iQOO 15 global model gets its first major update after international launch

iQOO is wasting no time refining its new flagship. Just days after the iQOO 15 5G started rolling out globally – with India as one of the first key markets – the phone is already receiving its first substantial software update. For early adopters, this is a reassuring signal that the brand is serious about long-term support, performance tuning, and security.

The update, released for the global iQOO 15 model, arrives as firmware version PD2505F_EX_A_16.0.18.4.W30 and weighs in at a sizeable 750MB+. That is more than a quick bug-fix patch: it is a broad polish pass touching system stability, battery life, gaming and network performance, plus a long list of small quality-of-life tweaks across the interface.

November 2025 security patch and core system improvements

At the foundation of the new build is an upgrade to the November 1, 2025 Android security patch level. This keeps the iQOO 15 aligned with Google’s latest vulnerability fixes, which is especially important for a device expected to remain in use for many years thanks to its generous update policy.

Beyond security, iQOO has focused heavily on smoothness and reliability. The company says the update optimizes overall system stability to reduce random hiccups and background crashes, making day-to-day usage feel more consistent. Power saving strategies have also been retuned, aiming to squeeze more screen-on time out of the already large 7,000 mAh battery without sacrificing responsiveness.

Language handling gets some attention as well. Translation accuracy has been improved on select system interfaces, which should help international buyers using multiple languages or switching between English and local languages across menus and settings.

Network, Bluetooth and gaming performance refinements

Connectivity is another focus area. The changelog mentions improved network adaptability and stability, which could mean fewer drops on mobile data, faster reconnection in weak-signal environments, and more consistent 5G performance. Bluetooth compatibility has been tightened up too, reducing glitches with certain headphones, wearables and in-car systems.

Gamers, one of iQOO’s core target audiences, also gain a direct benefit. Game performance has been optimized and an issue causing occasional animation freezes has been resolved. Paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and the 144Hz LTPO AMOLED panel, these tweaks should translate into smoother frame rates and more reliable touch response during long gaming sessions.

Polish across accessibility, Control Center and apps

Smaller but meaningful improvements are scattered throughout the interface. Accessibility features have been refined to make the phone easier to use in Accessibility mode, a welcome tweak for users who rely on assistive tools. The gesture for swiping up the Control Center has been made smoother and more responsive, which is the sort of micro-interaction you notice dozens of times a day.

Third-party app compatibility has also been improved, fixing occasional issues where some apps misbehaved or refused to launch correctly. A rare but annoying bug where the lock screen wallpaper would not display properly in certain scenarios has likewise been squashed.

iQOO 15 open sale in India, prices and variants

While the update rolls out, the hardware itself is just reaching store shelves. The iQOO 15 goes on open sale in India starting December 1 through the brand’s official website, Amazon.in, vivo exclusive stores and a network of offline retailers.

Indian buyers get two colorways – the sporty Legend finish and the more understated Alpha – along with two memory configurations. The base model pairs 12GB RAM with 256GB storage at a price of INR 72,999 (roughly $820/€705), while the higher-end option bumps that to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage for INR 79,999 (around $895/€770). These prices place the iQOO 15 squarely in the premium flagship bracket, but the spec sheet does plenty to justify it.

Flagship hardware with long-term software support

At its core, the iQOO 15 is built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, paired with iQOO’s tuning inside OriginOS 6. Notably, this is the first smartphone in India to ship with OriginOS out of the box, marking an important milestone for vivo’s sub-brand in the region.

Software support is a major selling point: iQOO promises five major Android OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. For buyers worried about longevity, that puts the iQOO 15 in the same conversation as the most future-proof Android flagships on the market.

Display, cameras and battery: a spec sheet built for power users

The rest of the hardware matches that long-term promise. On the front sits a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support, aiming to deliver fluid motion and rich HDR visuals whether you are gaming, streaming or scrolling social feeds.

Photography is handled by a trio of 50MP rear cameras, supported by a 32MP selfie camera on the front. Combined with the processing power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the setup targets fast shooting, detailed low-light shots and sharp selfie output.

Powering everything is a hefty 7,000 mAh Si/C battery, one of the largest in its class, alongside 100W wired and 40W wireless charging. Topping up from low percentages should be quick, while the huge capacity means fewer anxiety-inducing moments at the end of the day. The chassis is rated for both IP68 and IP69 protection, giving extra peace of mind against dust, rain and the occasional accidental splash.

With its first major software update already in circulation and a strong promise of long-term support, the iQOO 15 enters the Indian market as a serious all-round flagship contender for power users, gamers and enthusiasts alike.