iQOO was introduced by vivo in February 2019 as a performance-oriented smartphone brand. Unlike vivo’s mainstream lineup, iQOO was created to focus on users who prioritize processing power, gaming, speed, and advanced charging technologies.

The first iQOO smartphone was launched in March 2019, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 chipset, gaming enhancements, liquid cooling, and fast charging—features that immediately positioned the brand as a flagship challenger. [2]

Since then, iQOO has expanded rapidly, introducing multiple smartphone series aimed at different price segments while maintaining a strong emphasis on performance.

The name iQOO stands for:

I Quest On and On

According to the company, this represents:

• Constant technological exploration

• Innovation without limits

• High-performance experiences

• Passion for gaming and esports

• Delivering flagship technology at accessible prices

The brand primarily targets:

• Mobile gamers

• Young professionals

• Tech enthusiasts

• Power users

• Consumers seeking strong value for money

[3]

iQOO offers several smartphone families:

Number Series

The flagship lineup featuring the latest processors, premium displays, advanced cameras, and the newest charging technologies.

Examples include:

• iQOO 12

• iQOO 13

• iQOO 15 (regional availability varies)

Neo Series

Designed to deliver flagship-level performance at a more affordable price.

Features commonly include:

• High-refresh-rate AMOLED displays

• Powerful Snapdragon or MediaTek processors

• Large batteries

• Fast charging

• Gaming-focused software

Popular models:

• iQOO Neo 7

• iQOO Neo 8

• iQOO Neo 9

• iQOO Neo 10

Z Series

A budget and mid-range lineup focused on balancing performance, battery life, and affordability.

Typical features:

• Large batteries

• Efficient processors

• High-refresh-rate displays

• Competitive pricing

High Performance

iQOO devices frequently use flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek Dimensity processors to deliver strong gaming and multitasking performance.

Fast Charging

One of iQOO’s signature strengths is ultra-fast charging technology.

Milestones include:

• 44W FlashCharge

• 66W FlashCharge

• 80W FlashCharge

• 120W FlashCharge

• 200W FlashCharge (introduced on the iQOO 10 series)

These technologies significantly reduce charging times. [4]

Gaming Features

Many iQOO phones include:

• Vapor chamber cooling

• Dedicated gaming modes

• High touch sampling rates

• Stereo speakers

• Linear vibration motors

• High-refresh-rate displays (120 Hz or 144 Hz on select models)

• AI gaming optimizations

Display Technology

Depending on the model, iQOO devices may feature:

• AMOLED panels

• LTPO technology

• HDR10+

• High brightness

• Smooth high-refresh-rate screens

Software varies by market:

• OriginOS (China)

• Funtouch OS (Global markets)

Both are based on Android and include:

• Performance optimization

• Gaming tools

• Privacy controls

• Multi-window support

• Customization features

iQOO products generally emphasize:

• Speed

• Performance

• Bold styling

• Racing-inspired aesthetics

• Premium materials on flagship models

Some editions feature distinctive designs inspired by motorsport.

In 2020, iQOO became a premium partner of BMW M Motorsport. The collaboration has influenced special-edition devices and reinforced the brand’s association with speed, precision, and performance. [5]

Esports has been a central part of iQOO’s identity. The brand has:

• Sponsored professional esports teams

• Partnered with major mobile gaming tournaments

• Promoted gaming-focused events

• Collaborated with gaming organizations such as EDward Gaming (EDG)

[6]

iQOO has established a significant presence in:

• China

• India

• Indonesia

• Thailand

• Malaysia

• United Arab Emirates

• Other selected international markets

Its availability varies by region, and some models are released only in specific markets. [7]

The brand is widely recognized for:

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio

• Powerful processors

• Industry-leading fast charging

• Strong gaming performance

• Efficient thermal management

• High-quality AMOLED displays

• Large batteries

Some considerations include:

• Camera performance may not always match similarly priced photography-focused flagships.

• Software experience differs between Chinese (OriginOS) and global (Funtouch OS) models.

• Product availability is limited in some countries.

• Global software updates may vary by region and device.

• 2019 – Brand launched under vivo.

• 2019 – First iQOO smartphone released.

• 2020 – Entered the Indian market.

• 2020 – Partnership with BMW M Motorsport announced.

• 2021 – Introduced the iQOO 8 series with Samsung E5 display technology.

• 2022 – Released the iQOO 10 series featuring industry-leading 200W FlashCharge.

• 2022 – Partnered with esports organization EDward Gaming (EDG). [8]

iQOO has built a reputation as a performance-first smartphone brand, often competing with brands such as Xiaomi, POCO, OnePlus, and realme in the upper mid-range and flagship segments. Its devices are especially popular among users seeking strong gaming capabilities, fast charging, and flagship hardware at competitive prices. [9]

1. iQOO Global

2. IQOO

3. Anyone interested in technology knows what iQOO offers: Nipun Marya, CEO

4. iQOO: All you need to know about one of India’s fastest growing Smartphone brand

5. i Quest on and on…

6. iQOO Global

7. About | iQOO Global

8. iqoo-website

9. The Beginning of iQOO: A Brand Built for Performance