iQOO 16 Launches in China: How the Leaks Compared With the Final Specs
iQOO had confirmed the 50MP 1/1.3-inch main camera and a 2K 165Hz screen before the September 29 launch. The final phone has an 8,400mAh battery and starts at 5,999 yuan.
iQOO launched the iQOO 16 in China on September 29, repositioning its numbered flagship around photography and battery life rather than the gaming focus the line has leaned on. Before the event, iQOO had confirmed the launch date and several camera details; most other specifications were leaks.
<blockquote><strong>Update, October 25:</strong> The launch confirmed a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 with a Q4 gaming chip, a 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED at 165Hz and 10,000 nits peak, an 8,400mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging, three 50MP rear cameras including a 3x periscope, IP68 and IP69 ratings and a starting price of 5,999 yuan. iQOO has since confirmed an Indian launch without a date or price (<a href="https://www.cashify.in/iqoo-16-price-in-india">Cashify</a>, <a href="https://www.mymobileindia.com/iqoo-16-india-launch-confirmed-at-imc-2026-what-to-expect/">My Mobile India</a>).</blockquote>
What iQOO confirmed before launch
iQOO's Weibo posts confirmed a redesigned square camera module in the top-left corner with a triple 50MP rear system, and a main camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor that iQOO said captures 79 percent more light than the iQOO 15's, with Super HDR, a NICE 3.0 optical reconstruction engine and CIPA 5.5 stabilisation. It also confirmed a Samsung M16 AMOLED panel at 2K and 165Hz, and three colours: Chasing Light, Legend and Racing Track.
How the leaks compared
| Item | Pre-launch leaks | Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Elite "Gen 6", "Gen 6 Pro" or "Extreme Gen 6" | Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, plus Q4 gaming chip |
| Battery | 7,500 to 8,500mAh; 8,400mAh most common | 8,400mAh |
| Charging | 100W wired; 40W or 50W wireless | 100W wired, 40W wireless |
| Telephoto | 50MP, 3x optical, up to 100x digital | 50MP 3x periscope |
| Durability | IP68 and IP69 | IP68 and IP69 |
| Price | Unknown | From 5,999 yuan (12GB/256GB) |
The phone weighs 222.5g, offers 12GB or 16GB of RAM with up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, has a 32MP front camera and runs OriginOS 7 on Android 17.
Why the camera-first framing matters
iQOO's numbered series has historically prioritised gaming performance over cameras, a niche the sub-brand carved out separately from parent company Vivo's camera-focused lines. Leading with a sensor upgrade and imaging technology shows iQOO wants the iQOO 16 to compete more directly on photography, while keeping gaming hardware such as the Q4 chip.
For Indian buyers
The iQOO 15 launched in India at ₹72,999 and, according to 91mobiles, sells for ₹85,999 after price rises. The iQOO 16's China price of 5,999 yuan converts to about ₹86,000 before taxes and duties, and Indian estimates range from about ₹87,000 to ₹1 lakh. iQOO has confirmed an Indian launch but not a date or price.
What to watch next
Watch for iQOO's Indian launch date and price, and reviews of whether the camera upgrade lives up to the 79 percent light-gathering claim.
