1. Design and Display
Build and Feel
Both smartphones offer premium materials and water resistance, giving them a flagship-level sense of durability. The iQOO 15 adds a color-changing rear panel, which makes it visually striking and more playful, whereas the Redmi K90 Pro Max leans toward a cleaner, more professional finish. Its aluminum frame and reinforced glass help it feel slightly more robust. Buyers who value aesthetics may find the iQOO more expressive, while those preferring a classic flagship look may appreciate Redmi’s design approach.
Display Quality
The iQOO 15 uses an LTPO AMOLED panel with a higher refresh rate and more advanced brightness levels, resulting in a display that feels livelier and more refined for gaming and HDR content. Redmi counters with a vibrant AMOLED screen as well, delivering excellent clarity and smoothness, though its resolution is lower. The K90 Pro Max prioritizes efficiency and viewing comfort with high-frequency PWM, making it suitable for long usage without eye fatigue.
Verdict
The iQOO 15 pulls ahead in sheer display sharpness and premium feel, while the Redmi K90 Pro Max offers a durable build and comfortable long-term viewing. The choice boils down to vibrancy versus practicality.
2. Specifications
Performance
Both devices run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, ensuring top-tier performance suitable for heavy multitasking and long-term software support. App launches, animations, and gaming responsiveness feel equally flagship-level on both. The iQOO 15, however, benefits from a more gaming-tuned optimization style, giving it a slight edge when sustained performance and thermal stability matter most. Redmi’s HyperOS approach feels more balanced and polished, appealing to users wanting smooth everyday handling over competitive performance.
Battery and Charging
Redmi K90 Pro Max packs a larger battery and matches the iQOO’s fast wired charging while also offering stronger wireless and reverse wireless capabilities. This gives it a more flexible charging ecosystem. The iQOO 15 remains efficient and charges quickly, but its wireless speeds are lower. Overall endurance tends to favor the Redmi, especially for users who depend heavily on wireless charging or extended screen-on usage.
Verdict
Both phones excel in raw performance, but Redmi’s bigger battery and more capable charging system give it a practical advantage for heavy users.
3. Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses
Both phones include triple-camera setups with large sensors and OIS. The iQOO 15 delivers consistent results with strong clarity and color balance, especially useful for action shots and quick captures. Its 3x periscope lens offers good zoom versatility without sacrificing detail. The Redmi K90 Pro Max pushes harder with a larger primary sensor and a 5x optical zoom periscope, allowing for more confident low-light shots and cleaner long-range detail. Its color spectrum sensor also helps maintain accuracy in difficult lighting.
Selfie Camera
Both provide a 32 MP front camera capable of sharp 4K video. The iQOO produces natural skin tones and slightly smoother HDR handling, making it suitable for creators. Redmi focuses on a sharper, contrast-heavy output that appeals to users who prefer vivid, punchy selfies.
Verdict
Redmi K90 Pro Max leads in zoom and primary sensor performance, making it more versatile. The iQOO 15 remains strong, especially for fast, reliable captures and balanced colors.
4. Pricing
The Redmi K90 Pro Max delivers an aggressive price-to-performance ratio at around $550, making it one of the most value-packed flagships currently available. With a bigger battery, stronger zoom system, and premium audio tuning, its lower price feels extremely competitive.
The iQOO 15, priced at around $650, justifies the extra cost through its sharper display, gaming-oriented optimization, and a more premium visual experience. For users who prioritize display fidelity and performance tuning, the higher price may feel reasonable.
Budget-conscious buyers who still want top-tier hardware will naturally gravitate toward Redmi’s offering, while performance-focused users willing to pay a bit more may prefer the iQOO approach.
Overall, Redmi offers better pure value, but iQOO appeals to those who want a more polished flagship experience.
Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, and applicable taxes.
5. Conclusion
The iQOO 15 stands out with its ultra-sharp LTPO display, color-changing panel, and gaming-tuned optimizations that deliver stable performance even under heavy load. Its clean imaging style and dependable processing make it ideal for users who want a visually striking yet performance-driven device.
The Redmi K90 Pro Max distinguishes itself through its larger battery, superior zoom capabilities, enhanced wireless charging, and Bose-tuned audio system. It offers a strong all-rounder identity, blending multimedia, battery endurance, and camera versatility into a compelling package for everyday users and creators alike.
Verdict
Choose the iQOO 15 for a premium screen, performance refinements, and a flagship feel focused on speed and smoothness. Choose the Redmi K90 Pro Max if value, battery life, audio quality, and camera versatility are your top priorities. Both are excellent, but each excels for different types of users.
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