Reasons to Buy
- Superb Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance
- Large 7000 mAh battery with solid endurance
- Excellent 6.85-inch 2K 144 Hz AMOLED display
- Q3 gaming chip with ray tracing support
- Strong thermals with a massive vapor chamber
- Reliable triple-camera setup with a better periscope lens
The premium flagship space has grown more competitive in 2025, yet the iQOO 15 arrives with a clear intent. Priced at ₹72,999, the phone targets buyers who want raw power without losing out on daily comfort. The company already has a strong base with the iQOO 13, and the new model pushes further with a larger battery, a better display, and advanced gaming hardware. It enters a zone ruled by the OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro. However, the iQOO 15 tries to carve out its own identity by focusing heavily on sustained speed and practical features. The shift is visible in the refined design, more polished software, and strong thermal control. As a result, the phone feels more complete than before, though it still has a few areas that need attention. This review breaks down how well the device holds up and whether it truly earns a place among the top choices under ₹75,000.
Design that feels more refined
The iQOO 15 carries over the bold identity of the previous model but sharpens the look with cleaner lines. The Legend variant uses a glass back that blends the tri-colour design into a more mature finish. It feels premium and stable in hand, even though the 220g weight is slightly on the higher side. The Alpha Black variant is a bit lighter, but the in-hand difference is minor.
The frame is metal, and the fit feels tighter than last year. The bezels sit almost evenly on all sides, giving the phone a tidy front profile. Moreover, the device now packs IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it more dependable in rough weather. The Monster Halo light under the rear camera adds a fun touch but keeps things subtle.
Display that shines indoors and outdoors
The 6.85-inch M14 2K+ AMOLED panel is among the brightest in its segment. It reaches up to 6000 nits, which makes outdoor visibility excellent. Moreover, the new no-polarization technology improves viewing angles and colour consistency.
Another thoughtful upgrade is the Wet Finger Control, which helps when your hands are sweaty or wet. It works well for scrolling and quick actions. The triple ambient light sensors adjust brightness instantly, and the anti-reflective film reduces glare noticeably. Although the Realme GT 8 Pro offers higher peak brightness on paper, the iQOO 15 feels more reliable in varied daily lighting.
Software and AI that feel more polished
The phone runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6. This version feels more organised and lighter than earlier iterations. Animations look cleaner, menus respond quickly, and the layout carries a modern style. The promise of five years of Android updates adds long-term value.
AI features focus on creativity. Passerby removal, seasonal backgrounds, and the Reflection Erase tool work well for casual editing. These features avoid overprocessing, which makes them useful instead of gimmicky. OnePlus still leads in deeper AI integrations, but iQOO’s focus on media tools serves its audience well.
Performance that stays stable even under pressure
This is where the iQOO 15 stands apart. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 combined with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM offers excellent responsiveness. Apps load quickly, large files open faster, and multitasking remains smooth. Benchmark scores lead the segment, and real-world usage mirrors those numbers.
However, the real strength lies in sustained performance. The 8000mm² vapor chamber keeps temperatures controlled better than before. Even long sessions in games like BGMI and Genshin show stable frame rates.
The Q3 Supercomputing Chip pushes graphics significantly. Ray tracing adds realistic lighting, while 144 FPS frame interpolation keeps motion clean. The phone also supports 4D vibration for more directional feedback, which enhances gameplay immersion. iQOO clearly gives gamers more value here than OnePlus and Realme.
Camera performance focused on accuracy
The iQOO 15 uses a 50MP main camera, 50MP periscope lens, and 50MP ultra-wide sensor. The new periscope system brings noticeable improvements in portraits between 3x and 5x zoom. The separation between subject and background looks more natural.
Daylight shots offer clean colours without boosting saturation. The phone prefers accuracy over drama, which many buyers will appreciate. Low-light performance is stable because of the NICE 2.0 algorithm. The telephoto camera performs better than expected at night for this price.
The new 32MP selfie camera captures more detail and records 4K 60fps videos. However, OnePlus still delivers slightly more detail and better dynamic range. iQOO stays consistent but not class-leading.
Battery life that pushes through heavy days
The 7000 mAh silicon anode battery is a major upgrade. It lasts longer than most flagships in this segment. Heavy users can cross a full day with ease, while casual users can touch two days. The Battery Life Extender feature resumes apps instantly after a full shutdown, which is helpful.
Charging uses 100W FlashCharge. It is fast enough for daily use, but Realme and OnePlus charge quicker.
Verdict
The iQOO 15 succeeds because it understands its strengths. It offers remarkable performance, excellent gaming hardware, a bright and adaptive display, and reliable battery life. The software feels more polished, and the design carries a refined finish. Yet, there is room for improvement. The cameras could use more fine-tuning in edge details, and the charging speed now feels average in this range. The lack of wireless charging may also hold back a few buyers.
Still, for anyone who wants the fastest and smoothest Android flagship under ₹75,000, especially for gaming and multimedia, the iQOO 15 remains a strong pick.
