iQOO 16 is already in development

The iQOO 16 is Already on the Radar: Huge Battery and New Powerhouse Specs Leaked

Smartphone lifecycles are getting shorter, but iQOO is really pushing the pace. Just months after the iQOO 15 made its debut, we’re already seeing concrete evidence that its successor is waiting in the wings. The iQOO 16 has officially surfaced in the GSM Association’s IMEI database under the model number I2601, confirming that the next-gen flagship is well into development.

What to Expect from the iQOO 16

While the iQOO 15 set the bar high with its 7,000mAh battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the iQOO 16 looks ready to leapfrog those specs. Here’s what the rumor mill is churning out:

• The Processor: Naturally, it’s expected to house Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship silicon. Given the timing, a launch before September is unlikely, as it needs to wait for the official chipset reveal.
• A Massive Battery: This is the headline-grabber. Early leaks suggest iQOO is aiming for a staggering 9,000 mAh battery. If that holds true, it would easily be one of the most long-lasting premium devices on the market.
• Global Availability: The database listing indicates that this won’t be a China-only affair. We’re looking at a release for India and other international markets as well.

The Price of Performance

Innovation rarely comes cheap. While the iQOO 15 launched at a competitive CNY 4,100 (roughly $602), reports suggest the iQOO 16 might see a significant price bump. We’re hearing a starting price of around CNY 5,000 ($734) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration. It’s a steep climb, but if that massive battery and next-gen processing power deliver, it might just justify the premium.

We’ll likely see more leaks regarding the camera setup and display tech as we get closer to the expected late-Q3 launch window.