iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Specs, features and price compared

In a highly anticipated launch, iQOO unveiled the iQOO 15 in India, showcasing Qualcomm's cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Positioned as a competitor to the OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro, the iQOO 15 adopts a unique approach to performance, battery longevity, and camera capabilities. Both smartphones enter the market with a similar pricing strategy, starting at ₹72,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant and ₹79,999 for the 16GB/512GB model. However, promotional offers lead to variations in their effective prices. While both devices are available for purchase on Amazon, iQOO grants early access to sales for Priority Pass holders. The iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 both feature high refresh rate AMOLED displays, yet they diverge in design philosophy. The iQOO model emphasizes maximum brightness and larger screen size, while the OnePlus device prioritizes smooth user experience. Each phone is equipped with in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, with the iQOO 15 introducing an innovative Monster Halo ambient light located beneath its camera module. When it comes to processing power, both devices leverage the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, resulting in comparable performance metrics. However, the iQOO 15 boasts impressive benchmark results, claiming over 4.18 million points on AnTuTu, alongside advancements in GPU, ray-tracing, and NPU capabilities. To manage heat, it utilizes an advanced 8K vapor chamber cooling system with a generous 8,000 sq mm heat dissipation area. In response, OnePlus implements its 360 Cryo-Velocity Cooling system supported by a 5,731 sq mm 3D vapor chamber, focusing on user interaction and stable connectivity rather than raw benchmark numbers. Camera technology is another area where both brands shine, each featuring triple 50-megapixel sensors but differing in photographic philosophy. Battery life serves as a significant differentiator; OnePlus leads in battery capacity and charging speed, while the iQOO 15 maintains a sleek profile without sacrificing battery size. Both devices ship with Android 16, with iQOO adopting OriginOS 6 and promising five years of Android updates plus seven years of security enhancements. OnePlus, on the other hand, utilizes OxygenOS 16, enriched with AI-driven features, including tools based on Google’s Gemini. In terms of durability, the iQOO 15 boasts an IP68+IP69 rating, while the OnePlus 15 offers broader water resistance credentials with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, giving it a slight advantage in ruggedness. Ultimately, the iQOO 15 emphasizes display innovation, cooling efficiency, and camera versatility, particularly with its periscope telephoto capabilities. In contrast, the OnePlus 15 excels with faster charging, superior video recording capabilities, enhanced water resistance, and a refined software experience. With both flagship models priced equally and sharing the same core chipset, the decision comes down to individual preferences: whether one values benchmark performance and display brightness with the iQOO 15 or prioritizes battery capacity, video features, and advanced AI options with the OnePlus 15.