iQOO 16 Tipped to Use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro Chipset

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-Kabir Jain

Published: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 16:05 [IST]

iQOO’s next flagship is still a few months away, but early details are already pouring left and right.

The iQOO 16 name has appeared in the IMEI database, and a new leak now sheds light on what could power the device.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the iQOO 16 may use Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. This chip is part of Qualcomm’s next-generation lineup, which is expected to include two variants, though the official naming hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Display Could Focus On High Refresh Rates

Alongside the chipset, the leak also points to a display upgrade. The iQOO 16 is said to feature a 2K Samsung panel with a flat design. What stands out is the refresh rate, which could go as high as 165Hz or even 185Hz based on earlier reports.

Camera Setup Tipped With 200MP Sensor

On the camera side, the phone is expected to include a 200-megapixel primary sensor. It may be paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.

Other hardware details are still under wraps, but the overall direction seems to point toward a performance-focused flagship with a strong camera setup.

Software And Expected Timeline

The iQOO 16 is expected to launch around October this year in China. It may come preloaded with OriginOS 7 based on Android 17, though that will likely be confirmed closer to launch.

The base variant is expected to offer 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Pricing is tipped to be around 5,000 Yuan, which is roughly $730.

More Devices In The Pipeline

Separately, iQOO is also said to be working on the iQOO 15T. This device could launch earlier, possibly by mid-2026, and may bring a different focus with features like a built-in cooling fan.

Still Early Days

As with most early leaks, these details should be taken cautiously. With the launch still months away, specifications and features could change before the final announcement.