iQOO 15 Review in 8 Points: Holds Potential, but Is It Better Than OnePlus 15?

The iQOO 15 has entered the Indian smartphone market with bold claims of power, speed and flagship-level performance. Known for producing gaming-focused and performance-centric smartphones, iQOO continues the same direction with the iQOO 15 series. But in 2025, the biggest question for buyers is simple: Should you pick the iQOO 15 or the OnePlus 15?

Both phones compete in the same premium segment, both offer flagship chipsets and both promise an all-round experience. However, the iQOO 15 tries to go a step ahead by giving better cooling, faster charging and performance-led optimisation.

This review breaks down the iQOO 15 in 8 simple points, covering performance, camera, display, design, gaming, software, battery and overall value. In the end, we also compare it with the OnePlus 15 to help you decide which phone suits you better.

Let’s dive in.

Design and Build Quality

The iQOO 15 carries a clean and bold look. It follows a sporty design pattern that fits perfectly with the brand identity. The matte-finish back panel gives a premium feel and avoids fingerprints. The metal frame adds durability and a strong in-hand feel.

Although the OnePlus 15 offers a more minimalistic and elegant design, the iQOO 15 scores higher for a gamer-focused and modern appearance. The curved edges and slim structure make the phone comfortable to hold, especially during long gaming sessions.

iQOO has paid attention to the quality, making the device feel strong and long-lasting. The phone also comes with improved resistance to scratches and minor drops.

Display Quality: Smooth, Bright and Immersive

The display on the iQOO 15 is one of its strongest features. It features a large AMOLED panel with a super-fast refresh rate, making scrolling and animations buttery smooth.

Key display highlights include:

• Smooth refresh rate that helps gaming and everyday usage
• Great brightness levels for outdoor visibility
• Vibrant colors and deep blacks
• Sharp resolution for content lovers

Compared to the OnePlus 15, the iQOO 15’s display holds up very well. While OnePlus may offer better color accuracy, the iQOO 15 focuses on speed and responsiveness, making it perfect for entertainment and gaming.

Performance: True Powerhouse with Gaming DNA

If there is one area where iQOO never compromises, it’s performance, and the iQOO 15 continues that reputation. Powered by the latest flagship chipset, it handles multitasking, heavy apps and high-end games with ease.

Key performance features:

• Fast app launch speeds
• Smooth background app management
• Zero lag in heavy games
• Flagship-level AI optimisation
• Advanced cooling system

The cooling system deserves special mention. Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone stays cooler than the OnePlus 15. This gives the iQOO 15 an edge in sustained performance over time.

For users who love gaming, editing, or pushing their devices to the limit, the iQOO 15 is a beast.

Camera System: Great, But Not the Best in Class

The camera on the iQOO 15 is good, but not extraordinary. It captures detailed images in daylight and performs decently in low light. The ultra-wide lens and portrait mode have also seen improvement.

Camera strengths:

• Sharp and clear daytime photos
• Improved night mode
• Fast focus and smooth shutter
• Stable video performance

However, when compared with the OnePlus 15, the differences become obvious. The OnePlus 15 delivers more natural colors and a better low-light performance. If camera quality is your top priority, OnePlus still wins this round.

But for casual users and social media lovers, the   15 delivers more than enough quality.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

is known for ultra-fast charging, and with the   15, they take things even further. The device comes with a powerful battery and the fastest charging speed in its segment.

Battery highlights:

• Full day battery on normal use
• Heavy users also get strong backup
• Super-fast charging takes only minutes

This is one area where the   15 clearly beats the OnePlus 15. With faster charging and better battery optimization, the   15 ensures you never have to wait long to use your phone again.

Software Experience: Smooth, But Needs Polish

The iQOO 15 runs a refined version of Funtouch OS. The interface is smooth, apps run without lag and animations feel fluid.

However, compared to OxygenOS on OnePlus 15, there is still some gap in terms of stability and clean user experience.

Software pros:

• Smooth performance
• Lots of customisation
• Improved app transitions
• Better privacy features

Software cons:

• Some system ads or recommendations
• More bloatware than OnePlus
• Needs better design consistency

Overall, the  15 software is good, but not the cleanest. OnePlus still leads with a better user experience.

Gaming Experience: Built for Gamers

Gaming is where the  15 truly shines. With top-class performance, advanced cooling and a super responsive display, the phone is a delight for gamers.

Gaming features:

• High FPS support
• Long sessions without heating
• Smooth touch response
• Gaming modes with optimisations
• Stable performance in all major titles

If gaming is your top priority, the   15 is a better choice than the OnePlus 15.

Value for Money: Worth It?

The   15 packs flagship performance and strong features at a competitive price. It offers better performance, better gaming, faster charging and strong build quality.

The OnePlus 15 offers:

• Better camera
• Cleaner software
• More premium brand feel
• So, which one should you buy?
• Choose 15 if you want:
• Best performance
• Gaming phone
• Fastest charging
• Strong battery
• Value for money

Choose OnePlus 15 if you want:

• Best camera
• Clean software
• Premium experience

Overall, the iQOO 15 holds strong potential and is a great choice for performance-focused users.