iQOO 15: Initial Impressions of the Performance Flagship

The iQOO 15 has arrived, bringing a host of upgrades aimed squarely at performance enthusiasts. From the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 to an upgraded telephoto lens and a significantly larger battery, the iQOO 15 is making waves. However, this power comes at a price bump.

I had the opportunity to experience the device firsthand, providing these initial impressions based on that brief but engaging usage.

Design and Build Quality

The Legend and Black color variants are visually striking in person, with the Legend being a standout. The metal frame paired with a frosted glass rear panel feels premium and resists fingerprints effectively.

A slight disappointment arises from the reported use of fiberglass on the rear panel, which feels more like a glorified plastic back rather than genuine glass.

The iQOO 15 boasts an IP68/IP69 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability. The screen is protected by Schott Xensation Core glass.

The squared-off, flat design gives the phone a modern aesthetic.

Display: A Visual Treat

The display is truly exceptional. iQOO claims it offers the best panel for its price range, and initial impressions support that claim.

The phone utilizes a super-new Samsung M14 OLED display with a crisp 2K resolution and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate (adaptable down to 1Hz thanks to LTPO technology).

The brightness is remarkable, reaching an impressive 2600 nits outdoors. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support add to the visual fidelity.

The 2160 Hz PWM dimming rating is a welcome addition, potentially reducing eye strain during extended use.

The thin bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience.

Camera Capabilities

Despite being a gaming-focused phone, the iQOO 15 doesn't skimp on camera features.

The triple-camera system is headlined by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 sensor with OIS. It's complemented by a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens and a standout 50-megapixel 3x optical telephoto with OIS.

A 32-megapixel front camera handles selfies. Initial image samples are vibrant, displaying good detail and HDR control, particularly from the main and 3x zoom lenses. Camera processing could benefit from some fine-tuning for challenging shots, potentially addressed in future updates.

Performance, Battery & Software Experience

The iQOO 15 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. A large 8000 mm² VC cooling system ensures sustained performance even during intensive gaming sessions.

A massive 7,000 mAh battery provides ample power, supported by 100W wired fast charging (charger included in the box) and 40W wireless charging.

The phone runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, offering a polished and incredibly smooth user experience. iQOO promises an industry-leading 5 major Android updates and 7 years of security support – a significant advantage over competitors like OnePlus.

First Thoughts

While it's too early to draw definitive conclusions, the iQOO 15 appears poised to compete for the title of “ultimate performance flagship.”

A fantastic display, a powerhouse chipset, a colossal battery, super-fast charging, and a premium build quality are all hallmarks of this device. Even the haptics motor impresses.

Priced attractively at ₹64,999 during the offer period, this phone delivers exceptional value. The standard price of ₹72,999 feels slightly elevated, but overall the iQOO 15 makes a strong case for itself.