iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Which new Android flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip offers better value?

By Admin

27 Nov, 2025

The premium smartphone battle heats up as the iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 arrive with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Both devices focus on peak performance, fast charging, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, and advanced triple cameras. But which one offers better value for your money? Here’s a complete comparison based on design, cameras, performance, battery and price helping you choose the flagship that suits your priorities.

Pricing and Availability

Both iQOO and OnePlus have launched their newest flagships at identical price points, making their offers the biggest differentiator.

• Base Variant (12GB/256GB): ₹72,999
  
  

• Higher Variant (16GB/512GB): ₹79,999
  
  

However, the effective prices drop due to bank discounts:

• iQOO 15: ₹7,000 instant discount → Effective price: ₹64,999
  
  

• OnePlus 15: ₹4,000 instant discount → Effective price: ₹68,999
  
  

Both are available on Amazon, though iQOO opens priority access earlier for select buyers.

Display and Design

Both phones push AMOLED technology to its limits, but they take different paths.

iQOO 15 Display Highlights

• 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED
  
  

• Up to 144Hz refresh rate
  
  

• Massive 6,000-nit peak brightness
  
  

• Wet Finger Control for use with moisture
  
  

• Monster Halo ambient lighting under camera module
  
  

OnePlus 15 Display Highlights

• 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED
  
  

• Even faster 165Hz refresh rate
  
  

• Sun Display technology for outdoor visibility
  
  

Both feature ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors, but iQOO clearly focuses on size and brightness while OnePlus prioritizes smoothness.

Performance and Cooling

Both flagships use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, so processing power remains consistent. But thermal design separates their performance philosophy.

iQOO 15 Performance

• AnTuTu score claims: 4.18 million+
  
  

• Enhanced GPU, ray-tracing & NPU performance
  
  

• 8K vapour chamber cooling with 8,000 sq mm dissipation
  
  

OnePlus 15 Performance

• 360 Cryo-Velocity Cooling system
  
  

• 5,731 sq mm 3D vapor chamber
  
  

• Touch Response chip & G2 Wi-Fi chip for smoother interaction and connectivity
  
  

While iQOO chases benchmark supremacy, OnePlus prioritizes consistent performance and efficient heat control.

Cameras: Triple 50MP Sensors on Both, but Different Approaches

Both phones come with three 50MP rear cameras, but tuning and features vary greatly.

iQOO 15 Camera Setup

• 50MP Sony IMX921 (OIS)
  
  

• 50MP Periscope Telephoto (3x optical, 10x zoom capability)
  
  

• 50MP Ultrawide
  
  

• AI Visual & Reflection Erase tools
  
  

OnePlus 15 Camera Setup

• 50MP Sony IMX906 main
  
  

• 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto (3.5x optical, 7x optical-quality zoom)
  
  

• 50MP OV50D ultrawide
  
  

• Superior video recording: 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps
  
  

Both offer 32MP front cameras, but OnePlus enables advanced video modes on the selfie camera as well.

Battery and Charging

Battery is a major highlight in this generation.

iQOO 15

• 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery
  
  

• 100W wired + 40W wireless charging
  
  

OnePlus 15

• Larger 7,300mAh battery
  
  

• Faster 120W wired + 50W wireless
  
  

• Full charge in ~39 minutes (claimed)
  
  

OnePlus takes the lead with more capacity and higher charging speeds.

Software and Additional Features

Both run Android 16, but the skins and support differ:

iQOO 15

• OriginOS 6
  
  

• 5 years Android updates + 7 years security
  
  

• IP68 + IP69 durability rating
  
  

OnePlus 15

• OxygenOS 16 with Google Gemini AI features
  
  

• IP66, IP68, IP69 & IP69K certification
  
  

• More AI tools & polished software experience
  
  

OnePlus holds an edge in ruggedness and software refinement.

Verdict: Which One Offers Better Value?

Both the iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15 are powerful Android flagships with identical launch prices and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 core. But your choice depends on what you prioritise:

Choose iQOO 15 if you want:

• Brighter and larger display
  
  

• Benchmark-leading performance
  
  

• Better cooling
  
  

• Strong periscope zoom capabilities
  
  

Choose OnePlus 15 if you want:

• Bigger battery + fastest charging
  
  

• Superior video recording (8K support)
  
  

• More durable build
  
  

• Smoother 165Hz display
  
  

• Stronger AI features in OxygenOS
  
  

Both devices offer excellent value but iQOO wins on raw performance and display, while OnePlus wins on battery, video, software, and durability.