The premium smartphone segment in India just got a major shake-up with the entry of the iQOO 15, going head-to-head with established rivals like the OnePlus 15 and Realme GT 8 Pro. All three brands want the top spot, but today we’re putting the spotlight on the two biggest contenders: iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15.
Both flagships deliver raw power, top-end displays, and cutting-edge cameras — but they take different approaches to performance, design, and features. If you’re confused about which one gives better value, this detailed comparison will help you decide.
Price Comparison: Which One Offers Better Value?
On paper, the pricing looks identical:
- 12GB + 256GB: ₹72,999
- 16GB + 512GB: ₹79,999
But bank discounts tell a different story.
- iQOO 15 offers a hefty ₹7,000 instant bank discount, bringing the starting price down to ₹64,999.
- OnePlus 15 provides a ₹4,000 discount, lowering its base price to ₹68,999.
Both are available via Amazon, but iQOO often gives early access to Priority Pass members. If you’re hunting for the best deal, iQOO 15 takes the clear lead.
Design & Display: Speed or Brightness — What’s Your Pick?
Both phones feature premium AMOLED displays, but their priorities differ.
iQOO 15 Display
- 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Peak brightness: 6,000 nits
- “Wet Finger Control” for improved touch responsiveness
- “Monster Halo Light” around the camera for visual flair
OnePlus 15 Display
- 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED
- 165Hz refresh rate
- “Sun Display” tuning for enhanced outdoor visibility
If you want the brightest display, iQOO wins easily.
If you want the smoothest refresh rate for gaming, OnePlus takes the crown.
Both devices include ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors.
Performance & Cooling: Raw Power vs Smart Optimization
Both phones run the beastly Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, ensuring flagship-grade speed.
iQOO 15 Performance
- AnTuTu score: 4.18 million+
- Big focus on GPU gains and ray tracing
- Huge 8,000 sq mm vapor chamber with “8K” cooling tech
OnePlus 15 Performance
- 5,731 sq mm vapor chamber with a “360° Cryo-Velocity Cooling”
- Dedicated Touch Response chip
- G2 Wi-Fi chip for more stable connectivity
iQOO pushes for benchmark dominance, while OnePlus prioritizes touch response and thermal consistency in long sessions.
Camera Comparison: Telephoto Strength vs Video Excellence
Both brands use triple 50MP camera systems, but their tuning philosophies are different.
iQOO 15 Camera Setup
- 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor (OIS)
- 50MP periscope telephoto (3x optical, 10x hybrid zoom)
- 50MP ultrawide
- AI tools like Reflection Erase and AI Visual enhancements
iQOO emphasizes zoom performance and clarity.
OnePlus 15 Camera Setup
- 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor
- 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto (3.5x optical, 7x lossless zoom)
- 50MP OV50D ultrawide
- 8K video recording at 30fps, 4K at 120fps
- Stronger front camera video capabilities
If photography and zoom matter more, iQOO shines.
If you record a lot of videos, OnePlus is better suited.
Battery & Charging: OnePlus Takes the Lead
iQOO 15
- 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery
- 100W wired
- 40W wireless
OnePlus 15
- 7,300mAh battery
- 120W wired charging
- 50W wireless charging
The OnePlus 15 charges faster and packs a slightly bigger battery.
Software & Updates: AI vs Longevity
iQOO 15
- OriginOS 6 (Android 16)
- 5 years Android upgrades
- 7 years security updates
OnePlus 15
- OxygenOS 16 with Google Gemini AI
- 4 years Android upgrades
- 6 years security updates
iQOO offers longer software support, but OnePlus offers more AI features out of the box.
Durability & Extras
iQOO 15
- IP68 + IP69 rating
- Strong water/dust resistance
OnePlus 15
- IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K
- More robust protection in extreme conditions
Final Verdict: Which Flagship Should You Buy?
Both phones bring serious firepower, but they cater to slightly different users:
🎯 Buy the iQOO 15 if you want:
- The best price after discount
- Brighter and larger display
- Better telephoto zoom
- Higher benchmark performance
- Longer software support
🎯 Buy the OnePlus 15 if you want:
- Faster charging & bigger battery
- Superior video recording (8K)
- More AI-driven features
- Slightly better durability ratings
- The smoothest 165Hz display
Your choice ultimately depends on what matters more — raw performance and value (iQOO) or a polished software experience with better video and charging (OnePlus).