Vivo’s sub-brand is officially preparing for its next big launch. A recent leak of the iQOO 16 on X has revealed some impressive hardware upgrades. A Weibo post from DCS reveals the device has appeared on Chinese certification websites with the codename SM8975, indicating that an official announcement is coming soon. It targets serious mobile gamers and high-performance users.
iQOO 16 Specification (Rumor)
The leaks suggest that the brand is concentrating on screen performance this time. The iQOO 16 is expected to feature a 2K flat LTPO OLED display from Samsung. This screen will use a new luminous material to improve visibility outdoors and enhance power efficiency. You will enjoy incredibly smooth visuals since the panel supports a refresh rate of either 165Hz or an impressive 185Hz.
The company is also refining the design by incorporating symmetrical ultra-thin bezels around the flat panel. This change is noticeable compared to last year’s iQOO 15, which offered a 144Hz refresh rate on its 6.85-inch screen. The higher refresh rate positions the new model as an ideal choice for competitive mobile gamers in India.
Under the hood, the iQOO 16 will include a significant processor upgrade. The phone will run on the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. For context, the older iQOO 15 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This new platform will pair with next-generation LPDDR6 RAM and possibly UFS 5.0 storage for fast data speeds.
The improved processing package allows the phone to support full-screen ray tracing for modern mobile games. To manage the heat produced during intense gaming sessions, the company has added an upgraded VC cooling system. This hardware setup ensures the device can handle demanding tasks without overheating.
The brand is not only focusing on gaming performance this year but is also enhancing the camera layout. The iQOO 16 specs reveal a versatile triple rear camera setup. It features a 50MP 1/1.3-inch main sensor that supports Optical Image Stabilization. You will also find a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens for high-quality zoom shots.
This camera setup addresses one of the main criticisms of previous gaming flagships. By offering three high-resolution sensors, the phone can compete with premium devices focused on photography. It provides a well-rounded option for users who want great photos alongside fast gaming performance.
Battery life is set for a major upgrade that will stand out in the market. The phone will have an impressive battery capacity of about 8500mAh. This large cell will support 100W fast wired charging and will also include wireless charging. Fitting such a large battery into a slim design is a significant engineering feat for the brand.
For multimedia and everyday use, the device includes several premium features. It has a high-quality 0916 haptics motor for precise vibration feedback during typing and gaming. You will also benefit from symmetrical dual stereo speakers for loud audio output. The phone is built to last with an IP69 water and dust resistance rating, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and a fast USB 3.2 port.
Expected Price in India
The upcoming iQOO 16 will face tough competition in terms of pricing. Reports suggest that this model will launch at a much higher price than its predecessor. Last year, the base iQOO 15 launched in India at Rs. 72,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The top-end 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration was priced at Rs. 79,999.
With the addition of the expensive LPDDR6 RAM, a larger 8500mAh battery, and the premium periscope lens, the new model will likely exceed the Rs. 80,000 mark. The price increase is justified when considering the substantial hardware upgrades compared to the previous generation. However, this shift moves the series away from affordable flagships and into the luxury segment. Buyers will need to determine if the advanced gaming features are worth the extra cost.
