Bad news for fans of small screens: the iQOO 15 Mini has reportedly been sent to the tech graveyard. While rumors have been flipping back and forth for months, the latest word from industry insider Digital Chat Station is that the project is officially "suspended."
Why the Mini is Missing
It seems iQOO isn't just being difficult; they are following a cold, hard market reality. Compact flagships are a nightmare to build. Fitting a "Pro" camera system and the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 into a small body requires expensive, custom engineering.
The biggest hurdle? Battery life. Even with new silicon-carbon tech, a small frame can’t compete with the massive batteries found in larger phones. For iQOO—a brand obsessed with performance—launching a "gaming" phone that might throttle or die halfway through the day just wasn't worth the risk.
The Shift Toward "Max" and "Plus"
Instead of going smaller, the industry is pivoting the other way. Reports suggest that parent companies are now focusing on even larger "Max" or "Plus" models for 2026. These giants will prioritize massive vapor chambers for cooling and batteries that might actually hit the 8,000mAh mark.
While we are still seeing rumors of a OnePlus 15T or an Oppo Find X9s trying to keep the compact dream alive, they often come with compromises—like losing out on wireless charging or top-tier zoom lenses to save space.
What Was the iQOO 15 Mini?
Before it was shelved, the Mini was shaping up to be quite a powerhouse. It was expected to feature a 6.31-inch 1.5K OLED display and the Dimensity 9500 chip. If the project ever gets revived, it would have been a rare beast: a small phone with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a metal frame. For now, though, it looks like iQOO is putting all its eggs in the iQOO 15 Ultra basket.
Key points
- Project Suspended: Reports indicate iQOO has officially halted development of the 15 Mini.
- Engineering Hurdles: High costs and battery life compromises are cited as the main reasons for the kill.
- Industry Trend: Brands are moving toward larger "Max" models with 8,000mAh+ batteries for 2026.
- Market Competition: Rivals like the OnePlus 15T are still rumored but may face similar spec cuts.
- Ultra Focus: iQOO will likely shift resources to the higher-end iQOO 15 Ultra instead.
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