The race to deliver premium performance at a competitive price point is heating up in the smartphone market. Following the recent launch of the OnePlus 15R, attention is shifting to upcoming devices that promise similar flagship-level experiences without the flagship price tag. The iQOO Z11 Turbo has now stepped into the spotlight, with the company officially revealing key specifications and offering a first look at its design ahead of an imminent launch in China. This new contender is shaping up to be a compelling alternative for power users, packing the latest Qualcomm silicon, a high-resolution camera, and robust build quality into a package expected to undercut more established rivals.
Official Design and Specification Reveal
iQOO has moved beyond rumors by officially teasing the design and confirming core specifications of the Z11 Turbo. In posts on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the company showcased the phone's rear panel, which features a distinctive square-shaped camera module. Within this module sits a dual-camera array housed in a vertical, pill-shaped cutout, with the LED flash positioned separately outside the module. The overall aesthetic suggests a flat-frame design with rounded edges, aligning with current industry trends. More importantly, an iQOO product manager confirmed several key specs: the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 system-on-chip (SoC) and will feature a 6.59-inch display. The company also confirmed the inclusion of a 200-megapixel primary rear camera, an IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance, and improved battery life over its predecessor.
Confirmed iQOO Z11 Turbo Specifications (as of December 26, 2025):
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- Display: 6.59-inch flat display (type and resolution hinted by leaks)
- Primary Camera: 200MP sensor
- Durability: IP68/69 dust and water resistance rating
- Battery: Promised "improved battery life" over predecessor (large capacity rumored)
- Design: Flat frame with rounded edges, glass back, square camera module with dual sensors.
Positioning as a Value Flagship Alternative
The iQOO Z11 Turbo is strategically positioned to challenge the notion that high performance necessitates a high price. Its confirmed use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset places it in the same performance tier as recently launched devices like the OnePlus 15R, which starts at USD 699. However, based on its predecessor's pricing and market positioning, the Z11 Turbo is expected to launch at a significantly lower price point. Early reports suggest a potential direct conversion price of around USD 360 for the Chinese market, though a global variant would likely cost more. This creates a compelling value proposition, offering users access to top-tier processing power, a high-resolution camera system, and premium build features like a metal frame and glass back without the premium cost.
Comparative Context: The iQOO Z11 Turbo is positioned as a direct competitor to other value-flagship models expected in early 2026, such as the Realme Neo 8. Both are rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and exceptionally large batteries. They aim to undercut the price of recently launched devices like the OnePlus 15R, which starts at USD 699 and also uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset.
Key Features and Competitive Landscape
Beyond the confirmed specs, earlier leaks and reports paint a picture of a device focused on endurance and display quality. The smartphone is rumored to feature a 1.5K resolution LTPS OLED flat display, which should offer a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The most talked-about feature, however, is its battery. Leaks have suggested a massive battery capacity in the realm of 7,600 mAh, a figure that, if accurate, would provide a substantial advantage in battery life over most contemporary smartphones. This focus on marathon battery performance, combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5's efficiency, could make the Z11 Turbo a standout device for heavy users. It enters a competitive segment alongside devices like the also-rumored Realme Neo 8, which promises similar specs including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and an even larger 8,000 mAh battery.
Market Availability and Expectations
iQOO has announced that the Z11 Turbo is now open for pre-orders in China through the official vivo website and other online retailers, signaling a launch that is likely just days or weeks away. The company is expected to announce the official launch date and full pricing details imminently. For now, the device appears slated for a January 2026 release in its home market. Its potential to offer flagship-grade performance from Qualcomm's latest platform, coupled with a high-megapixel camera and exceptional battery capacity at a mid-range price, makes it one of the most anticipated value-oriented launches of the early new year. Its success will depend on the final pricing, software optimization, and whether iQOO chooses to bring a global model to markets outside China.