The iQOO 15, a sub-brand of Vivo, is gaining attention due to its impressive specifications and features, yet many users are still unfamiliar with the brand. This review will provide an in-depth look at the iQOO 15’s design, display, performance, battery, camera, and overall value. Whether you’re considering purchasing this phone or simply curious about its capabilities, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
Boxy but Premium Look
The iQOO 15 adopts a more angular, boxy design compared to its predecessor, the iQOO 13. This design resembles the iPhone’s style with sharp edges and a sturdy aluminum frame, giving it a premium and solid feel in the hand. Unlike the curved edges of the iQOO 13, the iQOO 15 offers a firmer grip due to its sharp, non-curved edges. The back panel remains largely unchanged but features the Scott Sensation Alpha finish, enhancing its premium appeal.
Camera Module and Physical Attributes
While the camera module is slightly smaller than the iQOO 13, the phone no longer features a light above the camera, which was present in the previous model. The height has been reduced marginally, though the phone is slightly heavier and thicker, contributing to a more balanced feel. Despite these changes, the iQOO 15 maintains a solid build quality and feels upgraded, earning a subjective rating of 3.7 to 4 stars for design.
Durability Concerns
One drawback is the camera bump’s vulnerability to scratches, an issue noted in both the iQOO 13 and 15. Better protection in this area would enhance the phone’s durability. The phone comes in two color options, though the back panel isn’t particularly flashy or standout.
Display: A Cinematic Experience
Advanced Display Technology
One of the standout features of the iQOO 15 is its display, which is reportedly the same as the iPhone 17 Pro series, known for its premium quality. It uses a Samsung M14 OLED 2K display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals and excellent gaming performance. Although it doesn’t reach the 165Hz seen in some competitors, 144Hz remains a robust feature for everyday use and gaming.
Visual Enhancements
The phone supports frame interpolation to smooth gameplay at higher frames per second (FPS), making it ideal for mobile gamers. Additionally, it features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded in the screen, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. Peak brightness hits 6000 nits for vibrant scenes, and the high-brightness mode offers 2600 nits, making it easily visible outdoors. Typical brightness is 1000 nits, providing sufficient illumination for indoor environments.
Anti-Reflective Film and Viewing Angles
Although the phone includes an anti-reflective film to reduce glare, the effect is subtle and not immediately noticeable. The display supports an LTPO panel with a 120-degree viewing angle, ensuring clear visibility from various positions. The fingerprint sensor is responsive, with smooth animations enhancing the user experience. Overall, the display quality is rated highly at 4.5 out of 5.
Performance and Gaming
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Supercomputing Q3 Chip
The iQOO 15 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, paired with the Supercomputing Q3 chip, which boosts gaming and multitasking performance. Benchmark tests show scores of around 3.2 to 3.3 million, slightly below the rumored 4 million mark but still impressive for real-world usage.
Gaming Features and Cooling System
This phone is built with gamers in mind, supporting 144Hz refresh rates and offering super resolution and frame interpolation for enhanced visuals. The Q3 chip also includes a dedicated gaming mode with a Q Engine and AI e-sports engine to optimize gameplay.
A significant innovation is India’s largest vapor chamber cooling system—an 8000 mm single-layer vapor chamber—which effectively prevents overheating during prolonged gaming sessions. Testing reveals minimal heat buildup, even under heavy use.
Connectivity and Additional Hardware
The iQOO 15 supports cutting-edge connectivity with 12GB RAM, 16GB UFS 4.1 storage, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, and 13 5G bands. Impressively, it features 23 antennas strategically placed to maintain strong network connections without drops. Additionally, the phone includes a dual-axis motor for enhanced haptic feedback, delivering better vibration and gaming immersion.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Technology and Charging Speeds
The iQOO 15 uses a 4th generation silicon battery, offering reliable longevity and efficiency. It supports 100W wired charging, slightly lower than the previous model’s 120W but introduces 40W wireless charging for the first time in the iQOO series. Wireless charging inclusion marks significant progress, though it’s unclear if a wireless charger is included in the box.
Usage and Optimization
With an hour of charging, the phone’s battery can last up to 1.5 days with moderate to intense use. The battery optimization is enhanced by the Origin OS 6 interface, built on Android 16, which contributes to efficient power management and smooth operation.
Software Updates and Support
The phone promises five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches, ensuring long-term usability and security. This is an attractive feature for users who prefer keeping their device current without needing frequent upgrades.
Camera Performance
Camera Hardware
The iQOO 15 is equipped with a triple 50MP camera setup: a Sony main sensor, a wide-angle lens, and a periscope telephoto lens. The selfie camera features a 32MP sensor.
Image and Video Quality
Photos tend to have an over-smoothed effect with oversaturated colors, sometimes resulting in unnatural, “painting-like” images. While selfies are clear, the color tone leans toward an orangish hue that may not appeal to all users. Video stabilization is solid, with smooth 4K 60fps recording and decent 8K footage.
Overall Camera Rating
Despite decent hardware, the camera does not stand out as a primary selling point for this phone. It is rated around 3.5 out of 5, reflecting its secondary focus compared to the phone’s gaming and performance strengths.
Additional Features and User Experience
Audio and Call Quality
The iQOO 15 features dual stereo speakers, branded as “dual monster speakers,” but the audio quality is competent rather than exceptional. Call quality is clear, with no network issues reported, unlike some competitors. The phone’s own dialer app provides a solid voice clarity experience.
Software Interface: Origin OS 6
The phone runs on Origin OS 6, which is based on Android 16. This OS offers a clean user interface, AI features, and customization options. The reviewer rates the OS around 4 out of 5, appreciating the removal of front touch issues and general smoothness.
Service and Support
Vivo’s wide service center network ensures accessible customer support, adding value for those purchasing the iQOO 15.
Final Thought
Cost Considerations
Though the price is relatively high, the iQOO 15 offers excellent value in terms of build quality, display, performance, and battery life. The compromises made on the camera are reasonable given the phone’s strengths.
Who Should Buy the iQOO 15?
This phone is ideal for users who prioritize gaming, display quality, and robust hardware performance. Casual users seeking a balanced smartphone will also appreciate its premium design and battery longevity. However, photography enthusiasts may want to consider other options due to the average camera quality.
Summary Rating
- Design and Build Quality: 4/5
- Display: 4.5/5
- Performance and Gaming: 4.5/5
- Battery Life: 4.2/5
- Camera: 3.5/5
- Overall: 4.3/5