iQOO 15 leaks: Everything you need to know about the next flagship killer

The iQOO 15 hype train has officially left the station, and if you’re plugged into tech Twitter (or should we say, Weibo), you’ll know that leaks and rumours are everywhere right now.

With an official launch tipped for October, the iQOO 15 is lining up to be one of the most anticipated flagship releases this year.

Whether you’re a gaming fanatic, a camera enthusiast, or just someone hunting for top-tier specs at a not-so-outrageous price, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Skipping the iQOO 14: A Quick Cultural Detour

Before we get into the juicy details, let’s clear up the elephant in the room. If you’re thinking, “Wait, what happened to the iQOO 14?” you’re not alone. The truth is, iQOO decided to skip the number entirely.

In China, the number 4 is considered unlucky (it’s a tetraphobia thing), so brands often dodge it when naming new products. So, no, you didn’t miss a launch — we’re jumping straight from the much-loved iQOO 13 to the brand new iQOO 15.

Performance: Still the iQOO Flex, But Not Just for Gamers

iQOO phones have always had one core promise: mad performance. If you’re a gamer, these phones are basically designed with you in mind. Last year’s iQOO 13 made waves not just for its blazing-fast speed, but also for offering a really solid camera setup, all for under ₹55,000. Over time, the brand’s started turning heads for more than just benchmark scores. The camera upgrades are legit, and suddenly, iQOO is seen as more than just a gamer’s choice.

So, what’s happening under the hood this time? According to the leaks, the iQOO 15 is likely to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip. That’s basically as good as it gets in 2025 for Android flagships, promising ridiculous speeds and next-level efficiency. Paired with what’s expected to be at least 12GB of RAM, you’re looking at a device that’ll chew through demanding games, editing apps, and pretty much anything you throw at it.

On the software side, expect the latest FunTouch OS built on Android 16. If you’re familiar with previous iQOO or Vivo phones, you’ll know the UI is clean, customisable, and packed with little extras for power users.

Cameras: The Return of the Periscope

Here’s where things get spicy. For the last couple of years, iQOO’s been quietly levelling up in the camera department. The iQOO 13 already packed a triple 50MP camera system with a 32MP selfie shooter — not bad for a phone with gaming DNA. But the iQOO 15 seems set to raise the bar again.

The main sensor will apparently stick to 50MP, but the real upgrade is the size: a larger 1/1.5-inch sensor. What does that mean for you? Basically, much better low-light photos and richer, more dynamic shots.

But the headline feature is the comeback of the Periscope telephoto lens. If you remember the iQOO 12, you know what this means — epic zoom capabilities that were missing from last year’s model. This means you’ll get sharper zoom shots, improved portraits, and all the extra camera tricks that serious mobile photographers care about.

Rumour has it that iQOO’s also bringing smarter AI to the party — think enhanced HDR, slicker night photography, and rock-solid video stabilisation. While the megapixel count stays the same, the processing could give this phone a serious edge for anyone who lives in their camera app.

Display, Battery, and the All-Rounder Vibe

On the display front, leaks are hinting at a flat Samsung AMOLED panel with a sharp 2K resolution. Expect high peak brightness (great for outdoor use) and a buttery-smooth refresh rate, making gaming and general scrolling feel ultra-satisfying.

iQOO’s also said to be packing in an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader, dual stereo speakers, and a large haptic motor — all little touches that add up to a proper premium experience.

Battery life looks like it’s getting a serious boost. Early reports suggested a whopping 7,000mAh cell, but the final number seems to have landed at 6,000mAh. That’s still a healthy bump from last year and should translate to true all-day endurance, even with heavy use. And thanks to 100W fast charging, you’ll barely have time for a coffee break before your phone’s topped back up.

Fun side note: Some cheaper iQOO models, like the Z10, are rocking massive 7,300mAh batteries, so here’s hoping iQOO goes bigger before launch. Still, even at 6,000mAh, battery anxiety should be a thing of the past.

The Waiting Game: More Leaks Coming Soon

At this stage, a lot of the info out there is still unconfirmed, but what we’re seeing looks like classic iQOO: performance-first, with a real focus on fixing last year’s camera gaps and going bigger on battery. There aren’t any wild, revolutionary changes this time, but the upgrades feel thoughtful — a sharper camera system, a better display, and more battery muscle.

Of course, the real story will only unfold at the official launch. Expect more details, camera samples, and hands-on impressions to start dropping as we get closer to October. For now, iQOO fans have plenty to look forward to — and if you’ve been waiting for a flagship that nails performance and everyday usability, the iQOO 15 looks like it’s worth the wait.

Stay tuned — it’s going to be a fun launch.