Vivo's iQOO 15 delivers flagship-tier gaming performance with Qualcomm's 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and proprietary Q3 gaming chip, achieving 144fps in PUBG Mobile at HD settings while undercutting premium competitors.
The Vivo iQOO 15 emerges as a compelling option for gamers seeking flagship performance without premium pricing. At its core lies Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, manufactured on TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm N3P process. This powerhouse chipset pairs with Vivo's proprietary Q3 gaming co-processor, creating a tandem that fundamentally changes what mid-range devices can achieve.
What distinguishes the iQOO 15 is its gaming-specific silicon. The Q3 chip actively supplements the Snapdragon during gameplay, handling specialized tasks like real-time ray tracing calculations and texture enhancement. According to Vivo, this hardware-level optimization enables more realistic lighting effects and detail rendering that would typically require higher-tier devices.
Performance testing reveals tangible benefits. In PUBG Mobile benchmarks at HD settings, the iQOO 15 maintained a remarkably stable 144fps using GameBench monitoring tools. This high frame rate consistency stems from the Q3 chip's image interpolation capabilities, which dynamically boost frame delivery during gameplay. At medium settings, the device similarly sustained triple-digit frame rates with minimal fluctuation.
However, limitations appear at maximum settings. When pushed to Ultra HD resolution, the frame rate normalized at approximately 40fps across multiple test runs. This aligns with industry expectations for graphically intensive titles, but confirms that the interpolation technology has defined operational boundaries.
Comparative benchmarks against premium alternatives reveal the iQOO 15's value proposition:
| Device | Smooth Setting (fps) | HD Setting (fps) | Ultra HD Setting (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo iQOO 15 | 142.4 (128-145) | 143.2 (140-145) | 39.6 (39-41) |
| Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | 59.6 (45-61) | 59.7 (55-61) | 39.8 (39-41) |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | 118.4 (106-121) | 59.3 (51-61) | 39.9 (36-41) |
The data shows Vivo's device outperforming both competitors at lower settings while matching them at maximum graphical loads. Particularly noteworthy is its significant lead over Xiaomi's flagship in HD mode, demonstrating how specialized gaming hardware can trump raw specifications.
For mobile gamers prioritizing performance-per-dollar, the iQOO 15 presents a clear case. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 foundation ensures longevity for demanding titles, while the Q3 coprocessor delivers tangible frame rate advantages over competitors costing considerably more. Those seeking maximum fidelity at Ultra HD settings will find limits, but for high-refresh competitive gaming, Vivo's solution offers exceptional capability at its price point.
Complete benchmark details and testing methodology are available in the full iQOO 15 review.
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