The old stereotype that gaming phones sacrifice camera quality for higher frame rates is starting to fade. Recent news on January 13, 2026, highlights Vivo’s iQOO 15 in a new light: it’s marketed as a gaming-focused “flagship killer” but is also earning praise for its impressive photo performance, especially in daylight conditions. ( Notebookcheck)
Here’s the latest on the iQOO 15 and Vivo’s broader imaging efforts—along with what to keep an eye on next if mobile photography, gaming power, and bang-for-your-buck matter to you.
A gaming phone that outshines the iPhone in photography? The iQOO 15’s camera catches attention
Notebookcheck’s recent camera review cuts straight to the point: even though the iQOO 15 is designed as a gaming phone without focusing on camera features, it still manages to deliver excellent daylight photo quality. This is thanks to its Sony IMX921 main sensor, which is a 1/1.56‑inch sensor with OIS. ( Notebookcheck)
Notebookcheck’s side-by-side tests reveal that Apple’s iPhone 17 delivers less sharp images with a lower dynamic range, despite both devices seeming to compete within the same hardware class. The key difference comes down to Vivo’s image processing rather than just the specs on paper. ( Notebookcheck)
Low light remains a challenge where physics ultimately sets the bar. Notebookcheck points out that the small IMX921 sensor’s limitations become apparent as lighting fades. Still, Vivo’s HDR processing earns praise for managing tough scenes effectively—they even claim the iQOO 15 handles a complex lighting setup “significantly better” than Samsung’s then-current flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in one test, despite not delivering sharper images overall. ( Notebookcheck)
Why this matters: Typically, “gaming phones” come with cameras that are just passable. But the iQOO 15, as reviewed today, suggests a shift: phones built primarily for performance that don’t skimp on camera quality—at least when lighting conditions are favorable. ( Notebookcheck)
iQOO 15 review: flagship specs for a mid-range cost—but only if it’s in stock
Notebookcheck’s January 13 review labels the iQOO 15 a value outlier: a phone delivering flagship-class features for less than $700 (per its coverage), yet it sits firmly in the mid‑range price bracket.
Key highlights from today’s roundup
According to today’s Notebookcheck article, the standout “flagship” features of the iQOO 15 package are:
- Android 16 running OriginOS 6, featuring English language support alongside Google Play Store and Android Auto access
- Updates guaranteed for up to seven years
- Metal frame construction paired with IP68/IP69 certification
- A massive 6.85-inch AMOLED display boasting a 1440p resolution and a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate
- The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset stands out for its leading-edge performance, particularly in graphics.
Availability is the catch. According to Notebookcheck, Vivo offers the iQOO 15 only in a select few countries beyond China, so some customers might have to import the device.
iQOO officially launches the “Samsung 2K M14 LEAD OLED,” boasting brighter visuals, improved efficiency, and enhanced eye comfort
iQOO might be stealing the spotlight with its camera features, but it’s also making significant moves in display technology.
According to a Jan. 12 (ET) PR Newswire release, iQOO partnered with Samsung for over two years to develop the Samsung 2K M14 LEAD OLED display featured in the iQOO 15. The company highlights enhancements in brightness, energy efficiency, lifespan, and eye comfort. The display boasts specs such as 6000 nits local peak brightness, 2600 nits global peak brightness, and 1000 nits manual full-screen brightness. ( PR Newswire)
On its official product page, iQOO promotes the iQOO 15 display as a blend of Samsung’s M14 light-emitting materials and “2K LEAD OLED” technology, boasting a peak brightness of up to 6000 nits, 2K resolution, and a 144 Hz refresh rate. ( Iqoo)
Two points really catch the eye for power users:
- iQOO claims its display design is polarizer‑free, a point highlighted in both the press release and product page. The company positions this feature as delivering more “natural light” and being gentler on the eyes. ( PR Newswire)
- Battery plays a key role here: iQOO’s press release highlights its integration with a 7000 mAh battery. The official product page confirms this 7000 mAh (typical) capacity and adds fast wired charging plus wireless charging support. ( PR Newswire)
Press-release numbers should be viewed as a rough guide for now, until independent testing from various reviewers provides more confirmation.
Next launch to watch: iQOO Z11 Turbo teased with a 200MP main camera (Jan 15 launch in China)
While the iQOO 15 earns the title of “gaming flagship killer,” the other major news from iQOO today focuses on bringing high-megapixel cameras to more affordable devices.
With the January 15 China release approaching, iQOO has been dropping teasers for the iQOO Z11 Turbo. Today’s reveal zeroes in on its camera setup:
- 32MP front camera offering zoom levels at 0.8x, 1x, and 2x ( Gadgets 360)
- 200MP main rear camera equipped with a 1/1.56-inch sensor, featuring 4x “lossless” zoom and OIS, along with CIPA stabilization claims ( Gadgets 360)
Gadgets360 outlines an extensive gaming and performance lineup featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, “Thunder” and “Q2” gaming processors, plus a substantial cooling setup. The device also packs a hefty 7,600mAh battery paired with 100W charging. ( Gadgets 360)
Why this matters for Vivo’s “benchmark” camera narrative: iQOO, Vivo’s sub-brand, is pushing imaging as a standout feature even on devices geared toward gaming, not solely on Vivo’s flagship X series.
Pricing update: iQOO 15 hinted at a Republic Day sale discount in India
For those in India eyeing the iQOO 15, today delivered some headline-grabbing deals.
According to Gadgets360, Amazon’s Great Republic Day Sale 2026 kicks off on January 16, with the iQOO 15 expected to drop to ₹65,999 during the event, down from its regular price of ₹76,999. ( Gadgets 360)
Pricing on deals can change quickly, and the specifics of bank or coupon terms make a difference—treat this as a heads-up, not a fixed final price.
Vivo’s flagship X300 Pro continues to set the standard for cameras, both on paper and in the rankings
The narrative from Notebookcheck—that “Vivo is the benchmark for photos”—didn’t emerge out of nowhere. Vivo’s X300 Pro is marketed as a flagship focused on imaging, and it consistently ranks near the top in major camera lists.
DXOMARK gives the Vivo X300 Pro an overall camera score of 171, placing it 2nd in the Global Ranking and 2nd in the Ultra‑Premium category as of its listing. The phone stands out for its detail, bokeh effects, telephoto zoom, and stabilization. ( DXOMARK)
Vivo’s official product page puts the spotlight on the X300 Pro’s camera features, boasting a 200MP ZEISS telephoto camera and innovative multi-focal portrait shooting. The phone also packs a flagship Dimensity 9500 chipset and a sizable battery. ( Vivo)
Takeaway: Vivo’s top-tier imaging tech seems to be making a bigger impact on iQOO’s “gaming” phones, as the current iQOO 15 camera reveal indicates. ( Notebookcheck)
What to do if you’re shopping now
Choose the iQOO 15 if you’re after top-tier performance paired with a camera that, judging by current reviews, delivers genuinely “flagship” quality in daylight. It also offers extended software updates and a premium build—all at a competitive price (depending on your region). ( Notebookcheck)
Hold off for the Z11 Turbo if a 200MP main camera and a massive battery in a performance-focused design catch your eye—you’ll get the full scoop when it launches on January 15. ( Gadgets 360)
Watch availability carefully: iQOO’s lineup differs significantly across regions, and importing devices could affect warranty coverage and network compatibility.
