The upcoming iQOO 15R has already generated significant buzz ahead of its official India launch on February 24. As the first “R” model in the flagship iQOO lineup, the 15R is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the standard iQOO 15 while still promising near-flagship performance. Recent confirmations around its camera hardware have sparked debate, especially after rumours suggested it would feature a massive 200MP sensor. Instead, iQOO has opted for a 50MP primary camera, and contrary to initial reactions, this decision makes a lot of sense.
Why the 200MP Camera Was Never the Whole Story
Earlier speculation linked the iQOO 15R to the iQOO Z11 Turbo sold in China, which uses a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor. Naturally, expectations rose around similar hardware making its way to India. However, megapixel count alone rarely defines camera quality. More pixels can help with cropping and detailed shots, but they also come with trade-offs such as smaller pixel sizes, heavier processing demands, and inconsistent results in low-light environments.
By moving away from the megapixel race, iQOO appears to be focusing on something far more important: reliable, consistent image quality.
The 50MP Sony LYT-700: Quality Over Numbers
The iQOO 15R will use a 50MP Sony LYT-700 sensor as its main camera. Sony sensors have long been respected for their colour science, dynamic range, and superior light-gathering capabilities. In real-world usage, this means better exposure control, more accurate colours, and improved low-light photography compared to many high-resolution sensors that rely heavily on software processing.
For most users, this translates to photos that look good straight out of the camera—without excessive sharpening, noise reduction, or artificial colours. In everyday shooting conditions like indoor lighting, night scenes, or mixed lighting, the LYT-700 should deliver more dependable results than a higher-resolution but less optimised sensor.
Supporting Cameras: Sensible, Not Flashy
Beyond the main sensor, the iQOO 15R is expected to feature:
- 8MP ultra-wide camera for landscapes and group shots
- 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls
This setup suggests that photography is not the phone’s primary selling point—but that’s not necessarily a drawback. Instead of inflating specs, iQOO seems focused on offering a camera system that works reliably for daily use without pushing the price higher.
Performance Takes Centre Stage
Where the iQOO 15R truly shines is performance. The device is confirmed to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, making it one of the most powerful phones in its price segment. This chipset is also used by its closest rival, the OnePlus 15R, placing both devices on equal footing when it comes to raw processing power.
Thanks to this platform, users can expect:
- Smooth high-frame-rate gaming
- Fast app launches and seamless multitasking
- Consistent performance over long sessions
In short, the iQOO 15R is clearly built for power users, gamers, and anyone who wants long-term performance stability.
Massive Battery for Heavy Users
Another standout feature is the 7,600mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the 7,400mAh unit expected on the OnePlus 15R. While the numerical difference seems small, it can make a noticeable impact in real-world usage—especially for gaming, streaming, and long workdays.
With efficient power management, this battery size could easily deliver:
- More than a full day of heavy usage
- Extended gaming sessions without anxiety
- Fewer charging cycles over time, improving long-term battery health
For users who value endurance as much as performance, this is a major advantage.
Display Built for Gamers and Power Users
The iQOO 15R is tipped to feature a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with:
- 1.5K resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate
A 144Hz panel sits at the higher end of smartphone displays and offers extremely smooth scrolling, faster touch response, and a visibly fluid interface. Combined with the powerful chipset, this display will particularly appeal to mobile gamers and users who spend hours on their phones.
Despite its capabilities, the screen size remains relatively compact by modern standards, making the device easier to handle compared to oversized flagship phones.
Long-Term Software Commitment
iQOO has also confirmed a strong software policy for the 15R:
- 4 Android OS upgrades
- 6 years of security updates
This level of long-term support is impressive in the sub-flagship segment and ensures the phone will remain secure, updated, and relevant for several years—an increasingly important factor for buyers investing close to flagship prices.
Price and Competition
The iQOO 15R is expected to be priced around ₹50,000, with a possible starting price of ₹47,999. This places it directly against the OnePlus 15R. Since both devices share similar core performance hardware, the final decision for buyers may come down to:
- Battery endurance
- Thermal management
- Software experience
- Brand ecosystem preferences
A Smart, Focused Flagship Killer
By ditching the 200MP camera rumours and opting for a well-balanced 50MP Sony sensor, the iQOO 15R shows a mature approach to smartphone design. Instead of chasing spec-sheet bragging rights, iQOO has prioritised performance, battery life, display quality, and long-term usability.
For users who care more about gaming, multitasking, and all-day endurance—and still want a dependable camera—the iQOO 15R is shaping up to be one of the most compelling sub-flagship smartphones of 2026.
