iQOO’s fresh flagship, the 15R, packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, a 7,600 mAh battery, and a 6.78‑inch 144 Hz AMOLED, all starting at just ₹45,999 after discounts. This combo delivers flagship‑level speed, marathon gaming sessions, and lightning‑fast 100 W charging, making the 15R a compelling high‑performance phone without a premium price tag.
Why Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Matters for Mobile Gaming
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is Qualcomm’s latest flagship chipset, built on a 4 nm process that blends raw CPU power with AI‑enhanced graphics. For gamers, this means smoother frame rates, quicker load times, and smarter power management. If you’re chasing high‑fps titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, the 8 Gen 5 gives you the headroom to stay ahead of the competition.
Performance Headroom and AI Boost
- CPU: Octa‑core design (1 × 3.2 GHz, 3 × 2.8 GHz, 4 × 2.4 GHz) balances power and efficiency.
- GPU: Adreno 730 delivers up to 30 % more graphics throughput than the previous generation.
- AI Engine: On‑device AI accelerates game‑specific optimizations, reducing latency and improving visual fidelity.
Massive Battery Life Keeps You in the Game
A 7,600 mAh cell isn’t just a big number—it translates into real‑world endurance. Even with intensive gaming, the 15R can comfortably last a full day on a single charge, which is a huge advantage for users who spend long hours on the move.
Fast Charging Eliminates Downtime
iQOO pairs the giant battery with 100 W wired charging. In practice, you can juice from 0 % to 100 % in roughly 30 minutes, meaning a coffee break is enough to power up for the next round. This rapid charge cycle helps you avoid “range anxiety” during long gaming marathons.
Display Quality Meets Competitive Standards
The 15R’s 6.78‑inch AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a buttery‑smooth 144 Hz refresh rate. That high refresh rate isn’t a gimmick—it delivers fluid motion in fast‑paced shooters and makes everyday scrolling feel buttery smooth.
Refresh Rate and Color Accuracy
- 144 Hz Refresh: Reduces motion blur, giving you a competitive edge in reaction‑time‑critical games.
- Peak Brightness: Reaches 1,200 nits, ensuring visibility even under bright sunlight.
- Color Gamut: Covers 100 % DCI‑P3, so media playback looks vivid and true‑to‑life.
Software Experience with OriginOS 6
iQOO layers its own OriginOS 6 skin over Android 16, focusing on performance‑centric tweaks. While the UI still feels like it’s finding its footing, early use shows dedicated gaming shortcuts, a robust game‑mode, and a relatively clean aesthetic that doesn’t stray far from stock Android.
Gaming‑Centric Tweaks and Future Updates
Features such as one‑tap performance boost, network prioritization for low‑latency play, and customizable gaming profiles give you control over how the phone allocates resources. Keep an eye on upcoming updates, as iQOO promises to polish the experience over time.
Pricing Strategy Beats the Competition
At a launch price of ₹45,999 (or even ₹40,999 with partner rebates), the 15R undercuts many rival gaming phones that sit north of ₹80,000. This aggressive pricing positions iQOO as the go‑to choice for budget‑conscious gamers who still demand flagship‑level hardware.
Value Compared to Other Gaming Phones
- ROG Phone 7: Typically priced above ₹80,000—nearly double the 15R.
- Lenovo Legion 2 Pro: Offers similar specs but at a higher price point.
- OnePlus 12R: Falls short on battery capacity and refresh rate compared to the 15R.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Every device has trade‑offs, and the 15R is no exception. The large battery adds noticeable weight, making the phone feel hefty for pocket‑carry. Additionally, OriginOS 6, while promising, still lags behind more mature skins in terms of polish and long‑term stability.
Weight and Software Maturity
- Weight: The 7,600 mAh cell pushes the phone into the heavier side of the market, which some users might find cumbersome.
- Software Polish: Expect incremental updates to iron out UI quirks and improve overall smoothness.
Bottom Line: A Strong Contender for Performance‑Focused Buyers
If you’re hunting a phone that can game hard, charge fast, and keep your budget intact, the iQOO 15R checks those boxes. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 engine, massive battery, and high‑refresh display deliver a flagship‑level experience at a mid‑range price. While the heft and evolving software are worth noting, the overall value proposition makes the 15R a serious contender in today’s gaming‑phone arena.
