iQOO 15 Ultra camera gets Sony 50MP periscope upgrade with advanced Vivo imaging tech

iQOO has started teasing the iQOO 15 Ultra through official Weibo posts, and the early focus is clearly on imaging and performance. The company has confirmed several key camera details that place the phone firmly in the flagship category, while also reinforcing its gaming-first identity.

At the center of the discussion is the iQOO 15 Ultra camera system. The phone will feature a 50MP Sony 3x super periscope telephoto lens with newly upgraded CIPA 4.5-level optical image stabilization. This is a meaningful step up, especially for long-range photography and video stability, where periscope lenses often struggle without strong stabilization.

Alongside the hardware, iQOO is leaning heavily on Vivo’s mature imaging software stack. The device will use the NICE 3.0 Optical Reconstruction Engine and the Magic 2.0 Image Restoration Engine. According to the company, these algorithms are designed to preserve fine details and improve image fidelity, particularly in complex lighting conditions. These official announcements line up closely with earlier leaks pointing to a triple 50MP rear camera setup, supported by a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Beyond imaging, iQOO is positioning the 15 Ultra as a connectivity-focused flagship. The phone integrates 29 surround antennas that dynamically adjust signal paths depending on how the device is held. It also supports the N79 5G band and comes with the AI Esports Signal Engine 2.0, which claims to improve Wi-Fi performance even through thick walls. An interesting addition is the Universe Metro Gaming Network, aimed at enabling low-latency online gaming in underground subway environments, a scenario where mobile connectivity often breaks down.

The display is another highlight. The iQOO 15 Ultra uses a 6.85-inch 2K flat LTPO panel sourced from Samsung. iQOO says the phone can run Honor of Kings at 144fps with Ultra settings and enhanced map textures, indicating strong optimization at both the hardware and software levels. To manage heat during extended gaming sessions, the device employs an Ice Dome Air Cooling System with a built-in fan, paired with capacitive shoulder triggers and a high-precision gyroscope for competitive play.

Powering the phone is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, expected to work alongside iQOO’s in-house Q3 gaming chip. Configurations may go up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, with support for 2K native upscaling, 120fps frame interpolation, and real-time ray tracing.

The package is rounded out by a large 7,400mAh battery with 100W wired and wireless charging, stereo 1115 coaxial speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, advanced dual-axis haptics, 144fps livestreaming support, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Color options include 2077 Black and 2049 Silver.

With these early confirmations, the iQOO 15 Ultra is shaping up as a device that blends serious camera ambition with aggressive gaming features, setting clear expectations ahead of its official launch.