The Vivo iQOO 15: A Gaming Powerhouse with a Twist
The world of mobile gaming is about to get a whole lot more exciting! The Vivo iQOO 15 is a smartphone that packs a punch, especially for gamers on a budget. But it's not just about gaming; this device is a feature-rich powerhouse.
Crafted with gamers in mind, the iQOO 15 is equipped with the mighty Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, built using TSMC's cutting-edge N3P 3nm process. This ensures the phone delivers an exceptional performance, making it a formidable competitor in the mid-range market. But here's where it gets interesting: Vivo has added its own Q3 gaming chip, a unique feature that sets this phone apart.
The Q3 chip is designed to enhance the Snapdragon processor's capabilities during gaming sessions. It improves graphics performance and efficiency, and Vivo claims it enables real-time ray tracing for more immersive lighting and shading effects. But that's not all; this co-processor also handles image interpolation, enhancing textures and details, ensuring an even more captivating visual experience.
We put the iQOO 15 to the test with PUBG Mobile, a popular battle royale game. The phone effortlessly displayed the game at a smooth frame rate, leaving no doubt about its gaming prowess. Using the GameBench app, we measured impressive frame rates: up to 144 fps on low and medium settings, and even in HD mode, which is a rarity for mid-range devices. However, in UltraHD mode, the phone's performance was more modest, reaching 40 fps, which is still respectable.
But is this phone just about gaming? Absolutely not! The iQOO 15 also boasts fast UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring quick loading times and seamless multitasking. Plus, Vivo promises seven years of software updates, a commitment that will keep the phone feeling fresh for years to come.
How does it compare to its competitors? When pitted against the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the iQOO 15 holds its own. It offers competitive frame rates and a similar feature set, all at a more affordable price point. Here's a detailed comparison:
| Device | GPU | Processor | Storage | Smooth Mode FPS | HD Mode FPS | Ultra HD Mode FPS |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Vivo iQOO 15 | Adreno 840 | SD 8 Elite Gen 5 | 512 GB UFS 4.1 | Ø142.4 (128-145) | Ø143.2 (140-145) | Ø39.6 (39-41) |
| Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | Adreno 840 | SD 8 Elite Gen 5 | 1TB UFS 4.1 | Ø59.6 (45-61) | Ø59.7 (55-61) | Ø39.8 (39-41) |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Adreno 830 | SD 8 Elite f. Galaxy | 256 GB UFS 4.0 | Ø118.4 (106-121) | Ø59.3 (51-61) | Ø39.9 (36-41) |
The Vivo iQOO 15 is a testament to the fact that you don't have to break the bank to get a high-performance gaming smartphone. It's a device that truly stands out, offering a unique gaming experience and impressive all-around features.
Disclaimer: This review was translated from German, and the original author, Marcus Herbrich, is a tech enthusiast with a passion for mobile technologies. His journey into the world of technology began with a broken leg and a newfound love for computers, eventually leading him to study philosophy and anthropology in Germany. The translator, Jacob Fisher, has been a valuable contributor to Notebookcheck since 2022.
