News in Short

• iQOO has launched the iQOO 16 in China as its latest premium flagship.
• The smartphone features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset.
• iQOO has paired the processor with its self-developed Q4 chip.
• The phone introduces a 2K 165Hz Samsung Everest Display.
• The display uses Samsung M16 technology and supports LEAD 2.0.
• iQOO 16 runs OriginOS 7 based on Android 17.

iQOO has launched the iQOO 16 in China as its latest premium flagship smartphone.

The new model brings upgrades across performance, display, cameras and software. At the same time, iQOO has introduced several technologies aimed at gaming, productivity and everyday smartphone use.

The iQOO 16 is among the first smartphones to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor. In addition, iQOO has paired the chipset with its self-developed Q4 chip.

2K 165Hz Samsung Everest Display

One of the biggest highlights of the iQOO 16 is its display.

The smartphone features a 2K 165Hz Samsung Everest Display. iQOO developed the panel in collaboration with Samsung Display and describes it as the “World’s Best Display”.

The high refresh rate is designed to deliver smoother motion during gaming and everyday scrolling. Meanwhile, the 2K resolution focuses on sharper visuals for reading and streaming.

The panel also uses Samsung’s M16 display technology. Furthermore, it features LEAD 2.0 along with improvements to brightness, colour and eye comfort.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 Powers iQOO 16

The iQOO 16 is among the first smartphones to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.

The new processor targets demanding workloads and multitasking. It also brings advanced graphics capabilities, including console-like ray tracing in supported games.

However, iQOO has not stopped at the main processor. The company has paired the chipset with its self-developed Q4 chip as part of the phone’s performance architecture.

Together, the hardware is aimed at delivering the performance expected from a premium flagship, particularly for gaming and intensive workloads.

OriginOS 7 Brings New Software Features

The iQOO 16 runs the newly launched OriginOS 7 based on Android 17.

The software introduces the next-generation Origin Smooth Engine. iQOO says the system is designed to keep the interface responsive during everyday use.

Meanwhile, Origin Workbench focuses on productivity. It allows users to manage up to five active apps within one workspace.

The software also adds new AI capabilities, cross-device connectivity and personalisation options. As a result, iQOO is positioning OriginOS 7 as a larger part of the overall flagship experience.

Triple 50MP Camera Setup

The iQOO 16 also brings upgrades to its camera system.

The main camera uses a 50-megapixel sensor with a large 1/1.3-inch sensor size. It supports Super HDR and iQOO’s NICE 3.0 optical reconstruction engine.

Furthermore, the main camera offers CIPA 5.5-rated stabilisation. This is designed to improve stability when capturing photos and videos.

The primary camera works alongside a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera.

Together, the three cameras give the iQOO 16 a triple-camera setup covering different shooting scenarios.

iQOO 16 Targets the Premium Flagship Segment

With the iQOO 16, the company is expanding beyond its traditional focus on performance.

The combination of a 2K 165Hz Samsung display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor, Q4 chip and OriginOS 7 forms the core of the new flagship.

At the same time, the triple 50-megapixel camera setup adds a broader imaging focus. The new software also brings productivity and cross-device features to the phone.

The iQOO 16 has launched in China. The supplied announcement does not provide its China pricing, storage configurations or global launch details.