iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: The premium Android flagship race has intensified in India with the arrival of the iQOO 15, powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Launching at the same starting price as the OnePlus 15, it enters a highly competitive segment where performance, camera capabilities, display quality and battery life matter more than ever.
Although both phones use identical processors, their approach to design, software, cooling and everyday usability is very different. To help buyers make an informed choice, here is a complete, accurate and source-based comparison covering features, price, design, performance, cameras, battery, software and long-term value.
Key Takeaways: iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15 — What Buyers Should Know Before Choosing
- Both start at ₹72,999, yet differ significantly in cooling, cameras, software and charging.
- iQOO 15 focuses on brightness, sustained performance and thermal efficiency, thanks to its 2K M14 OLED display, powerful vapour chamber cooling and gaming-focused Q3 chip.
- OnePlus 15 emphasizes UI refinement, gaming smoothness and longer endurance, powered by OxygenOS 16, 165Hz LTPO display and a larger 7,300mAh battery.
- Camera hardware appears similar, but OnePlus offers better zoom (3.5× optical), while iQOO delivers punchier colours and wider HDR handling.
- Software support differs, with iQOO offering up to 5 OS upgrades and 7 years of security patches, compared to OnePlus’s 4 OS and 6-year support.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Both the iQOO 15 and the OnePlus 15 launch at ₹72,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant.
For the higher-end configuration:
| Model | 16GB + 512GB Price |
| iQOO 15 | ₹79,999 |
| OnePlus 15 | ₹79,999 |
Introductory offers create a visible gap.
- iQOO 15: ₹7,000 instant bank discount → effectively ₹64,999
- OnePlus 15: ₹4,000 discount → effectively ₹68,999
Both phones are available via Amazon, official brand websites and offline stores.
Design and Build Quality: Style vs Minimalism
iQOO 15
The iQOO 15 adopts a flat-edged design for better grip, especially during intense gaming sessions. It introduces the Monster Halo light, a glowing ring surrounding the camera module. This light activates during calls, music, notifications, charging and NFC interactions. It can be customised with different colours and effects, adding a distinct personality to the device. With its 6.85-inch display, the phone feels slightly larger in hand.
OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 takes a minimalist and more compact approach. Its smaller 6.78-inch display makes it easier to hold, while its premium ceramic or glass finish adds a refined touch. The company also prioritises durability — offering an extensive set of IP certifications including IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K, making the OnePlus 15 more robust against dust and water compared to its rival.
Display Comparison: Brightness Leadership vs Gaming Smoothness
| Feature | iQOO 15 | OnePlus 15 |
| Size | 6.85-inch | 6.78-inch |
| Display Type | Samsung M14 2K OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 3168×1440 | 1.5K (2780×1264) |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 165Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 6,000 nits | 3,600 nits |
Why iQOO Excels
The iQOO 15’s Samsung M14 OLED panel is brighter, more colour-accurate and delivers superior HDR. It handles dark scenes, contrast shifts and outdoor readability with remarkable clarity.
Where OnePlus Pulls Ahead
The OnePlus 15’s 165Hz refresh rate is a major appeal for competitive gamers. Its LTPO system can dynamically scale between 1–120Hz in regular use and up to 165Hz in games, improving efficiency and smoothness.
Performance and Cooling: Same Chip, Different Strengths
Both phones feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but their additional hardware changes performance behaviour.
iQOO 15
- 8,000mm² vapour chamber cooling
- Self-developed SuperComputing Chip Q3
- Achieves 144fps in supported titles like COD: Mobile and BGMI
- Higher AnTuTu benchmark performance
- Excellent for sustained loads and long gaming sessions
OnePlus 15
- 360 Cryo-Velocity cooling (5,731mm² chamber)
- Performance Tri-Chip + OP Gaming Core + FPS Max
- Achieves 165fps in select games
- Prioritises touch response and network stability
In raw score-based performance, iQOO is ahead. In gaming fluidity and responsiveness, OnePlus takes the lead.
Camera Performance: Similar Specs, Distinct Output
iQOO 15 Cameras
- 50MP Sony IMX921 main
- 50MP ultrawide
- 50MP periscope telephoto (3× optical)
- 32MP selfie
- Punchy colours, strong dynamic range
- Selfies tend to look softer with slight oversharpening
OnePlus 15 Cameras
- 50MP main
- 50MP ultrawide (116° FOV)
- 50MP telephoto (3.5× optical, 7× optical-quality zoom)
- 32MP selfie
- 8K video recording at 30fps
- Fast shutter, social-ready images
- Low-light performance slightly darker but dramatic
The OnePlus 15’s telephoto and video capabilities give it a marginal advantage, while iQOO’s colour tone appeals more to users who prefer vibrant imagery.
Battery and Charging: OnePlus Claims Longest Endurance
| Feature | iQOO 15 | OnePlus 15 |
| Battery | 7,000mAh | 7,300mAh |
| Wired Charging | 100W | 120W |
| Wireless Charging | 40W | 50W |
In real-world tests:
- iQOO comfortably lasts a day or more
- OnePlus often stretches beyond 1.5 days
OnePlus’s extra capacity and efficient LTPO scaling give it a measurable edge in endurance.
Software and Long-Term Value: OriginOS vs OxygenOS
iQOO 15: OriginOS 6
- Major improvement over Funtouch OS
- Smooth animations and customisation
- AI tools: Image Expander, Reflection Remover, AI Erase, Colour Adjustment
- 5 years OS + 7 years security updates
OnePlus 15: OxygenOS 16
- Extremely clean, intuitive UI
- Deep Google Gemini integration
- MindSpace for intelligent content organisation
- 4 OS + 6 years security updates
OxygenOS offers better polish, but iQOO provides longer update support.
The Defining Verdict: Which Flagship Truly Deserves Your Money?
Both the iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 share identical starting prices and the same flagship processor, yet their strengths differ sharply. The iQOO 15 stands out with its brighter display, stronger thermal control, larger canvas and vibrant camera output. It is also the better pick for users who prioritise sustained performance and future-proof software support.
The OnePlus 15 counters with smoother high-frame-rate gaming, superior endurance, cleaner OxygenOS and better telephoto capabilities. Your final choice depends on your personal priorities — brightness and thermal stability vs gaming smoothness, refined software and longer battery life.
FAQs on iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15 Comparison
1. Which is better for gaming: iQOO 15 or the OnePlus 15?
OnePlus 15 offers smoother 165fps gaming, while the iQOO 15 delivers better sustained performance with its larger cooling system.
2. Which phone has the better display between iQOO 15 and the OnePlus 15?
iQOO 15 offers higher peak brightness with its 2K M14 OLED, while the OnePlus 15 provides a smoother 165Hz LTPO panel.
3. Which has better battery life: iQOO 15 or the OnePlus 15?
OnePlus 15 lasts slightly longer due to its larger 7,300mAh battery and efficient LTPO scaling.
4. Which phone has better cameras: iQOO 15 or the OnePlus 15?
Both offer triple 50MP setups, but OnePlus 15’s 3.5x telephoto and stronger video recording give it an edge in camera versatility.
5. Which should I buy: iQOO 15 or the OnePlus 15?
Choose iQOO 15 for brightness and thermal efficiency; choose OnePlus 15 for gaming smoothness, battery endurance and cleaner OxygenOS.
