The iQOO 16 is reportedly being tested with several hardware upgrades that could make it a significant step forward from the company’s current flagship. A new leak suggests the upcoming smartphone may feature a 2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate, while its rear camera module could receive a substantial design change.
The handset is also tipped to use Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship chipset. However, these details are based on leaks and an alleged engineering sample, so iQOO has not officially confirmed the specifications.
Display
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iQOO 16 engineering prototype could feature a 6.85-inch flat Samsung display with a 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate.
If this specification makes it to the final retail device, the higher refresh rate would represent an upgrade over the iQOO 15. The current model features a 6.85-inch Samsung M14 8T LTPO AMOLED panel with a 2K resolution and a refresh rate of up to 144Hz.
The iQOO 15 also offers up to 6,000 nits of local peak brightness and a pixel density of 508ppi. The leaked iQOO 16 display details do not yet reveal whether those other specifications will carry over to the new model.
Chipset
The iQOO 16 is expected to use Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship mobile platform, reportedly called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
The chipset is said to carry the model number SM8975. Earlier reports have suggested that Qualcomm could use a new 2+3+3 Oryon CPU configuration with 16MB of shared L2 cache.
Graphics performance could be handled by an Adreno 850 GPU, reportedly supported by 18MB of GMEM. The processor is also expected to support both LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X memory.
These specifications remain unconfirmed, but a new flagship chipset would be consistent with iQOO’s positioning of the 16 series as a performance-focused smartphone.
Camera
One of the more visible changes could come to the rear camera system.
The leaked prototype is said to feature a redesigned camera module positioned in the upper-left corner of the rear panel. Instead of a larger camera island, the phone could use a relatively compact square-shaped module.
There are currently limited details about the camera sensors themselves. As a result, it is too early to determine whether the redesign will also bring major improvements to image quality or simply change the phone’s appearance.
Hardware
Previous leaks have pointed to several other features for the iQOO 16.
The phone could include a dedicated graphics chip designed to supplement the main processor, which would fit the brand’s focus on gaming and sustained performance. It is also tipped to feature symmetrical stereo speakers, an X-axis linear motor and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Another notable specification is the reported 8,500mAh battery. If retained in the final product, that would give the device a particularly large battery capacity for a flagship smartphone.
The handset is also expected to carry IP68 and IP69 ratings for protection against dust and water, although the final certification will need to be confirmed by iQOO.
Launch
The iQOO 16 is expected to debut in China around late September or early October. The company has not yet confirmed an official launch date.
Its availability in India is less certain. Earlier reports suggested iQOO could potentially skip the Indian launch because of rising memory costs, which could push the expected price above Rs. 85,000.
That possibility comes as iQOO has already increased the price of its existing flagship in India. The iQOO 15 now sells for Rs. 85,999, compared with its original launch price of Rs. 72,999.
If the iQOO 16 does arrive in India, pricing could therefore be an important factor in determining how competitive it is against other premium smartphones.
Outlook
The reported 165Hz 2K display, new camera layout, next-generation Qualcomm chipset and large battery suggest that iQOO is considering several substantial upgrades for its next flagship.
However, the information currently comes from leaks and an alleged engineering prototype rather than an official announcement. Specifications can change before a phone reaches the market.
For now, the iQOO 16 appears to be shaping up as a performance-focused flagship with an emphasis on display responsiveness, processing power and battery capacity. More details should emerge as the expected China launch approaches, while the company’s plans for India remain unclear.
FAQs
What display may the iQOO 16 have?
It is tipped to have a 6.85-inch 2K 165Hz display.
Which chipset may power the iQOO 16?
It could use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.
What battery may the iQOO 16 offer?
Leaks suggest it could pack an 8,500mAh battery.
When could the iQOO 16 launch?
It may launch in China in late September or early October.
Will the iQOO 16 launch in India?
Its India launch remains uncertain based on current reports.
