Highlights
- The iQOO 16 5G has resurfaced on the IMEI database with model number I2601.
- Expected specs include a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, 6.85-inch 2K OLED display with 165Hz refresh rate, triple 50MP camera setup and above 8,000mAh battery.
- Launch timeline suggests a China debut in October 2026 and India launch in November or December.
iQOO appears to be preparing for the launch of its next flagship smartphone, the iQOO 16 5G. The device has now surfaced once again on the IMEI database confirming rumours about its upcoming debut in both global and Indian markets. Here are more details.
iQOO 16 5G on IMEI Database
The smartphone was initially spotted on the IMEI database back in April although the earlier listing did not reveal its model number. A fresh report from PassionateGeekz has now shared new details from another IMEI database appearance confirming more information about the device.
According to the latest listing, the upcoming iQOO smartphone carries the model number I2601.
The database entry confirms the marketing name as iQOO 16 adding further credibility to speculation surrounding its official launch later this year
The certification listing also suggests that iQOO may already be testing regional variants of the smartphone for India as well as global markets ahead of the launch.
iQOO 16 5G – Features (Expected)
Previous leaks about iQOO 16 indicate that the smartphone could be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. The device is also expected to feature a 6.85-inch Samsung OLED display with 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate.
The smartphone is tipped to include an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner.
Tipsters have also leaked camera details and revealed that the engineering prototype currently features a 50-megapixel primary rear camera with a large 1/1.3-inch sensor. The setup is also expected to include a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor.
The iQOO 16 is further rumoured to pack a battery larger than 8,000mAh. On the software front, the smartphone could run Android 17 with OriginOS 7 skin on top.
Launch Timeline
As for the launch timeline, the iQOO 16 is expected to debut in China around October this year. The India launch could reportedly take place later possibly in November or December.
We can expect a more concrete timeline to emerge in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q1. What confirms the upcoming launch of iQOO 16 5G?
Answer. The smartphone has appeared again on the IMEI database with model number I2601, confirming its marketing name and hinting at India and global launches.
Q2. What are the expected key specifications of iQOO 16 5G?
Answer. It may feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset, 6.85-inch 2K OLED display with 165Hz refresh rate, triple 50MP camera setup, and a battery over 8,000mAh.
Q3. When is the iQOO 16 5G expected to launch?
Answer. The device is tipped to debut in China around October 2026, with India launch likely in November or December.
