iQOO, the performance-oriented smartphone series of Vivo, is gearing up to launch one of its biggest products to date. The iQOO 15 series will be launched later in 2025, with the regular iQOO 15, followed by two new series in early 2026. They will be the iQOO 15 Ultra, which is targeted at gamers and heavy use, as well as iQOO’s first compact flagship, which is expected to target those who desire high-end features in a smaller, more compact phone. All three models are likely to come with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, beautiful high-resolution screens, as well as excellent battery life.
This lineup aims to offer you more choice, whether interested in a gaming phone, enhanced battery life, or a small size. The launch may mark a turning point for the brand, and it demonstrates that the brand can compete with the largest names in the smartphone market.
Background: The iQOO 15 Series So Far
The iQOO 15 lineup is proving to be a performance powerhouse. Its base model will be equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, set to appear in China in October 2025. It offers premium performance, a QHD+ LTPO OLED screen to provide fluid visualizations, and a large-capacity battery with 7,000 mAh capacity to support heavy usage. There are rumors suggesting features like a flexible triple camera system, with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a periscope telephoto lens to offer an excellent zoom sensor. All this makes the iQOO 15 an attractive option for users who need a flagship-level phone with superb battery life.
What to Expect from iQOO 15 Ultra
The iQOO 15 Ultra, launching in early 2026, is expected to advance on the base model’s features. It is likely to include a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, massive 7,000 mAh battery, high-resolution 2K LTPO OLED screen with a 6.85-inch diagonal. These specifications may prove immensely appealing to mobile gamers or technology enthusiasts, and the Ultra version would not only be a niche but an elite phone in a market filled with top-level gadgets.
Expected Features:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip for maximum speed and performance
- 6.85-inch 2K LTPO OLED flat screen
- Whopping 7,000 mAh battery with charging
- Active cooling fan for thermal control during gaming
- Gaming shoulder buttons to provide enhanced in-game control
- Wireless charging support for hassle-free charging
- Triple 50 MP rear camera system with periscope telephoto lens
The First Compact Flagship Model
Tech leaks and rumours are suggesting that iQOO is preparing for the launch of its first compact flagship alongside the iQOO 15 Ultra in early 2026. It is believed to target users who want a smaller phone that is easier to manage, but without compromising on performance. This model will be designed to be portable, powerful, and stylish, containing the same Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor chip and industry-leading display technology as its similar models.
Expected Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for smooth performance and speed
- Screen: 2K/QHD+ LTPO OLED (about 6.1-6.3-inch )display with adaptive refresh rate
- Battery: approx. 5,000-5,200 mAh battery with super-fast wired charging.
- Camera System: Triple rear camera (50 MP main camera + ultra wide, periscope telephoto camera) that supports an expansive variety of shots
- Design: Slim, compact, and super portable design with good construction quality materials.
- Software: Android 15-based iQOO UI with customization potential.
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC enabled
- Sound: Two stereo speakers and certification of Hi-Resolution audio
- Security: In-screen fingerprint and face unlock
Why This Matters
- Fills a Market Gap: Small phones with flagship hardware are a rare product, and the iQOO is in a position to appeal to users who are tired of the overly large phones.
- Better One-Handed Use: It is smaller, easier to handle, and carry in the pocket without compromising on performance.
- Travel-Friendly: Can fit in small bags or a pocket wallet and is ideal for those who are on the move.
- Same Flagship Power: Small size does not mean weak performance, no compromise on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or premium cameras.
- Broader Appeal: iQOO can attract more customers by selling both gaming-oriented and compact devices.
- Brand Differentiation: Shows that iQOO can be innovative and respond to the user demands.
Expected Timeline
The launch of the 15 series by iQOO appears to be procedural and gradual. It is expected to be released in October 2025, i.e., during the second part of the year. The highly anticipated successors to it come early in 2026, including the iQOO 15 Ultra model with more improvements to its gaming features, wireless charging, alongside the smaller-screen version of the flagship. Such a gradual release would enable iQOO to keep the media and user interest sustained over several quarters.
The regular release plan makes it easier to market and develop an anticipation toward every new version, generating excitement within the tech community, enthusiastic users, gamers, and even those who focus on productivity. This strategy could particularly appeal to mobile gaming phone enthusiasts looking for high-performance devices.
What This Means for iQOO and Users
For iQOO (Brand Perspective):
The iQOO 15 series will enable the brand to not be confined to a single flagship format but have a say in several market segments at the same time. The iqoo brand continues to scale its competitive advantage with a market-level flagship, game-focused, and a highly packaged Ultra, to complement a competitive set of other established brands. This strategy is focused on change, adaptability, and the willingness to listen to what users are saying.
It also prolongs the launch cycle of the brand and keeps the attention in monthly drive, and makes iQOO a premium smartphone player that can offer variety without sacrificing quality.
For Users (Customer Perspective):
Buyers can have the iQOO 15 series, which offers them better options than before. Gammers can enjoy the superior cooling, shoulder buttons, and other features, whereas those who like a lower profile can still have some fun with a compact flagship. The snapdragon 8 elite 2 processor, good displays, fast charging, and workable camera systems are the same among all the models.
This guarantees that users will have flagship performance that suits their lifestyles, regardless of their preference between size, gaming qualities, or battery life. It is a lineup that is designed to be flexible and to accommodate personal preference.
Conclusion
The new iQOO 15 range is a step in the right direction by the brand, and, in particular, introduces its first compact flagship. With the three different models, the standard iQOO 15, gaming-centric 15 Ultra, and compact but powerful version, iQOO is expanding its market reach more than ever. This proves that the brand is committed to being innovative and also gives the user choice as they leave behind the trend of large flagships. Be it portability, state-of-the-art gaming features, or a balanced all-around performance, the iQOO 2026 line-up has something that suits your requirements.
