iQOO 15R Camera Revealed: Why the 50MP Sony Sensor Is a Smart Move

iQOO has finally lifted the curtain on the iQOO 15R, and the camera reveal is not what many expected. Just weeks before its India launch on February 24, iQOO confirmed that the phone will use a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary camera, not a flashy 200MP sensor. At first glance, this sounds like a downgrade. But dig a little deeper, and this decision actually feels smart.

This confirmation came directly from official teasers shared by iQOO India, including posts by CEO Nipun Marya. Facts first: the iQOO 15R is real, it’s coming soon, and it’s not trying to win the megapixel war.

iQOO 15R camera specs

The iQOO 15R will feature a 50MP Sony LYT-700 sensor with OIS. Sony’s LYT series is known for better light capture, improved dynamic range and more consistent colors, especially in low-light situations. This sensor uses stacked pixel technology, which basically means clearer photos without aggressive processing.

Earlier rumours suggested a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor because the phone was believed to be a rebranded iQOO Z11 Turbo from China. That clearly isn’t happening. And frankly, I’m okay with that.

More megapixels don’t automatically mean better photos. In daily use, night shots, indoor pics, quick snaps for social media, a reliable Sony sensor often beats a high-megapixel number. The expected camera setup include the following:

• 50MP Sony LYT-700 main camera with OIS

• 8MP ultra-wide camera

• 32MP front camera

It’s not a camera-first phone, but it’s dependable. And that’s the point.

iQOO 15R performance 

Where the iQOO 15R really flexes is performance. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, Qualcomm’s latest high-end chipset. This is the same processor expected in rivals like the OnePlus 15R, so raw power is not a concern at all.

iQOO claims an AnTuTu score crossing 3.5 million, with major improvements in CPU and AI performance. For gamers, streamers and heavy multitaskers, this phone is built to handle pressure without lag.

iQOO 15R battery and display

Another area where the iQOO 15R quietly dominates is battery life. It packs a massive 7,600mAh battery with 100W fast charging, yet stays slim at just 7.9mm. That combination is rare and impressive.

The display is equally strong:

• 6.59-inch AMOLED panel

• 1.5K resolution

• 144Hz refresh rate

Scrolling feels buttery smooth, gaming feels responsive, and the size is not too bulky. For many users, this balance matters more than camera tricks.

iQOO 15R software support

iQOO is promising four Android OS updates and six years of security patches for the iQOO 15R. That’s a big deal in this price segment. The phone will launch with OriginOS 6, including Origin Island, iQOO’s take on Dynamic Island-style notifications.

It also comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to dust and water. This is flagship-level durability, no compromise.

iQOO 15R price in India makes it tempting

The iQOO 15R is expected to be priced under Rs 50,000, with rumours pointing to a starting price around Rs 47,999. This places it directly against the OnePlus 15R.

If your priority is gaming, battery life, smooth performance and long-term software support, the iQOO 15R makes a very strong case. The camera may not win spec-sheet battles, but it will likely win real-life usage.

And in 2026, that matters more than numbers.