The iQOO 15 series has quickly become one of the hottest topics in the Indian smartphone market. While the iQOO 15 is already available for purchase, the upcoming iQOO 15 Ultra is gearing up for a major launch — first in China by mid-February 2026, and then likely in India by Q2 2026.
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Now, every iQOO fan is asking the same question — should you wait for the Ultra, or is the standard iQOO 15 good enough for 2026? Let’s break it down feature by feature, with real insights that will help you make a smarter decision.
Pricing and Value: The First Big Difference
If budget matters, this is where the comparison starts heating up. The iQOO 15 is priced at ₹72,999, positioning it as a top-tier flagship for performance-focused users.
In contrast, early leaks suggest the iQOO 15 Ultra could land around ₹90,000 — roughly ₹17,000 higher than its sibling.
At that price, the Ultra isn’t just for everyday users — it’s targeting power enthusiasts, gamers, and those who want the absolute best the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset can deliver.
The question is: Are those extra features worth ₹17,000? Let’s find out.
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Design and Build: Familiar Yet More Premium
The iQOO 15 already boasts a sleek and sturdy design, with a premium glass back and a minimalist camera module. iQOO is expected to retain this design DNA for the Ultra, but with subtle refinements — possibly a ceramic or eco-leather finish and slightly curved edges for a more flagship feel.
Rumors also suggest that the Ultra might feature a larger vapor cooling system or integrated micro cooling fan, enhancing both design complexity and gaming durability.
Display: Smooth, Sharp, and Super Bright
One thing iQOO has mastered over the years is its display quality. The standard iQOO 15 already offers a 6.85-inch 2K Samsung M14 AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and an unbelievable 6000 nits peak brightness — easily one of the brightest in its class.
The iQOO 15 Ultra is expected to take this a notch higher with a 165Hz refresh rate, making it a dream display for competitive gamers and content lovers.
In short:
- For smooth visuals, the iQOO 15 delivers more than enough.
- But if you live for ultra-smooth transitions and super-responsive gaming, the 165Hz panel on the Ultra could be irresistible.
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Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 — With a Twist
Both smartphones pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, Qualcomm’s most powerful chipset yet — built for hardcore gaming, multitasking, and AI-enhanced performance.
However, the iQOO 15 Ultra may one-up the regular model by offering active cooling and possibly physical shoulder triggers, similar to dedicated gaming phones. This combination could result in better sustained performance and lower thermal throttling, especially during long gaming sessions.
From an enthusiast’s viewpoint, that’s a major upgrade, not a gimmick.
Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels
The iQOO 15 brings triple 50MP sensors — a Sony IMX921 main lens, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3× optical zoom.
This setup already qualifies it as a flagship-grade camera system. However, the Ultra is expected to improve on this foundation. iQOO may opt for a larger sensor or enhanced periscope zoom technology (some leaks hint at 5× or variable optical zoom).
If these predictions hold, the iQOO 15 Ultra could deliver sharper night shots, more refined dynamic range, and faster autofocus, all backed by improved AI image recognition.
Still, for most users, the iQOO 15 camera performance is already overkill in day-to-day use.
Battery and Charging: Bigger, Faster, and More Convenient
Battery life often decides how long your phone survives the chaos of daily life — and here, both versions impress.
The iQOO 15 offers a 7000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 40W wireless charging. This combination makes it one of the most balanced flagship batteries today.
But the iQOO 15 Ultra reportedly takes it further with a 7500 mAh pack and even faster wired charging. If true, it could easily top up from 0–100% in around 20–25 minutes, outpacing most rivals in the premium segment.
Software & Features: Polished Touches Expected
Both devices will run Android 15-based Funtouch OS, though iQOO may fine-tune system-level optimizations for the Ultra. Expect AI-driven performance enhancements, better haptic feedback, and game optimization modes that take advantage of the active cooling hardware.
Security updates and future-proofing also play a role here—expect at least four years of OS support and five years of security patches, aligning with global flagship standards.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want flagship power, stunning display quality, and reliable cameras without stretching your budget, the iQOO 15 already hits the sweet spot.
However, if you’re a heavy gamer, a power user, or someone who demands the best of the best, waiting for the iQOO 15 Ultra could be a smarter long-term move. The added cooling, higher refresh rate, and battery boost could make a noticeable real-world difference.
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Final Verdict: Future-Proofing Your Choice
- iQOO 15 → Best for users who want pure flagship power and top-tier value in early 2026.
- iQOO 15 Ultra → Best for enthusiasts willing to pay more for the complete premium experience, including gaming-grade features and extended endurance.
Both models highlight iQOO’s growing confidence in competing with Samsung and OnePlus, especially in terms of raw speed, battery efficiency, and display brilliance.
As the iQOO 15 Ultra launch approaches, it’s clear that 2026 could be the year iQOO firmly establishes itself in the super-premium smartphone territory — blending gaming performance and everyday practicality like never before.
FAQ
**iQOO 15 vs iQOO 15 Ultra: Which one is better for gaming?**
iQOO 15 Ultra wins with its rumored **active cooling fan** and **165Hz display**, plus possible **physical shoulder triggers**. Perfect for PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact at max settings. iQOO 15 is still excellent but throttles more during long sessions.
**When will iQOO 15 Ultra launch in India?**
Expected **China launch: mid-February 2026**. **India launch: Q2 2026** (April-June). iQOO 15 is already available at ₹72,999.
**iQOO 15 battery life vs Ultra?**
**iQOO 15**: 7000mAh + 100W wired + 40W wireless. **iQOO 15 Ultra**: Rumored 7500mAh with faster charging. Both last 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
**Is iQOO 15 worth buying now or wait for Ultra?**
**Buy iQOO 15 now** if you need a phone immediately — it’s already a flagship killer. **Wait for Ultra** if you’re a gamer or want maximum future-proofing (3-4 months).
**iQOO 15 camera vs Ultra camera comparison?**
Both have **triple 50MP cameras**. iQOO 15 offers Sony IMX921 + 3x periscope zoom. Ultra may upgrade sensors or zoom capabilities (leaks conflicting).
