Table of Contents
Highlights
- iQOO 15 debuts with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and proprietary Q3 gaming chip for elite mobile performance.
- AR anti-reflection film and Lingyun design elevate visual appeal; BMW M Legend Edition adds collector value.
- Charging speed drops to 120W wired, but 100W wireless support marks a strategic shift in power delivery.
The IQOO 15 turned the spotlight on itself with what can only be considered “sensational”. Just before the official launch date, set for October 20, iQOO has revealed the first unboxing pictures. Together with the chatter on social media, it gave away a gadget with high hopes in both aesthetics and technology.
Users have pointed out certain aspects that are already the cause of a heated discussion, and all this fuss is nothing but confirmation that the wired charging speed has been reduced, which is the main highlight of this article. The phone has introduced top-notch gaming features and a high-end design, but the trade-off has been daunting for many users.
Aesthetic Refinement Meets Performance Ambition
The iQOO 15 arrives in three distinct colourways: Matte Black, Legendary White, and the standout “Lingyun” edition. The Lingyun variant, as highlighted in posts by Novice Evaluation and Machine Krypton, features a gradient Chinese ink painting style with hints of red, silver, and gold that shift under light, an aurora-like effect that’s both elegant and expressive.
The matte metal middle frame across all models adds a tactile premium feel. At the same time, the BMW M Legend Edition further elevates the design with motorsport-inspired detailing and a KPL tournament logo, appealing to esports fans and collectors alike.
Display and Build: AR Anti-Reflection Film Sets a New Standard
One of the most talked-about features is the AR anti-reflection protective film, now standard across all versions. As Galant V humorously noted, “Don’t tear it off as soon as you get it.” This industry-exclusive addition enhances visibility in bright environments and reinforces iQOO’s commitment to display quality. Users are already comparing its effectiveness against the iPhone 17 Pro Max, suggesting iQOO is confident in its visual engineering.
Gaming Powerhouse: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 + Q3 Chip
iQOO 15’s internal components include the world’s first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor smartphone, together with an iQOO proprietary Q3 gaming chip. This combination unlocks a suite of gaming enhancements, including the QNSS super rendering engine, which supports:
- Real-time ray tracing
- 2K original picture super-resolution
- 2K+144FPS super-resolution and super-frame concurrency
According to Lao Gong GT, these features make the iQOO 15 the only phone in the industry to offer fully self-developed ray tracing and 2K 144FPS concurrency across top mobile titles. The early testers have given the device, which renders light and shadow very well, provides environmental immersion, and maintains frame stability, a good word, and said it is a serious contender for mobile gamers.
Charging Controversy: Wired Speed Downgrade Confirmed
The iQOO 15 has not achieved the wired charging speeds of its predecessors, despite being portrayed as a powerfully performing device. The iQOO 15, which now has only 120W wired charging, has replaced the 200W fast charging that was a feature of earlier models. The change, which was later shown in early unboxing videos, has led to fans’ disappointment, as they expected the company to maintain its ultra-fast reputation.
On the other hand, wireless charging has been raised to 100W, a significant jump from the iQOO 13, which didn’t have wireless charging at all. This step seems to imply a shift in strategy towards comfort and thermal management, though it comes at the cost of peak wired speed.
Camera and Multimedia: Leica-Tuned Optics and Enhanced Audio
Apart from a Leica-tuned triple rear camera system with improved image fidelity and colour science as its main feature, the iQOO 15 also offers more camera samples, though they are still very detailed.
Early impressions indicate that the device will have a more competitive performance in both daylight and low-light conditions. The company also hopes to attract multimedia users by combining this with stereo speakers and improved haptics.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Evolution
iQOO 15 is on the way to becoming a flagship device for both gamers and design aficionados. It is a daringly good-looking phone and, at the same time, very powerful. The downgrade in wired charging speed may disappoint some, but the addition of 100W wireless charging, AR display improvements, and the industry’s first gaming tech may make the change worthwhile.
In the coming days leading up to the official launch, the focus will be on the price and real-world performance. If iQOO can deliver on its visual and gaming promises, as well as its battery management, the iQOO 15 might set a new standard for what users expect from a performance-first smartphone.
