iQOO 15 review

iQOO 15 review: Is the Flagship Killer Still performing as well?

The iQOO 15 arrives at a pivotal moment for the brand. Once primarily known as Vivo’s performance-focused sub-brand, iQOO has forged its own identity in recent years, particularly in markets like India and China. The 15 series is positioned at the top of its range, as a flagship model prioritizing raw power and gaming performance over camera versatility or brand prestige.

At its launch price, the iQOO 15 positions itself as a direct competitor to established flagships from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and even more affordable Samsung models. Its appeal lies not only in the latest-generation Snapdragon chip, but also in the optimization of the rest of the system around this component. The main question concerning this device isn’t its speed, but rather whether a phone so focused on gaming and performance can offer a smooth user experience for everyday use. Does the iQOO 15 justify its price, or does it compromise on aspects more important than display fluidity?

Quick verdict

The iQOO 15 is a premium, performance-oriented smartphone offering exceptional speed, a bright and fluid display, and faster charging than most of its competitors. It’s an ideal choice for gamers and demanding users who want top-of-the-line performance without the hefty price tag.

Key strengths:

• Exceptional performance for the price
• Excellent screen with high brightness and smooth refresh rate
• Very fast charging
• Robust build quality

Main weaknesses:

• The camera system lags behind the competition
• The software experience includes unnecessary software and advertisements.
• No wireless charging
• Average haptics

Ideal for: gamers, performance enthusiasts and anyone who prioritizes speed and battery charging over camera quality.

Value for money: Good, provided it suits the target audience. The hardware offers excellent value, but compromises must be made on camera quality and software sophistication.

Specifications at a glance

Category	Details
Display	6.78-inch AMOLED screen, 144 Hz, maximum brightness of approximately 3,000 nits
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	12 GB / 16 GB
Storage	256 GB / 512 GB
Main camera	50 MP (Sony IMX921, OIS)
Front camera	16 MP
Battery	6100 mAh
Charging	120W wired
Operating system	Android 15, Funtouch OS 15
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
Weight	206 g
Protection	IP68/IP69
Price	Starting from approximately 54,999 ₹ (India)

Quality of design and construction

The iQOO 15 doesn’t revolutionize design, but it perfectly masters a proven formula. The phone features a glass front and back, framed by a flat aluminum bezel. The back, available in a few discreet colors, has a matte finish that’s much more resistant to fingerprints than most glossy competing models, a small but welcome detail for everyday use.

At 206 grams, it’s not a lightweight phone, but its weight is well distributed so that it’s not cumbersome. Its flat edges, while modern in style, make one-handed use a bit more difficult than with a curved design; you’ll likely have to stretch your thumb to reach the top of the screen. The button placement is classic: the power and volume buttons are on the right side and both offer crisp, precise tactile feedback.

The camera module, a large square located in the upper left corner, houses the lenses and flash. It protrudes quite a bit, making the phone unstable when placed flat on a table. A case will mitigate this issue and is highly recommended given the glass back.

The build quality is impeccable. The chassis is robust, and the IP68/IP69 rating guarantees better resistance to accidental splashes and even immersion than many of its competitors in this price range. Its design is understated yet effective and durable; functionality takes precedence over aesthetics.

Display

The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is one of the iQOO 15’s major strengths. It’s a 144Hz screen with a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 453 ppi. Text is sharp, icons are crisp, and no pixelation is visible, even upon close inspection.

It’s in terms of brightness that this screen truly impresses. With a maximum brightness of approximately 3,000 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent. Even in direct sunlight, the content remains perfectly legible, a significant advantage for anyone who spends time outdoors. The panel is also compatible with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it an excellent choice for streaming Netflix or YouTube in HDR.

Color reproduction is vibrant without being oversaturated by default. Several color profiles are available, allowing you to adjust the display to your preferences. Contrast is excellent, as expected from an AMOLED screen, with deep blacks and no haloing around bright objects. Viewing angles are also good, with minimal color shift even when tilting the phone.

The 144Hz refresh rate delivers exceptionally smooth scrolling. Adaptive, it can drop as low as 1Hz for static content like reading, helping to conserve battery life. Touch responsiveness is instantaneous, with a high sampling rate that gamers will appreciate.

Who will appreciate this screen the most? Gamers will love its high refresh rate and responsiveness. Movie lovers will enjoy HDR compatibility and vibrant colors. Social media users will notice its smooth performance. Even avid readers will find the screen comfortable for their eyes, although those who spend hours reading in bed might want to enable the additional dimming feature.

Performance

Under the hood, the iQOO 15 features the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest high-end chip (expected release in late 2025). It’s paired with either 12 or 16 GB of RAM, depending on the version. On paper, it represents the pinnacle of current Android smartphones.

In everyday use, the phone is instantly responsive. Apps launch immediately, multitasking is smooth, and resource-intensive applications, such as photo editing software or large games, load quickly. The 16GB RAM version, in particular, perfectly manages keeping dozens of apps open in the background without reloading them, a valuable feature if you frequently switch between apps.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is also a very powerful graphics processor. For most users, this means the phone will handle all tasks smoothly. Thermal management appears to be effective based on available information; the phone uses a high-capacity vapor chamber cooling system, which should maintain optimal performance during long gaming sessions without significant slowdowns.

It’s important to note that raw performance test figures don’t tell the whole story. A phone with a slightly slower chip but better software optimization can offer similar smoothness in everyday use. However, thanks to the combination of a high-end chip and a high refresh rate display, the iQOO 15 promises one of the smoothest user experiences on the market.

Gaming performance

This is where the iQOO 15 is designed to excel, and given its hardware configuration, it should deliver. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a 144Hz display, and gaming-focused features—such as a game mode that optimizes performance and blocks notifications—makes it a serious contender for mobile gamers.

For casual gaming, this phone is overkill. For demanding titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or PUBG Mobile, its technical specifications allow them to run smoothly at high settings. The 144Hz screen is a real asset for fast-paced, competitive shooters where every frame counts. Touch responsiveness is excellent, with high sampling rates that should minimize lag.

As with any high-end smartphone, battery consumption during gaming sessions will be noticeable. An intensive session can consume between 15 and 20% of the battery per hour, depending on the game and brightness settings. The 120W charger significantly mitigates this issue: a 10-minute charge restores a substantial amount of battery, allowing you to quickly resume gaming.

The temperature should remain manageable thanks to the cooling system, although prolonged gaming will inevitably cause the device to heat up. The grip shouldn’t become uncomfortable, but the difference will be noticeable.

Verdict: The iQOO 15 is a premium smartphone designed for gaming. It’s not just a phone capable of running games; it’s a phone designed for gaming, with a screen, touch responsiveness, and loading speed optimized for this purpose.

Camera system

It’s in the camera department that the iQOO 15 faces its strongest competition, and it’s also where its priorities become apparent. The hardware is decent, but not exceptional.

Main camera

The main sensor is a 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an aperture of f/1.88. In good lighting, this camera produces excellent results. Photos are detailed, colors are accurate, and the dynamic range is wide. HDR performance is generally satisfactory, avoiding the over-processing seen in some competitors.

Low-light performance is acceptable, though not exceptional. Optical image stabilization (OIS) helps keep photos sharp, and the sensor captures a reasonable amount of light, but images can exhibit noise and slight blur compared to the best smartphones. This camera will be perfectly adequate for everyday photos, social media posts, and the occasional nighttime shot, but it won’t replace a dedicated camera.

Ultra-large

The ultra-wide-angle lens features a 50-megapixel sensor, although precise details regarding its model haven’t been fully confirmed. Based on available information, it should offer a decent field of view with acceptable detail in good lighting. Some distortion at the edges, typical of ultra-wide-angle lenses, is to be expected. Low-light performance will be inferior to that of the main lens, with more noise and less detail.

Telephoto Lens

Based on available information, the iQOO 15 doesn’t appear to include a dedicated telephoto lens. This is a significant omission at this price point, as many competitors offer at least a 2x or 3x optical zoom. The high resolution of the main camera allows for some digital cropping, but image quality degrades beyond a 2x zoom. If optical zoom is important to you, this is a major drawback.

Front camera

The 16MP front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls. It captures decent detail in good lighting, with fairly natural skin tones. Dynamic range is acceptable, although strong backlighting can lead to overexposure of highlights. Low-light selfies will be blurrier and noisier, as expected.

Video

The main camera can record video in up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, and in 4K at up to 60 frames per second. Stabilization is available and should be effective for handheld shooting. HDR support is likely included, although details haven’t been fully confirmed. The front-facing camera records in 1080p, which is sufficient for video calls but not exceptional for vlogging.

Overall camera verdict: The iQOO 15’s camera system is functional and performs well in good lighting, but it clearly lags behind the competition. Its main drawback is the lack of a telephoto lens. If photography is your top priority, you’d be better off looking at another model. However, if you’re primarily a gamer or a demanding user who only takes photos occasionally, this camera will suit your needs perfectly.

Battery life and charging

The iQOO 15 features a 6100 mAh battery offering substantial battery life. Combined with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it guarantees excellent battery life for most users.

For typical daily use (checking social media, messaging, web browsing, streaming videos, and about 30 to 60 minutes of gaming), your phone should easily last all day with plenty of battery power. Heavy users who play a lot of games or stream a lot of videos will likely need to charge it before bed, but the phone’s fast charging capability makes this minor inconvenience a real drawback.

The key feature of this device is its 120W wired charging. It’s a true revolution in everyday life. Ten minutes of charging is enough to recover a significant amount of battery, likely enough for several hours of use. A full charge, even when the battery is nearly empty, takes less than 30 minutes. Say goodbye to inconsiderate charging habits: no more overnight charging. Plug in your device while you shower and get ready, and you’re good to go for the day.

However, wireless charging is not available. At this price point, some competitors offer it, but it’s not widespread. If wireless charging is essential for you, this is a deal-breaker. If wired charging suits you, the 120W power output more than makes up for this lack.

Software and user experience

The iQOO 15 runs on Android 15 with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15 interface. This is a major concern for potential buyers.

Funtouch OS has improved over the years, but it still has some flaws. Its interface is customizable with various themes, icon packs, and always-on display options. It includes useful features such as app cloning, a built-in screen recorder, and a game mode that optimizes performance.

However, the software experience is marred by the presence of pre-installed software. The phone comes with several third-party apps pre-installed; some can be uninstalled, but others are simply disabled. Users have also reported ads appearing in system apps like the file manager or the weather app in certain regions. It’s a frustrating experience, especially for such an expensive device.

iQOO commits to providing 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches for the 15 series. This is decent, but not exceptional; Samsung and Google now offer 7 years of updates for their flagship models. If you plan to keep your phone for more than three years, this shorter support period is an important point to consider.

The software isn’t a deal-breaker, but it is the weakest point of the system. If you prefer a clean Android experience without unnecessary apps, you’ll need to spend some time disabling certain applications and possibly using a different app launcher.

Audio and connectivity

The iQOO 15 is equipped with stereo speakers that offer decent sound quality for multimedia consumption. Their volume is probably sufficient for watching videos or playing games without headphones, even if they don’t rival dedicated speakers. It’s worth noting the absence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which has become standard on high-end smartphones.

Connectivity options are comprehensive. You get 5G, Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC for contactless payments, and a USB-C port. Dual SIM is available, and eSIM compatibility may vary by region. GPS navigation is included.

These are modern and efficient connectivity features that perfectly cover essential needs. Nothing exceptional, but nothing is lacking either.

Storage and memory

The iQOO 15 is available in two main configurations: 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, or 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It does not have a microSD card slot, so you will need to choose your storage capacity carefully.

For most users, the 256GB base model should be sufficient. It’s large enough for a sizable app library, plenty of photos and videos, and some offline media files. Heavy users who record a lot of video or download large games might prefer the 512GB version for added peace of mind.

The 16GB RAM version is advantageous for heavy multitaskers and gamers who want to keep many applications open in memory. For most people, 12GB is more than enough, but the extra RAM is a bonus if the price difference is reasonable.

AI and smart features

Funtouch OS 15 incorporates several AI-based features, although their practical usefulness varies.

An AI-powered photo enhancement tool improves low-quality images, but results are mixed. The browser and Notes app offer AI-powered text summarization, which is very useful for quickly reading long articles. The voice assistant, based on Vivo’s Jovi, handles basic tasks like setting alarms, sending messages, and controlling smart home devices, but it’s less effective than Google Assistant.

Some AI features may require an internet connection, and their availability may vary by region and language. None of these features require a subscription, which is a plus. However, none are truly essential. They are more like nice options than compelling reasons to buy the phone.

Price and value

The iQOO 15 will launch in India at a price of approximately 54,999 rupees for the base 12GB/256GB version. This pricing positions it in direct competition with other high-end smartphones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

At this price, you get top-of-the-line performance, a superb screen, excellent battery life, and ultra-fast charging. The main drawbacks are the camera system, the software interface, and the lack of wireless charging.

Compared to its competitors, the iQOO 15 offers excellent value for money for performance-driven users. It’s priced lower than a Samsung Galaxy S or Pixel, while offering equivalent or even superior raw performance. However, if photo quality or long-term software support are your priorities, its appeal diminishes.

Competition

The iQOO 15 faces stiff competition in its price range. Here are four of its main competitors:

Phone	Strength	Weakness	Ideal for
OnePlus 13	Excellent software, superb cameras, fast charging	Higher price	Users who want a balanced flagship experience
Xiaomi 15	Robust cameras, good performance, Leica tuning	Software advertisements, irregular updates	Photography enthusiasts on a limited budget
Samsung Galaxy S25	Advanced software support, excellent cameras, wireless charging	Higher price, slower charging	Users who keep their phones for years
Google Pixel 10	Exceptional camera, sleek software, frequent updates	Slower loading, reduced gaming performance	photography and software purists

The iQOO 15 wins in terms of raw performance relative to its price and charging speed. The OnePlus 13 offers a more polished overall experience, particularly in terms of software and cameras, but it’s more expensive. The Xiaomi 15 is an interesting alternative for photography, even if its software suffers from the same software overload issues. The Galaxy S25 is a safer long-term choice thanks to its update program, but it’s more expensive. The Pixel 10 is the king of photography, but at the expense of gaming performance.

There’s no perfect solution. Your choice depends on your priorities. If performance and charging are essential, the iQOO 15 is a good option. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line cameras or longer software updates, consider the Pixel or Galaxy instead.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional performance for the price
• Bright and smooth 144Hz screen
• 120W Ultra-Fast Charging
• Excellent battery life
• Robust construction with IP68/IP69 protection rating

Cons

• The camera system lacks a telephoto lens and lags behind its competitors.
• The software contains unnecessary programs and potential advertisements.
• No wireless charging
• Only 3 years of operating system updates
• Average haptics

Who is iQOO 15 for?

Buy it if you:

• Are a mobile gamer looking for high frame rates and fast loading.
• Prioritizing raw performance over camera versatility
• Want a phone that recharges from almost empty to full in less than 30 minutes.
• Need a bright screen for outdoor use
• Want top-of-the-line performance without paying the price of the biggest brands.

Avoid it if you:

• Need an optical zoom for photography
• Want a clean and uncluttered software experience.
• Need wireless charging
• Plan to keep your phone for more than three years and want long-term updates
• Prioritize camera quality above all else.

Final verdict

Is the iQOO 15 worth buying?

For the right person, yes, without hesitation. The iQOO 15 lives up to all its promises: flagship-level performance, a fantastic screen, and ultra-fast charging that’s revolutionizing the smartphone market. Whether you’re a gamer, a demanding user, or simply someone who hates waiting for their phone to charge, this device offers exceptional value for money.

However, this phone won’t be for everyone. Its camera system lags significantly behind the competition, particularly due to the lack of a telephoto lens. The software experience, with its pre-installed apps and potential ads, is disappointing for a premium device. Furthermore, the slower update cycle means it will age less gracefully than a Galaxy or Pixel.

The iQOO 15 is a phone that fully embraces its performance. It doesn’t hide its priorities. If they align with yours, you’ll love it. If you’re looking for a more versatile device, you’ll find better options elsewhere. Its price is justified for its target audience, but it’s not a universal choice.