS video recording
• Excellent portrait performance, especially at 3x zoom
• Natural colours, strong detail, and balanced dynamic range
• Uses Vivo’s image processing pipeline, resulting in better skin tones and low-light photos
• Current impressions are based on the Chinese variant, so some tuning may differ once the Indian version arrives

Overall, the iQOO 15’s camera system performs above expectations, offering sharp details and impressive consistency across all lenses. It’s a clear step up from previous models.

iQOO 15 Camera Samples : https://bit.ly/3JtccJi

Price and Value

The pricing of the iQOO 15 is expected to stay close to what we’ve seen with its predecessors. The iQOO 12 launched at around $630, and the iQOO 13 came in at $600. Considering the upgrades in performance and display, the new model is likely to follow a similar pattern.

Expected Pricing:

• Base variant (12GB + 256GB): Around $650
• Higher variant (16GB + 512GB): Around $750
• In global pricing, this roughly translates to about $650–$725 USD

Even at that range, the iQOO 15 has the potential to be one of the best value-for-money flagships of the year. It delivers high-end performance, premium build quality, and features that rival phones costing much more.

iQOO 15 US Availability

Final verdict

9.3/10 – Flagship Killer of 2025

The iQOO 15 is a gaming and performance monster with the world’s fastest chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), a 7000mAh battery (2-day life), 100W wired + 40W wireless charging, and a 50MP triple camera with 3x OIS zoom. Its 6.85″ 2K 144Hz LTPO AMOLED (2600 nits) and IP68/IP69 build make it premium in every way. Early reviews praise sustained 120fps gaming, excellent battery, and sharp daylight photos.

Buy If:

• You’re a hardcore gamer (COD, Genshin, BGMI at max)
• You want all-day+ battery and fast charging
• You value wireless charging and pro-level zoom
• You’re in China (¥4,299 / ~$600) or India (₹59,999, launching Nov)

Skip If:

• You hate bloatware (OriginOS/Funtouch)
• You want clean stock Android (go OnePlus 13)
• You’re outside China/India (no global warranty, import risk)
• You’re on a budget (iQOO 12 at $540 is 90% as good)

If you’re curious about how the Oppo K13 Turbo performs beyond the specs, you’ll definitely want to read our complete Oppo K13 Turbo Review. We’ve covered everything from gaming performance and battery life to display quality and camera results.

Still not sure which one fits your needs? Visit our Smartphones section to explore more detailed reviews and comparisons. You can also check out our Laptops section if you’re planning to upgrade your daily work or gaming setup.

For performance lovers, our Best Gaming Phones list is worth a look. We update these pages regularly with the latest devices, insights, and price updates so you always get the most reliable information before buying.