The smartphone market has followed a predictable formula for years — if you want flagship performance, you have to pay flagship prices. But iQOO may be preparing to challenge that logic. The company has confirmed that pre-orders for the new iQOO 15R will begin in India on February 24, and its specifications suggest something unusual: top-tier hardware without the usual premium price tag.
With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, massive 7600mAh battery, and a 200MP camera, the device aims to deliver flagship-level capabilities while targeting a more aggressive price segment. If iQOO succeeds, it could disrupt expectations in India’s highly competitive smartphone market.
India Launch Confirmed, Amazon Availability
iQOO has officially announced the February 24 launch date, and the smartphone will be available through Amazon India. India continues to be one of the most important markets for smartphone brands, especially for devices that offer high-end features at competitive prices.
Manufacturers increasingly use India as a testing ground for performance-focused phones that deliver flagship-like specifications at lower price points. The iQOO 15R appears designed specifically for this strategy.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Focuses on Power and Efficiency
At the core of the iQOO 15R is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, one of the latest flagship chipsets. It promises improvements in performance, AI processing, and energy efficiency compared to previous generations.
The phone is also expected to include iQOO’s proprietary Q2 chip, which is designed to improve gaming performance and maintain stable frame rates during heavy workloads. For users, this means smoother gameplay, better multitasking, and more consistent performance over time.
Improved efficiency also helps reduce overheating and supports longer battery life during demanding tasks.
Massive 7600mAh Battery with 100W Fast Charging
Battery capacity is one of the standout features of the iQOO 15R. The phone reportedly packs a 7600mAh battery, significantly larger than most flagship devices.
This large battery is paired with 100W fast charging, allowing users to recharge quickly despite the higher capacity. In daily use, this could mean fewer charging sessions and greater convenience, especially for users who rely heavily on gaming, streaming, or navigation.
Long battery life is becoming increasingly important as smartphones handle more demanding tasks throughout the day.
200MP Camera and 144Hz Display Enhance the Experience
The iQOO 15R is also expected to feature a 200MP main camera. High-resolution sensors like this can capture more detail and improve image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
On the front, the smartphone is expected to offer a 6.59-inch display with 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. This combination delivers sharper visuals and smoother animations, improving everyday tasks such as scrolling, gaming, and watching videos.
The high refresh rate also contributes to a more premium user experience overall.
Price Could Be the Biggest Advantage
The most important factor will be pricing. Flagship processors, high-resolution cameras, and large batteries are typically reserved for expensive smartphones. However, iQOO is positioning the 15R as a more affordable alternative.
If the company manages to offer these specifications at a lower price than traditional flagship models, it could put pressure on competitors such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Realme. Many devices in this segment use older flagship processors or focus heavily on just one feature.
The iQOO 15R, in contrast, aims to offer balanced performance, battery life, and camera capabilities in one package.
February 24 Will Be the Real Test
The February 24 pre-order launch will reveal whether iQOO can truly deliver flagship-level hardware at a more accessible price. If successful, the iQOO 15R could redefine expectations in the premium mid-range and sub-flagship segments.
For buyers, this could mean more choice — and the possibility of getting flagship performance without paying flagship prices.
Tanu is a technology content writer at gemch.in who tracks smartphone launches, features, and pricing trends. She writes user-focused articles that explain what matters most in everyday smartphone use.