iQOO 16 Could Cost 37% More Than iQOO 15 in India

• The iQOO 16 could launch in India at around ₹1,00,000, that's a 37% jump over the iQOO 15's opening price of ₹72,999.
• The phone debuted in China at CNY 5,999 (roughly ₹86,000) for the base model, according to the same report.
• A tipster claims the device is already being tested in India, so a local launch is likely within the next few weeks.

So, what's the big deal about the iQOO 16? It's not the processor or camera, at least not yet. The upcoming flagship is expected to arrive in India with a significant price hike, which could change how Indian consumers see the brand. If the tipster's estimate holds, the iQOO 16 will cost nearly 37% more than its predecessor.

iQOO 16 Specifications

For now, we only have pricing details. The table below lists the confirmed or strongly suggested price points. Full specifications haven't been disclosed by the source.

iQOO 16 price in India: What the tipster says

A report by Gizmochina cites a tipster on X who claims the iQOO 16 has already started testing in India. This usually means a launch is imminent, possibly in the next few weeks. The same tipster estimates that the Indian price could climb closer to ₹1,00,000 (around $1,039). That's a substantial increase from the iQOO 15, which opened at ₹72,999 last year.

To put this in perspective, a 37% price hike is far beyond typical annual inflation for smartphones. It suggests that iQOO is repositioning itself upward, possibly to compete with more established premium flagships from Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus. The source doesn't provide any official confirmation or reasoning for the jump.

iQOO 16 vs iQOO 15: The price gap explained

The iQOO 15 launched in India at ₹72,999 for its base variant, which was already considered a value-for-money flagship. The iQOO 16, if priced at ₹1,00,000, would be in a completely different tier. For context, that price difference is enough to buy a mid-range smartphone or a decent pair of wireless headphones.

But the price gap isn't just about the Indian market. The iQOO 16's China launch price of CNY 5,999 (≈₹86,000) is already higher than the iQOO 15's Indian opening price. Even before import duties, taxes, and local overheads, the base cost is steeper. The tipster's estimate of ₹1,00,000 aligns with the typical markup applied to flagship phones in India, but it still represents a bold move for a brand that built its following on aggressive pricing.

Why the iQOO 16 could cost 37% more

The source doesn't explicitly explain the reason for the price increase. Several factors could be at play, though. Component costs, like flagship chipsets and high-refresh-rate OLED panels, have become more expensive over the years. Import duties and currency fluctuations can also affect final pricing. And then there's the possibility that iQOO is deliberately moving away from its "budget flagship" image to compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S series and the iPhone.

• Component costs: Flagship chipsets, high-refresh-rate OLED panels, and advanced camera systems have become more expensive.
• Import duties and currency fluctuations: India imposes significant taxes on imported electronics, and the rupee's exchange rate can affect final pricing.
• Brand repositioning: iQOO may be moving away from its "budget flagship" image to compete with more established premium flagships.

We'll have to wait for official communication from iQOO India to know for sure.

India launch timeline and availability

According to the tipster, the iQOO 16 is already being tested in India, which typically means a launch is imminent. The report suggests a local launch could happen within the next few weeks. No specific date has been given, though.

As for availability, the source doesn't mention which retail channels will carry the device. Historically, iQOO smartphones are sold via Amazon India and the company's own website, but we can't confirm this for the iQOO 16. There's no word on launch offers, no-cost EMI plans, or bank discounts, either. We'll update this article as more official information becomes available.

What we know about the iQOO 16 so far

Beyond the price, the source only confirms that the phone launched in China in late September 2026. No specifications, like the chipset, display size, battery capacity, or camera setup, have been disclosed in the report. This is unusual for a launch article, but it's all we have to work with.

Given that the iQOO 15 was powered by a flagship Snapdragon processor and featured a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, it's reasonable to expect the iQOO 16 to offer similar or better hardware. We can't speculate further without official data, though. We'll need to wait for iQOO's India announcement or a more detailed leak.

Should you wait for the iQOO 16 or buy the iQOO 15?

If the tipster's price estimate is accurate, the iQOO 15 at ₹72,999 offers significantly better value for money, assuming you can find it in stock. The iQOO 15 still delivers flagship-level performance and features, and at 27% less than the expected iQOO 16 price, it's a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

On the other hand, if you're someone who always wants the latest chipset, camera improvements, and possibly a newer design, waiting for the iQOO 16 might be worth the premium. But with no confirmed specs, it's a leap of faith. We recommend holding off until iQOO India officially reveals the device's features and pricing.

India Pricing, Availability, and Considerations

As per the source, the iQOO 16 is expected to be priced around ₹1,00,000 in India. This is a significant jump from the iQOO 15's launch price of ₹72,999. The China launch price is CNY 5,999 (approx. ₹86,000).

No official details are available regarding:

• Where to buy (Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, etc.)
• Launch offers, no-cost EMI, bank discounts
• Warranty type (on-site vs. carry-in) and service coverage in tier-2/3 cities
• Import vs. India-assembled status
• Seasonal sales (Amazon Great Indian Festival, Flipkart Big Billion Days)

We'll update this section once iQOO India makes an official announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iQOO 16 be worth the price increase?

Without confirmed specifications, it's impossible to say, but the 37% hike suggests iQOO is targeting a higher segment, so buyers should expect meaningful upgrades over the iQOO 15.

When will the iQOO 16 launch in India?

According to the tipster, the device is already being tested in India, and a launch could happen within the next few weeks.

Is the iQOO 16 already available in China?

Yes, the phone launched in China in late September 2026, starting at CNY 5,999 for the base model.

Should I buy the iQOO 15 instead?

If you're on a budget and want a flagship experience, the iQOO 15 at ₹72,999 is a safer bet, but only if you can find it in stock.

The Verdict

The iQOO 16's expected ₹1,00,000 price tag makes it a premium flagship that will compete with the best from Samsung and Apple. If you're a power user who must have the latest hardware, wait for the official India launch. But if you value affordability and don't mind last year's flagship, the iQOO 15 remains a strong choice. We'll reserve final judgment until we know what's actually inside the iQOO 16. And that's the thing - with this price hike, iQOO has a lot to prove.

Sources

• Gizmochina