iQOO 15 set to rival top Android phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Robert Haba
Robert Haba
4 min read
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iQOO fans have been anticipating this for weeks, and it’s understandable why. Numerous rumors, teasers, and leaks have been made about the company’s next flagship, the iQOO 15. With rumors of a fresh look and the promise of cutting-edge gaming performance, this gadget appears poised to challenge the Android industry’s titans. Now that the Chinese launch date is quickly approaching, it seems like we’re finally getting a glimpse of what iQOO has been working on.

In terms of appearance and power, the iQOO 15 is anticipated to represent a significant improvement over its predecessor, the iQOO 13. Leaked images and teasers suggest a revised rear design, replete with a sleek circular camera module that feels more in keeping with today’s flagship design language, even though the company hasn’t made all the details public.

iQOO 15 in hand

A huge 6.85-inch 2K 8T LTPO Samsung “Everest” display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a maximum brightness of 6,000 nits is rumored to be on the front; if accurate, this would make it one of the brightest smartphone screens available. Its overall flagship appeal is reportedly increased by the addition of wireless charging, an IP69 grade for water and dust protection, and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 CPU, Qualcomm’s newest and most potent chipset to yet, is anticipated to be the engine behind the hood. This would place the iQOO 15 on par with OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Samsung’s future flagships and make it one of the first phones in the world to arrive with the new chipset.

It’s interesting to note that iQOO is reportedly combining this processor with its own Q3 gaming chip, which may maximize frame rates and regulate heat for extended gaming sessions.

Speaking of heat, the company’s new 8K vapour chamber (VC) Dome cooling system is said to deliver up to 47% greater cooling than the iQOO 13 thanks to a second layer of high-conductivity graphite. That’s significant for gamers and heavy users, particularly when using the phone to its full potential.

Regarding the camera, the rumors still present an intriguing picture. A dual 50-megapixel camera combination, comprising a huge 1/1.5-inch primary sensor and a periscope telephoto lens for sharp zoom images, may be included in the iQOO 15. If verified, this would represent a significant improvement in the brand’s photography, bringing it closer to the level of high-end Android rivals like the Xiaomi 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, but perhaps at a more affordable price.

Another area that may use better is battery life. Although the iQOO 13’s 6,000 mAh battery and 120 W fast charging has made an impression, the upcoming model is rumored to surpass 7,000 mAh and allow wireless charging, a long-desired feature. For even greater defense against water and dust, it is anticipated to have IP69 certification, which is uncommon for non-ultra-rugged electronics.

Regarding the exact release date, the iQOO 15 and iQOO Pad 5e are scheduled to debut in China on October 20. After that, it appears that India will make its debut somewhere between November 15 and 25. Although a precise date has not yet been established, Nipun Marya, the CEO of iQOO India, has previously alluded to a November timeline on X.

iQOO 15 price

According to price leaks, the iQOO 15 may launch for ₹59,999 ($683), which is little more than the base iQOO 13’s launch price of ₹54,999 ($626). A minor uptick like that seems to be expected given the significant hardware changes, improved cooling, and new display technology. However, until the official announcement, it is best to use these details with caution as they are yet unconfirmed.

All things considered, the iQOO 15 appears to be one of the most potent Android smartphones of the year—a flagship that prioritizes performance without sacrificing high-end features.

And if these preliminary leaks are any guide, iQOO may be in possession of its most alluring smartphone to date. To find out how much of this excitement is real, all that’s left to do is wait for the formal launch.

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Founder · Editor-in-Chief
Robert Haba is the founder and editor-in-chief of Droid Tools. A lifelong gadget enthusiast with over a decade following the Android ecosystem, he built this publication to cut through the noise and give readers honest, real-world coverage of the tech they actually use.

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