Here’s a bold statement: the iQOO 15 is a flagship contender that’s both impressive and frustrating—and it’s all because of its price. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite a significant price hike, this phone still manages to hold its own against some of the biggest names in the industry. Let’s dive in.
Last year’s iQOO 13 was a standout performer, offering a balanced mix of features at a competitive price. This year’s iQOO 15 builds on that legacy, positioning itself as a true flagship. While it’s not without flaws, they’re few and far between. The most glaring issue? Its limited availability. Like its predecessor, the iQOO 15 is likely restricted to select Asian markets, including India, where it faces stiff competition from established brands.
And this is the part most people miss: the iQOO 15’s price jump is substantial. The base 12GB/256GB variant now starts at INR 73,000, a steep climb from last year’s INR 55,000 launch price. This new price tier pits it against full-fledged flagships, making its position precarious.
Take the Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra, for instance. Priced similarly and powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, it’s a direct rival. However, the iQOO 15 pulls ahead in battery life and gaming performance, thanks to its optimized features. Its camera experience is also more refined, though its telephoto capabilities fall short compared to the F8 Ultra. On the flip side, the Poco F8 Ultra’s faster charging and Xiaomi’s HyperOS might sway some users. Here’s a thought-provoking question: is a slightly better camera and battery life worth sacrificing faster charging speeds?
The Realme GT 8 Pro and OnePlus 15, both priced around INR 73,000, offer their own unique strengths. The iQOO 15 holds its ground in most areas, with comparable real-world battery performance and camera quality that sometimes even surpasses its rivals. The only noticeable gap? Charging speed, where it lags slightly behind. But here’s the kicker: if gaming is your priority, the OnePlus 15 might edge it out, while the iQOO 15 shines brighter for camera enthusiasts.
If you’re craving even better camera performance, you’ll need to shell out more for true cameraphones like the Oppo Find X9 Pro or vivo X300 Pro. Their higher price tags come with significant upgrades, but the vanilla Find X9 and vivo X300 are closer in price—though they’re smaller devices.
Verdict: The iQOO 15 is an excellent all-rounder, striking a solid balance between price, hardware, and features. Yes, the price hike is steep, but it’s justified by the upgrades. However, competing against flagships from more established brands won’t be easy. While it’s not the ultimate cameraphone—thanks to its ultrawide and selfie shooters—and its charging speed isn’t the fastest, it comes remarkably close to pricier flagships. The display is vibrant, battery life is stellar, and its gaming features are top-notch.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely. Even at its launch price, the iQOO 15 is a strong recommendation. It’s just a shame its availability is so limited.
Pros:
– Sleek design with robust build quality and IP68/IP69 water resistance.
– Stunningly bright display with full HDR video support.
– Exceptional battery life across all usage scenarios.
– Impressive performance from the main and telephoto cameras.
– Handy features like an IR blaster, ultrasonic fingerprint reader, and rear LED.
– 5 major Android updates and 7 years of security patches.
Cons:
– Mediocre speaker quality.
– Sustained performance slightly weaker than its predecessor.
– Telephoto camera lacks close-focus capability.
– Ultrawide and selfie cameras could be sharper.
– Limited practical use for the 144Hz refresh rate.
– Substantial price increase over the previous model.
Final Thought: The iQOO 15 is a powerhouse that challenges the status quo. But with its price hike, it’s no longer the undisputed value king. Do you think it’s worth the premium, or does it fall short? Let’s debate in the comments!