Introduction
Upon hearing for the first time that the iQOO 15 featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor was officially being launched in India, I felt a real sense of curiosity. iQOO has established itself as a provider of performance-centric smartphones, and this particular model was expected to advance that focus even more. Thus, I utilized it as my main device for several days — gaming, taking photos, social networking, office tasks, and typical daily activities. This review presents my experiences in a straightforward and sincere way, avoiding any exaggeration.
Quick Verdict
Positives
- ✅ Extremely fast and stable performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- ✅ Smooth 120Hz+ display (varies by model)
- ✅ Strong battery backup with efficient power management
- ✅ Premium build with solid grip
Limitations
- ⚠ Can get slightly warm during extended gaming
- ⚠ UI still has some extra apps that need manual removal
- ⚠ Camera performance is great but not class-leading in low light
Table of Contents
- Key Features
- Performance & Sound
- Battery & Durability
- Comfort & Design
- Real-World Usage
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should Buy It?
- Who Should Avoid It?
- Comparison Table
- Value for Money Score
- Final Rating Table
- Expert Verdict
- FAQs
Key Features (Simple & User-Friendly)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship chipset
- High-refresh-rate AMOLED display
- Fast charging support
- Stereo speaker setup
- Gaming-optimized thermal system
- Advanced cooling for performance stability
- High-resolution primary camera
- 5G connectivity with improved network efficiency
- Premium build quality
- Updated software experience
Detailed Review Sections
1. Performance & Sound Quality
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor is the iQOO 15’s most notable feature, and its performance indeed meets the expectations. Applications launch immediately, multitasking appears fluid, and demanding games preserve high frame rates.
I tested games like BGMI, Asphalt, and Genshin Impact. Frame stability was excellent, even at higher settings. However, during long sessions (20–30 minutes), a slight rise in temperature was noticeable — not alarming, but present.
Sound Quality
The stereo speakers are loud enough for casual media usage. Dialogues are clear, and the soundstage feels balanced. Not the best in the industry, but well-tuned for daily use and gaming.
2. Battery Life & Durability
Battery backup depends on usage, but during my real-world testing, the phone managed:
- A full day with normal use
- 6–7 hours of screen-on time on mixed usage
- Smooth heat management except under long gaming sessions
Fast charging adds a practical advantage, especially for users who dislike long charging cycles. Durability-wise, the phone feels solid, thanks to the sturdy frame and high-quality materials.
3. Comfort & Design
The design is modern, sleek, and premium without going overboard. The curved (or flat, depending on variant) edges offer a comfortable grip. The weight distribution feels balanced, so long-term use doesn’t cause hand fatigue.
Display Experience
The AMOLED display offers:
- Smooth scrolling
- Vivid colors
- Great outdoor visibility
- Smooth transitions during gaming
Watching videos and playing games feel immersive due to the high refresh rate and color accuracy.
Build Quality
The back finish resists fingerprints on some variants, while others offer a glossy look. Buttons feel tactile, and the phone maintains a high-end feel without being too heavy.
4. Call Quality & Real-World Usage
Call performance is solid with clear audio on both ends. Network stability remains consistent even in areas with average coverage.
During daily usage — WhatsApp, Instagram, messaging, camera use, music — everything feels fluid without noticeable lag.
The phone also handles background app retention well, thanks to its optimized RAM management.
Pros and Cons (Honest & Balanced)
Pros
- Flagship-level speed and performance
- Smooth, responsive display
- Strong battery life with fast charging
- Premium design and sturdy build
- Good camera output in daylight
- Clean gaming optimization
Cons
- Slight heating during long gaming sessions
- UI has pre-installed apps
- Low-light camera performance could improve
- Not the lightest phone in its segment
Who Should Buy It?
The iQOO 15 is perfect for:
- Gamers who want top-tier performance
- Power users who open multiple apps daily
- Students who multitask between online classes, apps, and gaming
- Content creators who need smooth performance and responsive cameras
- Buyers wanting a flagship without extreme pricing
Who Should Avoid It?
You may want to consider alternatives if:
- You prefer very lightweight smartphones
- You need the absolute best low-light camera performance
- You want a completely bloat-free UI
- You don’t need flagship-level power at all
Comparison Table
| Feature | iQOO 15 | OnePlus 13 | Samsung S25 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 | Exynos/Snapdragon (market-wise) |
| Display | High-refresh AMOLED | AMOLED LTPO | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Battery | Strong with fast charging | Strong | Moderate-strong |
| UI Experience | Fast but slightly bulky | Clean and minimal | Feature-rich |
| Camera | Good daylight | Better color accuracy | Best low-light |
| Best For | Power users, gamers | Balanced flagship users | Photography lovers |
Value for Money Score: 8.8/10
The iQOO 15 offers flagship-level performance, strong battery life, and great value for users who want speed and gaming capability. It may not deliver the absolute best camera experience, but as a performance-centric flagship, it excels.
Final Rating Table (Out of 10)
| Category | Rating |
| Performance | 9.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.7 |
| Battery & Durability | 8.8 |
| Features | 8.6 |
| Camera | 8.2 |
| Overall Score | 8.8 / 10 |
Expert Verdict
The iQOO 15 is a high-performance smartphone designed for users who prioritize performance above all else. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, it provides a user experience on par with flagship devices, but without needless complications. Though it has its imperfections — particularly regarding low-light camera performance and UI clutter — it provides great overall value. The iQOO 15 is a solid choice in its price range if your priorities are speed, gaming, and long-term reliability.
FAQs
1. Does the iQOO 15 heat up during gaming?
It gets slightly warm during long or heavy gaming but remains manageable.
2. Is the camera quality good?
Yes, especially in daylight. Low-light performance is decent but not top-tier.
3. How long does the battery last?
A full day of normal usage is easily achievable.
4. Is the display suitable for gaming?
Yes. The high-refresh-rate AMOLED panel feels smooth and responsive.
5. Is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 better than previous generations?
Yes, it offers improved speed, efficiency, and better gaming optimization.
6. Does it come with pre-installed apps?
Yes, some apps are preloaded, but most can be removed manually.
7. Is it good for long-term usage?
With its strong processor and durable build, it should hold up well over time.
