iQOO 16 Launch May Bring 8400mAh Battery And IP69 Protection

The launch of the iQOO 16 is reportedly getting closer, and fresh leaks are adding more details to the companys upcoming flagship smartphone. The latest information focuses mainly on the battery, while earlier reports have also pointed towards a major display and performance upgrade.

According to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, the iQOO 16 could carry an 8400mAh battery. This is slightly lower than the 8500mAh capacity mentioned in an earlier leak from the same source, but it would still represent a substantial increase over the previous generation.

For comparison, the iQOO 15 is reported to feature a 7000mAh battery. If the latest leak turns out to be accurate, the iQOO 16 would therefore bring a sizeable increase in battery capacity. The larger battery could become one of the phones main attractions, particularly for users who spend long hours gaming, watching videos or using demanding applications.

The display is also expected to receive considerable attention. Reports suggest that the iQOO 16 may feature a 6.85 inch 2K screen, positioning it firmly in the premium flagship category. A high resolution panel of this size could offer sharper visuals and a more detailed viewing experience.

Another feature reportedly under development is a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner placed beneath the display. Unlike conventional optical scanners, ultrasonic technology uses sound waves to identify the fingerprint. The final implementation and performance of the scanner will only become clear once the company officially introduces the phone.

Camera changes are also expected with the new model. The iQOO 16 is reportedly being tested with a 50MP primary camera using an OmniVision OV50Q sensor. While the megapixel count itself is not unusual for a flagship smartphone, the sensor and image processing could have a bigger impact on the final photography experience.

The rear camera design may also look different from the previous generation. Leaked information points towards a square camera island with rounded edges. The phone could use a three camera arrangement, giving the rear panel a noticeably different appearance.

Some variants are also expected to feature a textured finish on the rear panel. Such a design could help the phone stand apart from more conventional flagship models, although the exact colours and materials have not yet been confirmed.

Performance is likely to be another major focus. The iQOO 16 is tipped to use a next generation Qualcomm Snapdragon flagship processor, reportedly referred to in leaks as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. However, the chipset itself has not been officially introduced, so the name and specifications should be treated cautiously until Qualcomm and iQOO provide confirmation.

The phone is also expected to offer up to 16GB of RAM. Combined with a flagship processor, this configuration would give iQOO plenty of room to position the device as a performance focused smartphone. It could be particularly appealing to users interested in gaming and demanding multitasking.

Software may receive a major update as well. The iQOO 16 is expected to arrive with Android 17, although the company has not yet confirmed the software version or its launch schedule.

Durability could become another important selling point. Reports claim that the smartphone may receive both IP68 and IP69 ratings. If confirmed, this would indicate stronger protection against dust and water compared with many ordinary smartphones. The exact testing standards and regional specifications will need to be confirmed by iQOO.

The launch is currently expected to take place in September, most likely in China first. However, iQOO has not officially announced the launch date, pricing or complete specifications.

With a much larger battery, a high resolution display, a new camera design and a powerful processor expected, the iQOO 16 could be one of the companys more ambitious flagship launches. For now, though, these details remain based on leaks and reports, and the final hardware may differ when iQOO officially unveils the phone.