In Conversation with Nipun Marya: Unpacking the power and pricing of the flagship iQOO 15

The iQOO 15 has recently made its debut in India, receiving widespread acclaim for its design, battery life, camera capabilities, and most notably, its exceptional performance. I had the privilege of discussing the phone's launch with Nipun Marya, the CEO of iQOO. Having used the device as my primary phone for two weeks, I was impressed by its features, leaving little room for criticism. Our conversation delved into the pressing questions surrounding the iQOO 15, particularly its performance capabilities and the factors contributing to its price increase. I began by addressing the notable rise in prices for flagship devices, including the iQOO 15, which has seen a substantial increase compared to its predecessor, the iQOO 13. I asked Marya if this was due to advancements like the silicon carbide battery or the new processor, or if it reflects a broader trend in the industry. Marya explained that while there is indeed a price jump from the iQOO 13 to the 15, it's justified by the extensive upgrades in display quality, processing power, battery technology, and software features. He emphasized that the iQOO 15 represents a significant upgrade that merited the increased price. Moreover, he acknowledged the current challenges within the industry, including rising component costs that also impact pricing. Next, I inquired about the camera's impressive performance and how much of it is influenced by shared technology with Vivo’s flagship models. Marya confirmed that iQOO benefits greatly from Vivo's expertise in camera technology. He pointed out that camera performance hinges on both hardware and software, where factors like color science and AI-driven scene detection play crucial roles. The technology from Vivo undoubtedly enhances iQOO’s camera capabilities. I asked whether the optics are identical between the two brands. Marya clarified that while iQOO incorporates many advantages from Vivo, the X-series from Vivo is tailored for professional photography and typically features the latest innovations before they reach iQOO devices. As our conversation progressed, I posed a question about the potential for a Pro version of the iQOO 15 featuring a partnership with ZEISS. Marya responded with humor, taking it as feedback. I then shifted the discussion to gaming, asking if there were any games that might challenge the phone's performance. Marya confidently stated that he doesn’t believe any current games would strain the device. He also mentioned the addition of a game live stream assistant, catering to professional gamers and streamers—an area where no other Android phone has been able to deliver effectively. Finally, I asked Marya to share his favorite game to play on the iQOO 15. His response was BGMI, with a playful mention of potentially playing Subway Surfers. To conclude, I asked him to identify the 'monster' within the iQOO 15. He highlighted its refined performance, driven by the supercomputing chip Q3 and the 8 Elite Gen 5, emphasizing the power packed into this flagship device.