iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Which performance-focussed flagship should you pick?

The flagship battle this season is not just about raw power or specs on paper. It’s about interpretation. Two phones, born from the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, but shaped by very different brand philosophies.

The iQOO 15 is built like a performance instrument; engineered for peak numbers, max brightness, and aggressive thermals. The OnePlus 15, on the other hand, is tuned for smoothness, finesse, and that signature OxygenOS refinement, now amplified by broader AI features and faster charging. They’re both serious flagships. Just cut from different cloths. Read on to know how they compare against each other in our iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15 specs comparison.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Design and displays

The iQOO 15 is unapologetically bold. At 6.85 inches, its 2K LTPO AMOLED display stretches across your hand like a mini-tablet, pushing out an eye-searing 6,000 nits peak brightness. It feels ready for binge-watching, outdoor visibility and gaming marathons. The Monster Halo light around the camera module adds a futuristic flair, while Wet Finger Control is surprisingly practical.

ALSO READ: iQOO 15 arrives in India with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, triple 50MP cameras

The OnePlus 15, on the other hand, doesn’t try to overwhelm you with size. Its 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED panel brings an even faster 165Hz refresh rate, designed for fluid transitions, gamer-grade touch response and silky scrolling. Sun Display optimisation helps with outdoor viewing, and the new colour options (Absolute Black, Ultra Marine) give it a confident yet minimalist feel.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Performance and cooling

Both flagships run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, but how they handle the heat tells the story.

iQOO leans into raw performance confidence, boasting a reported AnTuTu score north of 4.18 million. Its 8K vapour chamber spans a large 8,000 sq mm dissipation area, keeping the system cool even during extended gaming, ray-tracing tests and benchmarks. It’s the kind of phone that honestly dares you to push it.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 15 launched in India with 165Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and 7,300mAh battery

OnePlus approaches performance differently. Its 360 Cryo-Velocity cooling system may not flaunt sheet size numbers, but it combines 3D vapour chamber design, thermal gel layers and optimisation via the Touch Response chip.

OnePlus is also famously (or infamously?) known for aggressively closing background apps. The outcome? Consistently smooth frame rates with minimal throttling and better battery behaviour under strain.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Cameras

On paper, these two look evenly matched with triple 50MP shooters. In practice, their photographic personalities diverge.

iQOO 15 gives you versatility with a Sony IMX921 main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP periscope telephoto capable of 3x optical and up to 100x digital zoom zoom. It experiments more, with AI Visual effects, Reflection Erase and creative shooting utilities baked into the system.

OnePlus 15 doubles down on refinement. Its IMX906 main shooter is paired with Samsung’s JN5 telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom, delivering decent zoom clarity and strong video output, including 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps on both front and rear cameras.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Battery and charging

Battery life is where the OnePlus 15 stretches its advantage. It packs a slightly larger 7,300mAh battery, compared to the iQOO’s 7,000mAh cell, but it’s the charging speeds that give it a clearer lead. With 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, the OnePlus 15 can top up in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for people who are constantly on the move.

The iQOO 15 is no slouch, with its 100W wired and 40W wireless setup offering dependable power delivery, but it doesn’t quite match the urgency of OnePlus. Both phones should deliver all-day endurance, but OnePlus feels strategically designed to eliminate downtime altogether.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Software, durability and extras

Both phones launch with Android 16, but their skins behave differently. iQOO’s OriginOS 6 plays it clean, focusing on UI responsiveness, gaming enhancements and stability. You get five years of OS updates and seven years of security patches.

OnePlus uses OxygenOS 16 with deeper Google Gemini-based AI integrations, smart system automation and context-aware notifications. It might just be the more intelligent UI this year. Oh, as for updates, the device gets up to four years of Android upgrades and six years of security updates, which doesn’t make it as future-proof as the iQOO 15.

ALSO READ: Upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 phones to wait for

For durability, both offer IP68 and IP69 protection, but OnePlus pushes it further with IP66 and IP69K, making it slightly more rugged against pressure and high-temperature spray.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Price

The iQOO 15 is available in two colourways, Alpha Edition with a matte black look, and Legend White. It comes in 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB configurations, priced at Rs 72,999 and Rs 79,999 respectively.

The OnePlus 15 also offers 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB variants, priced the exact same, at Rs 72,999 and Rs 79,999 respectively. Colour options include Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet.

iQOO 15 vs OnePlus 15: Which one should you pick?

The iQOO 15 is the adrenaline flagship. It has a brighter screen, benchmark bragging rights, and a visual identity that doesn’t hold back. If you’re a spec enthusiast or mobile gamer, this one has all the unbridled raw power you need.

The OnePlus 15 is the refined powerhouse. You get a smoother display, faster charging, and a smarter, cleaner software experience. If you value balance, polish and long-term everyday smoothness, pick this one.

All in all, both are premium. Both are powerful. They just speak different languages. Which one speaks to you? Drop a comment with your pick!