iQOO 15 Price: the iU 15 refines the feel and display of the series, keeps flagship-level batteries and charging, and packs a camera and gaming experience that sits at the top of the “upper midrange / lower flagship” pile. There are a few compromises (no polarizer, some dimming quirks, and heat under very long gaming sessions), but overall it’s an impressive package.
Design & first impressions — matte, wrapped and comfortable
On hold, the iU 15 looks understated but premium. The frame and back are matte this time, and the subtle wrapped curvature where the frame meets the back makes the phone sit comfortably in the hand — no awkward edges. Under light you’ll notice slight color shifts from the curve, which actually adds a pleasant depth to the finish.
Two bottom microphones (the same modules used in the Vivo X200 Ultra) and dual-opening stereo speakers hint at a more serious audio/mic setup than previous generations. Small details like an RGB ring-style light now visible from the side and a small sensor dot near the camera add character without shouting for attention.
The display — Samsung 2K M143 Star panel (look before you buy)
iU 15 uses a Samsung 2K-series substrate (M143 star) and it shows: the panel is bright, transparent and impressively clear outdoors. Peak brightness handles sunlight well, and blacks stay deep in dark scenes.
However, two things to test in person if you’re sensitive to screens:
- The bottom bezel is noticeably thicker than the other three sides — if symmetrical bezels bother you, see one in person.
- Dimming: the phone’s P-dimming implementation differs from the mainstream high-frequency PWM used elsewhere. Some users with sensitive eyes might find low-brightness flicker uncomfortable. Reports indicate DC-like dimming at very low brightness, and 2160 Hz high-frequency dimming at medium–high brightness, but if in doubt, try it yourself.
Extras: ultrasonic in-display fingerprint is fast, AOD works system-wide, and there’s a new Synaptics touch controller — touch responsiveness is excellent for gaming and everyday use.
Audio, haptics and physical controls
Speakers are upgraded (new model numbers compared to the previous gen). iQOO 15 They’re loud and balanced, with tuned mids and highs that feel more mature than before. Haptic motor (091640) provides satisfying feedback — better tuned than the IU 13 and comparable to many competitive flagships, though the strongest vibration setting can feel a touch loose to some users.
There’s a hardware shortcut button (like a dedicated function key) that can be remapped and used for things like MindSpace screenshots and voice notes — a nice practical addition.
Charging & battery life — huge cells, sensible charging
iU 15 carries a 7,000 mAh cell and shows solid endurance. With 2K resolution and 144 Hz enabled the phone still manages a full day under moderate use; heavy users may see ~30% left in the evening, which is respectable given the screen settings.
Charging is improved in real life: 100 W wired charging in “ultra fast” mode reaches about 50% in ~30 minutes in the reviewer’s tests and a full charge in roughly 30–45 minutes depending on conditions. Notably, the phone maintains higher charging power even when the screen is on (staying above ~30 W instead of dropping to very low watts like earlier generations) — a real usability win.
Magnetic wireless power banks had mixed compatibility in tests — magnetic alignment may vary by accessory, so expect some trial and error until official cases or power banks become available.
Cameras — strong second-tier flagship chops
Camera hardware reportedly matches a proven Vivo family setup: a high-quality main sensor (likely IMX921 lineage), a Samsung JN1 ultra-wide, and an IMX882 telephoto. iU 15 delivers:
- Natural yet punchy color with good global contrast.
- Excellent daytime and low-light main camera results, with convincing skin tones and clean detail.
- A 100x (software) zoom that’s useful in many scenarios but still lags behind true periscope optics — the periscope tradeoffs remain.
- Macro modes are mostly achieved via cropping and algorithmic crops at different focal lengths rather than a dedicated macro lens; results are decent but not class-leading.
Video: up to 8K@30fps and 4K@60fps are supported, with super-steady stabilization that keeps handheld footage smooth. Front camera supports 4K@60 too. Overall the imaging stack benefits from mature Vivo algorithms — good default processing and useful modes like film simulations and co-branded dynamic effects.
Bottom line on photos: excellent for everyday use and social sharing; arguably “top of the second tier” rather than absolute elite flagship, but more than enough for most people.
Connectivity & signal recovery
Real-world tests in challenging environments (elevator, underground parking) show the phone holds and recovers signal well. Wi-Fi performance was solid in the reviewer’s usage. As always, individual network results can vary by carrier and region.
Gaming & thermal behavior — power with practical limits
The custom Q3 (or Q-series) chip delivers smooth gameplay for mainstream titles. Tests with Genshin Impact show ray tracing toggles and stable performance at 60 fps with good touch responsiveness. The phone supports high frame rates (up to 144 Hz in supported titles and modes), plus super resolution modes that can help push FPS in competitive shooters.
Thermals: the device uses a large cooling plate and copes admirably for short to medium play sessions, but extended heavy loads will cause heating and eventual throttling — typical for modern phones, not catastrophic but something to be aware of if you’re a marathon gamer.
Who should buy the iU 15?
Buy it if you want:
- A bold screen that’s bright and very transparent outdoors.
- Massive battery life with very fast real-world charging.
- Excellent everyday cameras with lots of software polish.
- Strong gaming capability with robust touch control.
Consider alternatives if:
- You are extremely sensitive to PWM/dimming and must test the screen first.
- You need absolute flagship periscope zoom hardware rather than software-assisted long zoom.
- You want perfectly symmetrical bezels.
Final thoughts
The iU 15 refines many practical aspects — ergonomics, charging behavior with the screen on, imaging algorithms — while delivering a standout display and exceptional battery life. It’s not flawless (dimming choices and long-session thermals are caveats), but for most users it’s a very compelling daily driver that balances power, endurance and camera versatility.