The iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 are battling it out this year for taking the crown of the performance smartphone segment. As two phones bringing the performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen chipset to the country, both iQOO and OnePlus have ventured into the proper premium flagship territory from their previous flagship-killer status. Both phones start in India at a price of Rs 72,999 for their base variants, thus making it necessary more than ever to choose the right option between these.
While the iPhone 17, which is no longer an exorbitantly pricey affair compared to these, can do equally good (if not better) gaming and other performance-centric tasks, these two devices are your only bet if you want to choose from two Android flagships.
iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Performance and Gaming
The core performance difference between the iQOO 15 and the OnePlus 15 lies in their secondary chipsets, despite both being powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The iQOO 15 focuses on extreme, sustained gaming performance by integrating a dedicated Q3 Gaming Chip designed specifically to maintain smooth, high frame rates even during intensive gameplay, alongside its 8K VC Cooling System.
In contrast, the OnePlus 15 adopts a broader system-wide enhancement via a triple-chip architecture, which includes the main SoC along with the dedicated chips for improving touch responsiveness and ensuring more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. This is also supported by a 360 Cryo-Velocity cooling system.
Therefore, while iQOO prioritises stable, high-intensity gaming, OnePlus aims for holistic speed, lower latency, and better networking stability across all user interactions.
iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Display
The displays on both flagships are LTPO AMOLED panels, yet they cater to different visual tastes. The iQOO 15 offers a large 6.85-inch panel with 2K resolution and a peak brightness of up to 6,000 nits, making it ideal for media consumption and outdoor visibility. The OnePlus 15 features a 165Hz refresh rate (the highest in its class) on a 6.78-inch panel. While it settles for a slightly lower 1.5K resolution and 1,800 nits brightness, its focus is on delivering the most fluid and low-latency interaction possible.
iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Camera and battery
The iQOO 15 focuses on core quality, utilising a larger primary sensor in its triple 50MP setup camera to maximise light capture, making it a good choice for low-light stills. The OnePlus 15, meanwhile, offers a more versatile experience with a dedicated 50MP periscope telephoto lens providing up to 3.5x optical zoom and featuring the new DetailMax Engine. Critically, the OnePlus 15 is the superior choice for videographers, supporting 4K video recording at 120fps with Dolby Vision.
As far as the power supply is concerned, the OnePlus 15 edges ahead with a larger 7,300mAh Silicon NanoStack battery and faster 120W wired charging, guaranteeing less time plugged in. The iQOO 15, while formidable, trails slightly with a 7,000mAh battery and 100W wired charging.
iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Conclusion
If you are a dedicated gamer, the iQOO 15 is the recommended choice, primarily due to its combination of a brighter 2K display and the dedicated Q3 Gaming Chip, which together provide the most stable and visible gaming environment.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 15 is the superior pick for the all-around flagship user or anyone who suffers from battery anxiety, as it offers a more versatile camera system (with optical zoom and high-frame-rate video), a faster 165Hz display, and the largest 7,300mAh battery paired with the quickest 120W charging.
