A Flagship Feel Without Flagship Cost

Overshadowed by the usual names yet loaded with high-end hardware, the upcoming iQOO 15 is attracting serious attention thanks to an array of leaked specs that suggest the brand is aiming to deliver flagship-level features at a more accessible price point. For smartphone fans who have long waited for top-tier performance without the typically steep cost, this device may be the breath of fresh air they’ve been looking for.

According to multiple leaks, the iQOO 15 is set to feature a large 6.85-inch 2K AMOLED display built by Samsung, equipped with a 144 Hz refresh rate and brightness levels reported up to 6,000 nits. The conversation around this screen emphasises both clarity and smoothness, with the brand’s own product manager reportedly confirming the display’s high-end credentials. A top-tier panel like this in a device expected to be priced below true premium flagships is already turning heads.

Under the hood, iQOO appears to have pulled out all the stops. The phone is tipped to run on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (also referred to as Elite 2 in some leaks), which promises significant advances in performance, efficiency and AI tasks. Alongside that, the device reportedly carries a massive 7,000mAh battery and supports 100W wired charging plus wireless charging—another area where “budget-friendly” is being stretched toward flagship norms.

Camera specs leak even more premium. The triple rear camera setup is expected to include three 50MP sensors: one main, one ultra-wide and a periscope telephoto lens for higher optical zoom. The inclusion of a periscope module is especially noteworthy because it’s traditionally reserved for the highest end of the market. If iQOO truly includes that and still keeps price under control, it becomes a very compelling value proposition.

Now, the “budget-friendly” nature of this device deserves some unpacking. While leaks suggest the iQOO 15 won’t cost as much as ultra luxury flagships from the biggest names, there is some indication of price increase compared to previous models from the brand. One estimate suggests the base model could sit around or just under ₹60,000 (in India) for the 12/256 GB variant, which in global terms still stacks well below many flagship prices and keeps the value narrative alive.

Of course, there are caveats: many of these details are leaks rather than official announcements. The global launch timeline, price in different markets (especially outside China/India) and full feature set (carrier compatibility, software updates, warranty coverage) still remain to be formally verified by the company. But because the hardware rumours are strong and consistent across multiple reputable leak sources, the hope for flagship hardware at a more modest price is legitimate.

For smartphone buyers in India (and other emerging markets) this kind of offering is particularly interesting. Flagship smartphones often carry prices in the ₹80,000-plus range, making many features inaccessible for value-conscious buyers. If iQOO can deliver most of the premium hardware—top chipset, high refresh display, large battery, strong cameras—at a lower base price, it could significantly shift expectations of what “mid-premium” can mean.

In summary, the iQOO 15’s leaks suggest a device that does not compromise much on hardware, yet aims to soften the blow on price. If all goes well with official launch and regional pricing, we may see one of the most aggressive value flagships of the year—delivering nearly flagship specs without flagship cost. For buyers willing to watch release details closely and possibly take a chance on a brand that is less established in some markets, this could be a winner.

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