iQOO 15: A gaming flagship that aims to redefine performance

Elite Power Unleashed the much-anticipated iQOO 15 is set to make its debut in China this week, with strong indications of an India launch by mid-November 2025. With early teasers highlighting its advanced gaming and performance capabilities, the upcoming flagship is shaping up to be one of the most powerful Android smartphones of the year.

Next-Gen Power with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at its core, the iQOO 15 will feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, positioning it as one of the first commercial devices to use the new chip. Paired with a dedicated Q3 gaming chip, the phone promises a leap in performance and graphics optimization, a combination aimed squarely at high-performance users and mobile gamers.

According to Ritesh Malik, a senior tech analyst at Counterpoint Research, “iQOO’s strategy to be among the first brands adopting Qualcomm’s new chipsets helps it stand out in India’s performance-driven market. The addition of a secondary gaming processor is a smart move, reflecting the growing demand for gaming-centric smartphones.”

The smartphone is expected to sport a 6.85-inch QHD AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness, delivering a highly immersive visual experience. The design is expected to feature flat metallic edges, an RGB light strip, and a new ‘Lingyun’ colour variant, alongside classic white, green, and black options.

This design approach aligns with iQOO’s aim to combine gaming aesthetics with premium craftsmanship in an effort to appeal to both gamers and professional users.

The iQOO 15 will offer IP68 and IP69 certifications, ensuring protection against dust and water, a key addition for durability in India’s diverse climate. It also includes an advanced 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a massive 7000 mAh battery, and ultra-fast charging support. Notably, wireless charging makes its debut in the iQOO lineup, bridging a key gap with premium global rivals like Samsung and OnePlus.

For thermal efficiency, the device integrates an 8K vapour chamber cooling system, which is expected to reduce heat during extended gaming or heavy multitasking sessions.

The iQOO 15 will likely feature a dual 50MP camera setup, including a 1/1.5-inch primary sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. Analysts believe the inclusion of a high-resolution periscope lens indicates iQOO’s focus on improving photography versatility beyond gaming performance.

India Launch and Pricing : Post its China release, the iQOO 15 is expected to launch in India between November 15 and 25, 2025, with a starting price below ₹59,999 for the base 12GB + 256GB variant. This pricing positions the device directly against OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S25, which are also expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite series chips.

Industry experts see the iQOO 15 as a critical launch for the brand’s growth in India’s premium smartphone segment. The company’s focus on blending flagship-level specifications with gaming-oriented features continues to resonate with India’s younger tech-savvy demographic.

Ankit Jain, Head of Consumer Electronics at TechMarket Insights, noted, “iQOO’s rapid product cycles and focus on raw performance have earned it a strong reputation among Indian gamers. If the pricing remains aggressive, the iQOO 15 could disrupt the sub-₹60,000 flagship tier.”

Additionally, experts predict that the iQOO 15 could play a pivotal role in boosting Vivo’s overall premium market share in India, as the brand continues to differentiate itself from midrange offerings through innovation and performance benchmarks.

Given the strong market response to the iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9 series, analysts anticipate that the iQOO 15 could achieve record-breaking sales in its launch quarter, potentially increasing the brand’s market share in India’s ₹50,000–₹60,000 segment by up to 25%. With India’s premium smartphone market expanding at double-digit growth annually, the iQOO 15’s mix of performance, design, and pricing could make it a major growth driver for the brand heading into 2026.

As gaming adoption and performance demands rise among Indian consumers, iQOO appears well-positioned to strengthen its identity as a flagship brand built for power users.