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| The iQoo 15 Ultra. |
Just months after the release of the performance powerhouse iQoo 15, the rumor mill is already churning with details about its successor. If you were impressed by the camera capabilities of the iQoo 15, the next iteration might just blow you away.
According to a new leak from a typically reliable source, the upcoming iQoo 16 is poised to make a massive leap in mobile photography, potentially ditching the standard 50MP setup for a staggering 200MP main sensor.
A Triple-Threat Camera Overhaul
The iQoo 15, which landed in October 2025 as one of the first devices to sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, featured a versatile triple-camera array. It included a 50MP primary camera (Sony IMX921), a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide shooter.
However, prominent tipster Smart Pikachu, posting on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, suggests that iQoo is planning a significant hardware revision for the iQoo 16. The leak indicates the phone will feature a 200MP primary camera paired with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens.
Check out the full leak details on Weibo here.
This shift to a 200MP sensor would represent a major upgrade in raw resolution, allowing for incredibly detailed shots and more flexible cropping. While the tipster didn't specify the sensor manufacturer, the current iQoo 15 uses a Sony sensor for its main camera—a unit we praised in our review for its surprising performance, especially in low light. It remains to be seen whether iQoo will stick with Sony for this new high-resolution sensor or potentially partner with Samsung, a leader in 200MP smartphone sensor technology.
The rumor mentions a 50MP periscope telephoto lens alongside the new main sensor, but it notably leaves out the fate of the 50MP ultrawide lens found on the iQoo 15. It is possible that iQoo is streamlining the setup for a more specialized photography experience, or that the third lens remains but the tipster simply did not mention it.
Display and Competition: A Battle of Resolutions
Beyond the camera, the leak also touches upon the iQoo 16's display. Smart Pikachu claims the device will retain a sharp 2K resolution (QHD+) screen. This puts it on a direct collision course with its anticipated rival, the OnePlus 16.
Interestingly, the two phones might take very different display strategies. Leaks surrounding the OnePlus 16 suggest it will opt for a 1.5K resolution display but compensate with a blistering refresh rate exceeding 200Hz.
Read more about the iQoo 16's display rumors here.
This creates an intriguing dichotomy for consumers in late 2026: one device focusing on peak pixel density (iQoo 16) and the other on the absolute smoothest motion clarity for gaming and scrolling (OnePlus 16).
What’s the Timeline?
Given that the iQoo 15 was released in October 2025, it is logical to expect its successor to arrive roughly a year later. The tipster corroborates this, pointing to a launch for the iQoo 16 in Q4 2026.
As with all leaks and rumors, it is crucial to approach this information with a healthy dose of skepticism. Smart Pikachu has a decent track record, but nothing is official until the company makes an announcement. For now, these details give us an exciting early glimpse at what iQoo might be planning to reclaim the performance and photography crown in 2026.
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| The iQoo 16 tipped to feature a display with 2K resolution. |
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| Leaked camera details of the iQoo 16. |