Quick Verdict: Both phones are flagship powerhouses with identical Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors and 7000mAh batteries. The Realme GT 8 Pro excels in camera capabilities and display brightness, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts, while the iQOO 15 dominates in gaming performance with its dedicated Q3 chip. For most users, the Realme GT 8 Pro offers better overall value with its lower price point and superior camera system.
The battle between flagship smartphones has reached new heights with the launch of the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15, both powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. These devices represent the cutting edge of mobile technology in 2025, offering exceptional performance, massive batteries, and premium features at competitive prices. As both phones prepare for their Indian market debut, consumers face a difficult choice between two remarkably capable devices.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
Realme GT 8 Pro: Innovation Meets Personalization
The Realme GT 8 Pro introduces a groundbreaking design feature that sets it apart from every other flagship smartphone on the market. Its modular camera module system allows users to physically swap out the camera housing design using two Torx screws and magnetic attachments. Realme provides three official styles including square, circular, and robot-inspired designs, and has even released the 3MF model file for users to 3D-print their own custom modules. This level of personalization is unprecedented in the smartphone industry and appeals to users who want their device to reflect their individual style.
The device measures 161.8 x 76.9 x 8.2mm and weighs 218 grams, making it slightly thicker but remarkably compact considering its 7000mAh battery capacity. The build quality is exceptional, featuring a glass front, aluminum frame, and a choice between fiberglass or silicone polymer eco-leather back panels. Available in Blue, Green, and White colorways, the GT 8 Pro carries comprehensive protection with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, ensuring resistance against dust, water immersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, and high-pressure water jets.
More RealMe Phones on TechInDeep.
Read More: Realme 15 Lite 5G, Vivo V60e Specifications Leak
iQOO 15: Gaming Aesthetics with RGB Flair
The iQOO 15 takes a more traditional approach to flagship design but adds gaming-oriented flourishes that appeal to its target demographic. The device features a flat 6.85-inch display optimized for gaming, with slightly curved edges and an anti-reflective coating for better outdoor visibility. Measuring 163.65 x 76.80 x 8.10mm and weighing just 215 grams, it’s marginally lighter and thinner than the Realme offering.
The standout design element is the RGB Energy Halo, an ambient light ring surrounding the camera module that responds to music, notifications, and in-game events. During gaming sessions in titles like Genshin Impact and Honor of Kings, the Energy Halo displays corresponding colors based on elemental attacks or game actions, creating an immersive experience. The phone comes in multiple color variants including the classic “Legend” colorway, a tri-color striped “Lingyun” edition, and special editions with unique finishes. Like the Realme GT 8 Pro, it also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for comprehensive environmental protection.
Both phones demonstrate premium craftsmanship with attention to detail, though they cater to different aesthetic preferences. The Realme GT 8 Pro appeals to users who value customization and photographic heritage, while the iQOO 15 targets gamers who appreciate RGB lighting and performance-focused design elements.
More Vivo Phones on TechInDeep.
Read More: Vivo OriginOS 6 Global Launch: Revolutionary Android 16 Interface Set for October 15, 2025
Display Technology
Realme GT 8 Pro: Brightness Champion
The Realme GT 8 Pro features a 6.79-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440×3136 pixels, delivering an impressive 508 ppi pixel density. The panel supports a 144Hz refresh rate with a remarkable 3200Hz touch sampling rate for ultra-responsive input during gaming sessions. The display covers 100% of both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts, ensuring accurate color reproduction for content creation and media consumption.
The most spectacular feature is its 7000 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays ever produced. This extraordinary brightness level ensures perfect visibility even in direct sunlight and supports HDR10+ content with exceptional dynamic range. The screen maintains a 90.7% screen-to-body ratio with a punch-hole cutout for the front camera and benefits from Gorilla Glass protection. According to laboratory measurements, the display achieves manual brightness of 570 nits by default, extending to nearly 1000 nits with enhanced range enabled, while global high brightness boost reaches close to 2000 nits.
iQOO 15: Samsung Excellence
The iQOO 15 sports a slightly larger 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display co-developed with Samsung, specifically using the Samsung M14 8T LTPO panel. With a resolution of 1440×3168 pixels, it delivers a similar 508 ppi pixel density and maintains the same 144Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. The aspect ratio of 19.8:9 provides a slightly taller viewing area compared to the Realme’s 19.5:9 ratio.
The display achieves a peak brightness of 2600 nits, which while significantly lower than the Realme GT 8 Pro, remains excellent for flagship standards. The panel supports 1000 nits typical brightness, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and DC Dimming technology to reduce eye strain during extended use. An ultrasonic fingerprint scanner provides secure biometric authentication with fast and accurate performance. The screen occupies approximately 90.7% of the front surface with minimal bezels and a punch-hole camera design.
While both displays offer exceptional quality with identical refresh rates and resolution standards, the Realme GT 8 Pro’s brightness advantage of nearly 3x the peak luminance gives it a decisive edge for outdoor visibility and HDR content consumption. However, the iQOO 15’s Samsung panel delivers excellent color accuracy and power efficiency that contributes to overall battery performance.
Vivo X300 Pro Telephoto Camera: 200MP Zoom With Stunning Moon Shot Sample – Tech in Deep
Performance and Processing Power
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Foundation
Both smartphones are powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, built on an advanced 3nm process technology. This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with two high-performance Oryon V3 Phoenix L cores running at 4.6 GHz and six efficiency Oryon V3 Phoenix M cores at 3.62 GHz. The architecture delivers significant improvements in both raw performance and power efficiency compared to the previous generation, enabling sustained high frame rates without rapid overheating.
The GPU responsibilities fall to the Adreno 840 (Realme GT 8 Pro) and Adreno 850 (iQOO 15), both providing exceptional graphics performance for demanding games and applications. Both devices offer identical memory configurations with 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB using UFS 4.1 technology. The UFS 4.1 storage delivers blazing-fast read and write speeds crucial for loading large games and transferring files.
Realme GT 8 Pro: R1 Graphics Enhancement
The Realme GT 8 Pro incorporates Realme’s custom R1 graphics chip to augment the Snapdragon processor’s capabilities. This dedicated display and gaming enhancement chip supports over 10 popular titles including Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail, enabling 2K super resolution upscaling and 144Hz frame interpolation. In testing, Honor of Kings maintained a nearly perfect 120 FPS with virtually no frame drops throughout extended gaming sessions.
During a half-hour high-load Genshin Impact test at maximum settings, the device averaged 58.48 frames per second with power consumption of 6.1 watts. While the back panel temperature reached 46.7°C, the thermal management system kept performance stable without significant throttling. The 7000mAh battery combined with efficient cooling allows the GT 8 Pro to handle intensive gaming workloads while maintaining acceptable temperatures.
iQOO 15: Q3 Gaming Chip Advantage
The iQOO 15’s secret weapon is its dedicated Q3 gaming chip, which fundamentally changes mobile gaming performance. This custom processor enables real-time ray tracing in Genshin Impact, making the iQOO 15 the first smartphone to support this advanced lighting technology in the popular game. The Q3 chip also provides super resolution upscaling that sharpens mobile game visuals beyond their native resolution, functioning as a “mobile DLSS” equivalent.
Gaming tests demonstrate the iQOO 15’s exceptional capabilities. In Honor of Kings, the device maintained a rock-solid 144 FPS with virtually no frame drops. Genshin Impact at highest settings and 60 FPS produced a nearly straight frame rate line with only minor dips during ultimate ability animations or map loading. The “Ray Tracing Quality” mode enhanced lighting and shadows without affecting the stable 60 FPS performance. In Wuthering Waves and Delta Force at 144 FPS mode, the phone held steady at 140+ FPS throughout 15-minute matches.
The device completed an 11-hour and 21-minute battery life test under heavy gaming loads, representing nearly a 2-hour improvement compared to its predecessor. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Q3 chip, and Origin OS 6 optimization creates what reviewers call “a benchmark product for performance flagships”.
Both phones deliver exceptional performance, but the iQOO 15’s Q3 chip and gaming-specific optimizations give it a meaningful advantage for users who prioritize gaming above all else. The Realme GT 8 Pro remains highly capable for gaming while offering a more balanced approach to overall performance.
Camera Systems
Realme GT 8 Pro: Ricoh GR Partnership Excellence
The Realme GT 8 Pro represents the first collaboration between Realme and legendary camera manufacturer Ricoh GR, bringing professional photography expertise to smartphone imaging. The triple-camera system is headlined by a 50MP Ricoh GR anti-glare main sensor with a 1/1.56-inch sensor size and f/1.8 aperture. This primary camera utilizes a specialized 7-element lens array with ultra-low-reflection coating achieving 97% light transmittance, significantly reducing glare and producing cleaner, more realistic images.
The system emulates Ricoh’s classic 28mm and 40mm focal lengths and features five Ricoh-inspired film tones to capture the signature GR texture that photographers love. Users can engage the dedicated GR mode which recreates the shooting experience and photo style of actual Ricoh cameras, though it cannot fully replace the optical quality of dedicated cameras like the GR3X.
The camera array includes a 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP5 periscope telephoto lens with Super QPD autofocus, 3x optical zoom, and the capability to record 8K video at 30fps. This massive resolution sensor enables impressive digital zoom capabilities up to 120x, maintaining detail at zoom levels where most competitors show only blur. Completing the setup is a 50MP ultrawide camera with f/2.0 aperture and 116-degree field of view, plus a 32MP front-facing camera with f/2.4 aperture for selfies and video calls.
Reviewers note that while the Realme GT 8 Pro delivers excellent results worthy of its flagship positioning, it doesn’t quite match the absolute best camera phones on the market. The Ricoh tuning excels in daylight conditions with accurate exposure control and color reproduction. The telephoto performs admirably at 3x and even 10x zoom, maintaining color consistency and clarity. However, in challenging night scenes, the telephoto shows slight oversaturation and detail loss at 3x zoom.
iQOO 15: Triple 50MP Sony Excellence
The iQOO 15 takes a different approach with an all-50MP triple camera system prioritizing consistency across focal lengths. The primary camera uses a Sony IMX921 sensor with a 1/1.56-inch size and f/1.88 aperture, featuring optical image stabilization for sharper handheld shots. This main sensor delivers excellent results in daylight with good exposure control and color reproduction, though it focuses more on practical photography than artistic expression.
The ultrawide camera features a 50MP sensor with f/2.05 aperture and a 1/2.76-inch size, providing consistency in color and processing with the main camera. The standout is the 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with f/2.65 aperture, 1/2.51-inch sensor size, optical image stabilization, and genuine 3x optical zoom. This telephoto extends to 6x lossless zoom and performs admirably in most lighting conditions. A 32MP front camera handles selfies and video calls.
According to comprehensive reviews, the iQOO 15 delivers “decent imaging” that exceeds typical gaming phone standards but falls short of true flagship camera performance. In daylight, the main camera performs well with good exposure control and color reproduction. The 3x and 10x telephoto shots maintain acceptable quality with color consistency and clarity, setting it apart from gaming phones that typically sacrifice camera quality. Night photography shows respectable results from the main camera with good color and glare control, though the telephoto struggles slightly with oversaturation and detail loss at 3x zoom.
The Realme GT 8 Pro’s 200MP telephoto sensor and Ricoh partnership give it a substantial advantage in camera versatility and photographic capability, making it the clear choice for users who prioritize photography. The iQOO 15 delivers competent camera performance that exceeds gaming phone expectations but cannot match the Realme’s imaging prowess.
Battery Life and Charging
Identical Capacity, Different Charging Speeds
Both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 pack massive 7000mAh batteries split between two silicon-carbon cells, representing some of the largest capacities available in flagship smartphones. This enormous power reserve enables all-day heavy usage including intensive gaming sessions, 4K video streaming, and photography without anxiety about running out of charge. The silicon-carbon battery technology provides higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells while maintaining safety and longevity.
Battery life testing reveals impressive endurance from both devices. In a rigorous 5-hour mixed-usage test, the Realme GT 8 Pro retained 55% battery at the end, which reviewers characterized as standard for this capacity. Remarkably, after the battery showed zero and the phone shutdown, it could still play Genshin Impact for another hour plus half an hour of PUBG. This performance means the device easily handles a full day of heavy use including gaming.
The iQOO 15 demonstrated even more impressive results in durability testing. In a “test-to-death” battery life model, it lasted for 11 hours and 21 minutes under continuous heavy load, representing nearly a 2-hour improvement compared to its predecessor. Both phones benefit from sophisticated power management in their respective operating systems that intelligently balance performance with battery preservation.
Realme GT 8 Pro: Faster Charging Speeds
The Realme GT 8 Pro supports 120W wired fast charging using UFCS, PD, PPS, and QC protocols, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 15 minutes and full charge in 43 minutes. The wireless charging reaches 50W, taking approximately 79 minutes for a complete charge. These speeds rank among the fastest available in any smartphone globally, dramatically reducing the time users spend tethered to chargers.
iQOO 15: Solid But Slower
The iQOO 15 features 100W wired fast charging compatible with PD and PPS protocols. In testing, a full charge took approximately 56 minutes and 40 seconds including a trickle charge period of about 40 seconds. The wireless charging maxes out at 40W, which while respectable, lags behind the Realme’s capabilities. The slower charging speeds represent the primary battery-related disadvantage compared to the Realme GT 8 Pro.
For users who frequently need quick top-ups between activities, the Realme GT 8 Pro’s faster charging speeds provide meaningful convenience. However, both phones’ massive 7000mAh capacities mean charging frequency is minimized regardless of which device you choose.
Software and User Experience
Realme UI 7.0 vs Origin OS 6
The Realme GT 8 Pro runs Realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16, offering a refined and feature-rich experience that balances customization with usability. Realme UI maintains close ties to its OPPO ColorOS roots while incorporating unique features that cater to the GT series’ performance-oriented audience. The interface emphasizes smooth animations, comprehensive customization options, and intelligent features powered by AI.
The iQOO 15 operates on Origin OS 6 also based on Android 16, specifically tuned for gaming performance and efficiency. Origin OS has gained recognition for its stable, top-tier tuning that optimizes system resources for maximum performance. The software includes dedicated gaming modes, enhanced notification management during gameplay, and system-level optimizations that squeeze every bit of performance from the hardware. Reviewers consistently praise Origin OS for creating “a benchmark product for performance flagships” through its careful balancing of power and efficiency.
Both operating systems provide extensive customization, comprehensive security features, and access to the full Android app ecosystem. The choice between them largely depends on personal preference, with Realme UI offering broader appeal for general users and Origin OS optimizing specifically for gaming enthusiasts.
Additional Features
The Realme GT 8 Pro includes dual stereo speakers with AAC’s 0816 ultra-wideband pulse motor for layered haptic feedback. The haptic system is designed primarily to enhance gaming vibration feedback but remains impressively restrained in daily use, never feeling distracting or out of place. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, infrared blaster, and comprehensive sensor arrays including light, proximity, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope.
The iQOO 15 similarly features dual stereo speakers using the same 1115e speakers found in flagship devices, delivering sound quality that places it in the top tier among Android devices. The device includes dual X-axis linear motors and dual-axis vibration motors providing precise haptic feedback during gaming. Connectivity matches the Realme with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, infrared, and a full complement of sensors.
Both phones incorporate ultrasonic fingerprint sensors positioned under the display, offering faster and more reliable authentication than optical alternatives. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack or microSD card expansion, standard omissions in modern flagship smartphones.
Pricing and Value Proposition
China Market Pricing
In the Chinese market, the Realme GT 8 Pro starts at CNY 3,999 (approximately $562 or ₹46,000) for the 12GB RAM with 256GB storage variant. Higher configurations include 16GB+256GB (CNY 4,299/₹53,000), 12GB+512GB (CNY 4,499/₹56,000), 16GB+512GB (CNY 4,699/₹58,000), and the top-tier 16GB+1TB (CNY 5,199/₹64,000).
The iQOO 15 pricing begins at CNY 4,199 (approximately $580 or ₹52,000) for its base 12GB+256GB model. Additional variants include 12GB+512GB (CNY 4,699), 16GB+256GB (CNY 4,499), 16GB+512GB (CNY 4,999), and 16GB+1TB (CNY 5,499/₹68,000). The iQOO 15 commands a premium of approximately CNY 200-300 (₹2,000-3,000) across equivalent configurations.
India Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing
The iQOO 15 is confirmed to launch in India during November 2025, with reports suggesting a specific date of November 27th. The expected Indian pricing sits around ₹59,999 for the base variant, positioning it competitively in the premium flagship segment.
The Realme GT 8 Pro is anticipated to arrive in the Indian market during December 2025, approximately one month after its Chinese launch. Industry experts predict Indian pricing between ₹55,000 to ₹65,000 depending on configuration, with the base model likely starting around ₹60,000. Some analysts suggest that if Realme can position the starting price closer to ₹55,000 or even ₹50,000, it would become “definitely quite sellable” and attract significant consumer interest.
Value Analysis
The Realme GT 8 Pro offers compelling value by delivering more premium features including the brighter display, superior camera system with Ricoh partnership, faster charging speeds, and innovative modular design at a lower price point than the iQOO 15. For users seeking the best overall value with balanced flagship capabilities, the Realme GT 8 Pro represents the stronger choice.
The iQOO 15 justifies its slightly higher price through its dedicated Q3 gaming chip, superior gaming optimizations, and refined Origin OS experience. For serious mobile gamers who demand the absolute best performance and are willing to sacrifice some camera capability for gaming excellence, the premium pricing remains reasonable.
User Ratings and Reception
Realme GT 8 Pro Reviews
Early reviews of the Realme GT 8 Pro emphasize its well-rounded nature as a flagship device. Reviewers praise the Ricoh GR camera collaboration for bringing emotional value and creative tools to smartphone photography, noting that the unique imaging style appeals to photography enthusiasts. The swappable camera module design receives particular acclaim as a rare example of genuine innovation in smartphone design, offering personalization options unprecedented in the industry.
Critics note that while the GT 8 Pro upgrades imaging and display capabilities significantly, it maintains the GT series tradition of strong gaming performance. The device is characterized as striking an excellent balance between being a dedicated performance machine and a versatile flagship. Users appreciate the comprehensive feature set that addresses previous shortcomings while delivering unique design elements rarely seen in modern smartphones.
Some reviewers point out that the camera system, while excellent, cannot fully compete with absolute top-tier camera phones, and the Ricoh collaboration produces results more similar to the Oppo Find X9 Pro (which also uses similar sensors) than fundamentally different. The pricing represents a CNY 300 increase over the previous GT 7 Pro, prompting discussion about value relative to the added features.
iQOO 15 Reviews
The iQOO 15 has generated enthusiastic reception, particularly among gaming enthusiasts. The device broke sales records in China, selling in just 30 minutes what its predecessor sold in its first full day, demonstrating strong consumer interest. Reviewers consistently highlight the Q3 gaming chip as a game-changing feature that enables capabilities like real-time ray tracing and super resolution upscaling previously unavailable on mobile devices.
The gaming performance receives universal praise, with testers noting the phone maintains consistently high frame rates across demanding titles without significant throttling or overheating. The 7000mAh battery combined with efficient power management enables marathon gaming sessions that outlast competing devices. The Origin OS 6 software earns recognition for its stability and gaming-specific optimizations that maximize hardware potential.
Camera performance represents the primary criticism, with reviewers noting that while the triple 50MP system exceeds typical gaming phone standards, it falls short of true flagship imaging capabilities. The iQOO 15 is characterized as a device that “can be said to have become a benchmark product for performance flagships” that seriously focuses on its positioning rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
On review aggregator GSMarena, users express mixed opinions about certain omissions like the lack of FM radio and eSIM support, though these represent minor concerns relative to the overall package. The general consensus positions the iQOO 15 as an excellent choice for gamers seeking flagship performance without the extreme pricing of ultra-premium devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which phone has better battery life: Realme GT 8 Pro or iQOO 15?
Both phones feature identical 7000mAh batteries with similar battery life performance. In testing, the iQOO 15 lasted 11 hours and 21 minutes under continuous heavy load, while the Realme GT 8 Pro demonstrated excellent endurance with 55% remaining after 5 hours of mixed usage. The main difference is charging speed – the Realme GT 8 Pro supports faster 120W wired and 50W wireless charging compared to the iQOO 15’s 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
Is the Realme GT 8 Pro camera better than the iQOO 15?
Yes, the Realme GT 8 Pro offers a superior camera system. It features a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 120x digital zoom capability and Ricoh GR imaging partnership, compared to the iQOO 15’s 50MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The Ricoh collaboration brings professional photography features and unique film tones. However, the iQOO 15’s triple 50MP system still delivers competent photography that exceeds typical gaming phone standards.
Which phone is better for gaming: Realme GT 8 Pro or iQOO 15?
The iQOO 15 is the better choice for gaming. It features a dedicated Q3 gaming chip that enables real-time ray tracing in Genshin Impact and super resolution upscaling. In tests, it maintained 144 FPS in Honor of Kings and stable 60 FPS in Genshin Impact with ray tracing enabled. The Origin OS 6 software provides superior gaming optimizations. While the Realme GT 8 Pro with its R1 chip also delivers excellent gaming performance, the iQOO 15’s specialized gaming hardware gives it the edge.
What is the price difference between Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15?
In China, the Realme GT 8 Pro starts at CNY 3,999 (~₹46,000) while the iQOO 15 starts at CNY 4,199 (~₹52,000), making the Realme approximately ₹6,000 cheaper. For the India launch, the iQOO 15 is expected to cost around ₹59,999 (launching November 2025), while the Realme GT 8 Pro is anticipated to be priced between ₹55,000-65,000 (launching December 2025). The Realme GT 8 Pro offers better value with more premium features at a lower price.
When will the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 launch in India?
The iQOO 15 is confirmed to launch in India in November 2025, with reports suggesting November 27th as the specific date. The Realme GT 8 Pro is expected to arrive approximately one month later in December 2025. Both phones launched in China in October 2025 before their international rollout.
Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 are 5G-enabled smartphones with comprehensive connectivity features including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and infrared blaster. They support multiple 5G bands for global compatibility and include dual SIM slots for flexibility.
Which phone has a brighter display?
The Realme GT 8 Pro has a significantly brighter display with 7000 nits peak brightness compared to the iQOO 15’s 2600 nits. This gives the Realme GT 8 Pro nearly 3x the brightness advantage, ensuring superior outdoor visibility and exceptional HDR content viewing. Both phones feature 6.8+ inch LTPO AMOLED displays with 144Hz refresh rates and QHD+ resolution.
Can I expand storage on these phones?
No, neither the Realme GT 8 Pro nor the iQOO 15 support microSD card expansion. However, both phones offer generous internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB using fast UFS 4.1 technology. For most users, even the base 256GB variant provides ample storage for apps, games, photos, and videos.
Are the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 waterproof?
Yes, both phones carry comprehensive water and dust resistance with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings. This means they can withstand dust, water immersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes (IP68), and high-pressure water jets (IP69). Both devices are well-protected against environmental elements during daily use.
What makes the Realme GT 8 Pro’s design unique?
The Realme GT 8 Pro features an innovative modular camera module system that allows users to physically swap out the camera housing design using two Torx screws and magnetic attachments. Realme provides three official styles (square, circular, and robot-inspired) and has released 3D printing files for custom modules. This level of personalization is unprecedented in flagship smartphones.
Which phone is lighter and thinner?
The iQOO 15 is slightly lighter at 215g compared to the Realme GT 8 Pro’s 218g (a 3-gram difference). The iQOO 15 is also marginally thinner at 8.1mm versus 8.2mm. However, both phones are remarkably compact considering they pack 7000mAh batteries, and the weight difference is barely noticeable in daily use.
Do these phones have headphone jacks?
No, neither the Realme GT 8 Pro nor the iQOO 15 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is standard for modern flagship smartphones. Both devices support high-quality wireless audio through Bluetooth 6.0 and feature dual stereo speakers for excellent built-in sound quality.
Which phone offers better value for money?
The Realme GT 8 Pro offers better overall value. It provides more premium features including a brighter display (7000 nits), superior camera system with 200MP telephoto and Ricoh partnership, faster charging (120W/50W), and innovative modular design at a lower price point. The iQOO 15 justifies its higher price for dedicated gamers who prioritize the Q3 gaming chip and specialized gaming optimizations.
What processors do these phones use?
Both phones are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset built on 3nm process technology, featuring an octa-core CPU with cores running up to 4.6 GHz. The key difference is additional processing: the Realme GT 8 Pro includes an R1 graphics chip for display enhancement, while the iQOO 15 features a dedicated Q3 gaming chip that enables advanced features like real-time ray tracing.
Which phone should I buy for photography?
Choose the Realme GT 8 Pro for photography. Its 200MP periscope telephoto lens, Ricoh GR imaging partnership, and professional camera features make it significantly better for photography enthusiasts. The Ricoh collaboration brings unique film tones and imaging styles that appeal to creative photographers. The iQOO 15’s camera system is competent but focuses more on practicality than artistic expression.
Final Verdict: Which Phone Should You Buy?
Choose the Realme GT 8 Pro If You:
-
Prioritize photography and camera versatility, particularly the 200MP telephoto and Ricoh GR imaging partnership
-
Value display brightness for outdoor use and HDR content consumption (7000 nits peak)
-
Appreciate design customization with the unique swappable camera module system
-
Want faster charging speeds with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
-
Seek better overall value with more premium features at a lower price point
-
Prefer a balanced flagship experience that excels across multiple categories rather than specializing
The Realme GT 8 Pro represents the better choice for most consumers, offering exceptional versatility, superior camera capabilities, and innovative design features that justify its flagship status. Its lower pricing combined with premium specifications makes it the value champion in this comparison.
Choose the iQOO 15 If You:
-
Prioritize gaming performance above all else, benefiting from the dedicated Q3 gaming chip
-
Want the absolute best gaming optimizations with ray tracing and super resolution support
-
Prefer Origin OS 6 for its gaming-focused features and stable performance
-
Value unique gaming features like the RGB Energy Halo responsive lighting
-
Need a lighter device at 215g versus 218g
-
Want earlier availability with the November 2025 India launch versus December
The iQOO 15 excels as a gaming-focused flagship that doesn’t completely sacrifice other features. Its dedicated gaming hardware and software optimizations create an unmatched mobile gaming experience for serious enthusiasts willing to accept competent rather than exceptional camera performance.
The Bottom Line
Both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 represent exceptional flagship smartphones that deliver tremendous value in their respective price ranges. They share core strengths including the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, massive 7000mAh batteries, brilliant 144Hz displays, and comprehensive build quality with IP68/IP69 ratings.
The Realme GT 8 Pro emerges as the winner for most users through its superior camera system, brighter display, faster charging, innovative modular design, and lower pricing. It delivers a more balanced flagship experience that excels across multiple use cases rather than specializing narrowly.
The iQOO 15 claims victory specifically for mobile gaming enthusiasts who demand the absolute best performance and are willing to accept camera compromises in exchange for gaming excellence. Its Q3 chip and Origin OS optimizations create gaming capabilities unmatched by any other smartphone currently available.
Ultimately, your choice should reflect your primary smartphone usage patterns. Photography enthusiasts, content creators, and users seeking well-rounded flagship experiences will find greater satisfaction with the Realme GT 8 Pro. Serious mobile gamers who spend hours daily in demanding titles should strongly consider the iQOO 15’s specialized capabilities.
Resources: Croma Unboxed, Cashify, GsmArena, NotebookCheck
