Vivo's gaming-focused iQOO 15 smartphone demonstrates surprisingly strong camera performance that challenges premium devices from Apple and Samsung, particularly in daylight photography.
The Vivo iQOO 15 enters the market as a gaming-first smartphone, but its photographic capabilities demand attention. Equipped with Sony's IMX921 main sensor (1/1.56-inch with optical stabilization), this device delivers results that compete with substantially more expensive flagship models.
In daylight conditions, the iQOO 15 produces images with excellent sharpness, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Side-by-side comparisons reveal its advantage over Apple's iPhone 17, which produces less detailed images with reduced dynamic range despite similar sensor specifications. 
While the Sony IMX921 sensor shows limitations in low-light environments, Vivo's HDR processing demonstrates remarkable effectiveness. In challenging lighting scenarios like basement environments, the iQOO 15 outperforms Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra in rendering accurate lighting conditions and preserving shadow detail.
The gaming phone's camera performance is particularly impressive given its positioning below Samsung's premium Ultra series. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra maintains a sharpness advantage, the iQOO 15 delivers approximately 90% of the image quality at a significantly lower price point.
For mobile gamers seeking competent photography without flagship pricing, the iQOO 15 presents a compelling option. Its camera system delivers beyond expectations for its category, proving that gaming smartphones can compete in imaging against devices prioritizing camera performance.
Specification highlights:
- Primary camera: Sony IMX921 sensor (1/1.56-inch)
- Optical image stabilization
- Advanced HDR processing algorithms
- Gaming-optimized thermal management
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