iQOO 15R vs OnePlus 15R: Which Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 phone offers better specs? Check detailed comparison

The "Flagship Killer" era has entered a high-octane phase. With the official Indian debut of the iQOO 15R today, February 24, 2026, the spotlight shifts to a fierce rivalry with the OnePlus 15R. Both devices aim to dominate the sub Rs 50,000 segment by offering the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, but they take distinct paths to reach the same goal.

Performance: Raw Power vs. precision

According to WABetaInfo , Both smartphones utilise Qualcomm’s latest 3nm architecture, but their internal optimizations cater to different styles of use.

iQOO 15R: Staying true to its gaming DNA, the 15R is equipped with the Q2 Supercomputing Chip. This allows for frame interpolation, pushing games like BGMI to a silky-smooth 144 FPS. To keep things cool, it employs a massive 6.5K IceCore VC cooling chamber, ensuring that even 2-hour gaming marathons don’t result in thermal throttling.

OnePlus 15R: While it matches the iQOO in raw speed, OnePlus focuses on "input-to-action" latency. It features a dedicated Touch Response Chip with a staggering 3200Hz sampling rate. For competitive players, this means the phone reacts to your touch slightly faster than the competition, providing a tactile edge in high-stakes matches.

The screen is where these two giants diverge most significantly. As per reports from WABetaInfo , both phones use an AMOLED panel still there is considerable difference according to the use case scenario of the user.

OnePlus 15R: Boasts a segment-leading 6.83-inch 165Hz AMOLED panel. It is larger, offering an expansive canvas for Netflix and high-frame-rate scrolling.

iQOO 15R: Opts for a more ergonomic 6.59-inch 144Hz AMOLED. While it lacks the extra hertz, it wins on raw visibility. It hits an incredible 5,000 nits of peak brightness, making it the most legible phone in its class under the harsh Indian afternoon sun.

Battery: Silicon-carbon revolution

2026 marks the year we stopped worrying about battery life. Both brands have transitioned to high-density silicon-carbon cells.

iQOO 15R: Leads the pack with a monstrous 7,600mAh battery. Paired with 100W FlashCharge, it can jump from 1 per cent to 50 per cent in roughly 33 minutes, a feat considering the massive capacity.

OnePlus 15R: Comes with a slightly smaller 7,400mAh cell and 80W SuperVOOC. However, real-world tests show that the OnePlus’s LTPS display optimisation allows it to rival the iQOO in day-to-day endurance.

According to the report from WABetaInfo One Plus takes slight edge in camera whereas in durability point can be given to iQoo 15 R.

Photography: The OnePlus 15R takes a slight lead with the Sony IMX906 sensor, supporting 4K video at 120fps a rare find at this price. The iQOO 15R uses the Sony LYT-700V, delivering punchy colors but capping video at 4K 60fps.

Durability: iQOO offers IP68/IP69 protection, but OnePlus adds an IP69K rating, certifying it against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.

Choose the iQOO 15R (Starting at ₹44,999): If you are a hardcore gamer who wants the brightest screen, faster charging, and the best value via bank offers (down to an effective Rs 40,999).

Choose the OnePlus 15R (Starting at Rs 47,999): If you prefer a larger, ultra-fluid 165Hz display, superior video recording, and the clean, AI-integrated experience of OxygenOS 16.