iQOO is set to shake up the sub-flagship market with the introduction of the iQOO 15R. This marks the first time the company is bringing the ‘R’ branding to its flagship lineup in India, positioning the device as a powerful yet more affordable alternative to the standard iQOO 15.
The iQOO 15R is designed for users who crave top-tier performance and extreme battery life in a manageable, compact form factor.
Launch Date and Expected Pricing
The official launch is scheduled for February 24th at an event in Bengaluru. Fans can watch the livestream via iQOO’s YouTube and social media channels.
While the flagship iQOO 15 launched at a premium price of ₹72,999, iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya has confirmed that the iQOO 15R will be priced under ₹50,000. Rumors suggest the base variant could start as low as ₹47,999, making it a highly competitive option on Amazon.in. It will debut in two colors: Triumph Silver (motorsport-inspired) and Dark Knight (classic matte).
Key Specifications: A Performance Powerhouse
1. Next-Gen Processing
The iQOO 15R will be among the first to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. To enhance the experience for gamers, it includes the Supercomputing Chip Q2, which enables 144FPS gameplay in titles like BGMI. With an AnTuTu score exceeding 3.5 million, this phone is built for high-speed efficiency.+2
2. Record-Breaking Battery & Charging
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 7,600mAh battery—the largest in its segment. Even with such a massive capacity, the phone maintains a slim 7.9mm profile.+1
- Charging: It supports 100W FlashCharge, ensuring that the mammoth battery can be topped up rapidly.
- Cooling: To keep temperatures in check during heavy usage, iQOO has equipped it with a 6.5K IceCore VC cooling system.
3. Compact Display
The device features a 6.59-inch 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Designed for “one-handed” comfort, the flat-edge design and centered punch-hole camera make it an ideal “perfect-fit” device for daily commutes and long gaming sessions.
Camera and Software Strategy
To keep the price under the ₹50k mark, iQOO has streamlined the camera department:
- Rear Cameras: A dual-camera system featuring a 50MP Sony LYT main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. (Note: There is no telephoto lens on this model).
- Selfies: A standard 32MP front shooter.
- Software: It will run OriginOS 6 (Android 15/16) with a heavy focus on AI. Features include Circle to Search, Google Gemini integration, AI Image Expander, and AI Document Scanning.+1
- Support: iQOO is promising 4 years of Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches.
The Competition
The iQOO 15R enters a crowded market but has its sights set directly on the OnePlus 15R. While the OnePlus rival offers a slightly higher 165FPS gaming mode and a larger screen, the iQOO 15R counters with a significantly larger battery and a more compact design. It will also face competition from camera-centric phones like the Vivo V70 and OPPO Reno15.