I've been testing the iQOO 15 for a while now. Initially, iQOO’s name conjured the image of a gaming-centric phone, but using this device reveals its evolution towards a comprehensive flagship experience beyond just gaming.
Design: Simple, Premium, and Stable in Hand
The iQOO 15 offers a solid and unpretentious appearance. The rear camera module is slightly larger, but it’s tastefully done without going overboard. While nothing is groundbreaking, the lighting around the camera module captures attention effortlessly when activated.
The back panel feels premium in hand, though the flat back may seem a bit slippery without a case.
Source: aajtak
Though the phone feels heavy, the weight distribution is excellent, making it comfortable to hold. With an IP rating, concerns about water and dust are alleviated. iQOO targets not only gaming enthusiasts but also users seeking an overall top-performing flagship.
Display: Exceptional Brightness and Color Quality
Featuring a large and sharp 2K OLED display, the iQOO 15 impresses in daily use. The screen remains easily readable in sunlight, and brightness never falls short. Colors are vibrant without being overdone, though the bottom bezels could be thinner.
Seamless movie streaming, Instagram, and YouTube experiences are ensured. The 144 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling exceptionally smooth. Despite minor halo effects at night, daily use is hassle-free.
Source: aajtak
Software: Sleek, Fast, and More Polished Than Before
The software on the iQOO 15 feels notably refined this time, thanks to OriginOS. The UI is lightweight with swift animations, and everyday use shows no signs of lag. Reducing bloatware would have been a plus.
Unwanted apps are few and mostly removable. The lock screen, new icons, and clean layout collectively deliver a premium feel. The operating system is an improvement over its predecessor, and multitasking features offer a clean experience.
Performance: Gaming and Heavy Use...
The major strength of the iQOO 15 lies in its processor and cooling system. Whether operating heavy apps, shooting 4K videos, or gaming, the phone remains stable without performance drops, even when heating occurs. Compared to prior versions, gaming heat generation is reduced.
Source: aajtak
Even during long sessions, frame drops were minimal. The cooling system is effective, ensuring consistent performance. Whether everyday activities such as camera use, WhatsApp, social media browsing, or anything else, everything runs super fast.
If your use is heavy, the phone handles it well, and if you're a gaming enthusiast, you’ll find excellent value here.
Camera: Excellent in Daylight, Good at Night with Occasional Varied Results
The rear features three 50-megapixel cameras. Daylight photos are sharp and detailed with natural skin tones and no over-beautification issues. The telephoto camera is quite useful for daily life.
Results are impressive up to 3x zoom, with maintained photo quality. At night, the main camera delivers good outputs, though portrait mode can sometimes be inconsistent. Video is stable and smooth, with useful 4K recordings from both front and rear cameras.
Indoor and low-light videos reveal visible noise that could be improved. The telephoto camera struggles with close focus due to a lack of true telemacro and sometimes inconsistent long-range zoom processing.
Source: aajtak
iQOO 15 Monster Halo Light:
The camera module's outer edge incorporates customizable RGB lighting for calls, messages, charging, and notifications, adding a striking visual element.
Functional and visually appealing, it syncs with games and music. The color and flow are adjustable in settings, with numerous effects to choose from. The soft glow integrates seamlessly with the back panel without seeming garish.
Battery: Long-lasting Battery Life, Fast Charging
The iQOO 15 offers a large battery that comfortably lasts a full day on a single charge. With a 7,000mAh battery and 100W fast charging, it supports reverse and wireless charging, excelling in both battery and charging aspects. Bypass charging minimizes heating during gaming and enhances battery longevity.
Under mixed usage, the phone provides backup for one to one-and-a-half days. It charges quickly, regaining backup in minimal time.
Source: aajtak
iQOO 15: Final Thoughts
The iQOO 15, while simple in design, is a powerhouse of a phone. However, scratches easily appear on the outer glass of the camera module. Origin OS is remarkable, significantly better than before, and the display, performance, camera, and battery have all been solid. Should any performance issues arise in the future, we'll update you, as long-term reviews are essential for revealing the true capabilities of a flagship phone.
