Smartphone brand iQOO has officially disrupted the Indian “value flagship” segment with the launch of the iQOO 15R. Debuting in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the device is designed around a “Perfect Fit” philosophy, aiming to provide high-octane performance in a form factor that remains comfortable for one-handed use.
Positioned directly against rivals like the OnePlus 15R, the iQOO 15R leads with industry-first battery density and a software policy that promises longevity.
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Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Power
At its core, the iQOO 15R utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform.
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Gaming Supremacy: Paired with the Supercomputing Chip Q2, the device supports 144 FPS gaming for titles like BGMI and Genshin Impact.
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Thermals: A 6.5K IceCore VC Cooling System ensures the 3nm processor maintains peak speeds during extended sessions without thermal throttling.
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Benchmarks: The device has already clocked an AnTuTu score exceeding 3.5 million, making it one of the fastest in its price bracket.
Design and Battery: The 7,600mAh “Silicon-Carbon” Leap
The standout engineering feat is the integration of a 7,600mAh battery into a chassis that is only 7.90mm thin.
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Battery Tech: Utilizing fourth-generation Silicon-Carbon anode technology, the battery offers higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion units.
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Charging: It supports 100W FlashCharge, reaching 50% in roughly 33 minutes.
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Durability: The phone carries a dual IP68 and IP69 rating, making it resistant to both immersion and high-pressure water jets.
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Camera and Software: Future-Ready AI
The iQOO 15R runs OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, featuring a suite of generative AI tools:
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Imaging: A dual rear setup with a 50MP Sony LYT-700V (OIS) main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.
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AI Suite: Includes Circle to Search, real-time call translation, and AI-driven image reflection removal.
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Long-Term Support: iQOO has committed to 4 years of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches.
Reality Check
The 7,600mAh battery is a game-changer. Still, iQOO has made a clear compromise on camera versatility. By omitting a telephoto lens, the 15R leans heavily on digital zoom. Therefore, while it is a powerhouse for gaming and productivity, photography enthusiasts might find the dual-lens setup limiting compared to the Vivo V70 or Oppo Reno15. In fact, the “4K 60fps” support on both front and back cameras is a nice touch, but it doesn’t replace the lack of an optical zoom.
The Loopholes
iQOO offers a “free iQOO TWS 1e” with pre-bookings. In fact, this is a “Bundle Loophole” to increase the perceived value of the ₹44,999 sticker price. Therefore, if you miss the pre-booking window, the “value flagship” status feels slightly diminished. Still, the “Bypass Charging” loophole—which allows you to power the phone directly from the wall while gaming without charging the battery—is a vital feature that will significantly extend the long-term health of that massive 7,600mAh cell.
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What This Means for You
If you are a student or a young professional who finds themselves away from a charger for 16+ hours a day, the iQOO 15R is arguably the best choice in India right now. First, realize that the 6.59-inch screen size is the “goldilocks” zone—smaller than the massive 6.8-inch flagships but large enough for immersive media. Then, if you are an Axis or HDFC bank customer, your net price of ₹40,999 makes this a steal.
Finally, understand that pre-bookings are live on Amazon.in and https://www.google.com/search?q=iQOO.com. You should place your order before the March 3 open sale to secure the free earbuds (worth ₹1,899). Before buying, choose between the Motorsport-inspired Triumph Silver (checkered pattern) or the minimalist Dark Knight (matte finish) based on your style, as the silver variant is an India-exclusive design.
What’s Next
The iQOO 15R will go on open sale starting March 3, 2026. Then, expect a series of “Gaming Tournaments” sponsored by iQOO to showcase the 144 FPS stability of the Q2 chip. Finally, look for the first OriginOS 6 stability update in late March, which is expected to further refine the on-device generative AI features.
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