U.S. Reviewers React to the Surprising Camera Power of iQOO 15
The iQOO 15 is creating buzz among American tech reviewers, not just for its gaming dominance but for its unexpectedly capable camera setup. Despite being branded as a performance-first smartphone, early impressions suggest that the iQOO 15 might be more than just a gamer’s dream — it could also serve as a reliable camera phone for everyday users in the U.S.
The device features a triple-lens rear camera system, led by a 50MP main sensor, paired with an ultra-wide lens and a periscope-style telephoto camera. This setup instantly drew attention because it’s rare for a gaming-focused phone to offer such advanced photography hardware. Reviewers noted that the inclusion of a true optical zoom lens is a significant advantage over many mid-range and gaming competitors that rely purely on digital zoom.
In bright daylight, American reviewers observed that the iQOO 15 captures detailed, colorful shots with well-balanced exposure. The main lens reproduces vivid colors, particularly in outdoor environments, while maintaining clarity across textures and surfaces. Some critics did mention a slightly processed look in certain scenarios, suggesting that the software favors punchier visuals over natural tones. Still, most agreed that the results were visually pleasing and ideal for social media use without additional editing.
The ultra-wide sensor also received praise for maintaining color consistency and focus accuracy. Unlike many competing phones where the ultra-wide shots lose dynamic range or sharpness, the iQOO 15 performed surprisingly well, delivering wide and distortion-free images. For travel photography and landscape lovers, this improvement could make a noticeable difference.

Zoom performance was another highlight. Thanks to the periscope telephoto lens, the iQOO 15 can capture crisp, detailed photos even at 3x optical zoom, something reviewers found impressive for a phone at its price point. When zooming in further, image quality naturally begins to soften, but the optical stabilization keeps shots relatively steady and blur-free. This makes it a viable option for capturing distant subjects like architecture or wildlife without carrying a separate camera.
Low-light photography revealed more mixed results. The main sensor handled nighttime scenes decently, preserving shadow details and avoiding overexposure from artificial lighting. However, reviewers noticed that the periscope lens struggled more in dark conditions, occasionally producing cooler tones and slight noise in shadow areas. Despite that, the overall night mode experience was considered reliable, especially when handheld stability was maintained.
On the front, the iQOO 15 houses a 32MP selfie camera that delivers bright and balanced portraits. Reviewers appreciated how it handled skin tones with subtle beauty enhancement, avoiding the overly smooth effect seen in some other brands. Selfie videos also impressed testers for their stability and accurate lighting adjustments during movement, suggesting that the phone’s front camera was designed with creators and vloggers in mind.
When it comes to video recording, American reviewers found the iQOO 15’s capabilities solid and dependable. It supports high-resolution video with good color accuracy and minimal frame drops, even while walking or panning. The built-in stabilization system was particularly praised for producing smooth handheld videos. Though it may not reach the cinematic quality of flagship camera phones, it performs beyond what most users expect from a gaming-oriented device.
Overall, the iQOO 15’s camera system surprised many U.S. reviewers by offering a balanced blend of quality and functionality. It doesn’t aim to dethrone photography giants like Apple or Samsung, but it provides enough performance for everyday shooting, travel, and social media use. For gamers and performance enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on camera quality, the iQOO 15 strikes an ideal balance.
In summary, American reviewers see the iQOO 15 as proof that a gaming smartphone can also excel in photography. With its versatile triple-lens setup, impressive optical zoom, and capable night mode, it challenges the notion that gaming phones must sacrifice camera performance. The iQOO 15 might not replace dedicated camera flagships, but for its target audience, it delivers a well-rounded experience that exceeds expectations and adds a new dimension to what a performance smartphone can do.

