The late 2025 flagship smartphone battle is a tale of two camera philosophies. The iQOO 15 champions a balanced, consistent triple 50MP system. The Realme GT 8 Pro, however, is a specialist, countering with a revolutionary 200MP periscope telephoto and a deep, four-year Ricoh GR software partnership. In this deep dive, we compare the specs, analyze the sensors (HP5 vs. IMX921 vs. LYT700), and help you decide which system wins.
iQOO 15 vs. Realme GT 8 Pro
A Comparative Analysis of Flagship Camera Hardware
Updated: October 2025
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A Tale of Two Philosophies: Consistency vs. Specialization
This comparative analysis looks at the camera systems in the iQOO 15 and the Realme GT 8 Pro. The analysis reveals a fundamental divergence in imaging philosophy. The iQOO 15 employs a "balanced" approach, prioritizing high-level uniformity across its entire imaging system. It achieves this with a triple 50-megapixel (MP) rear camera array, ensuring a predictable user experience when switching between focal lengths.
The Realme GT 8 Pro, in contrast, adopts a strategy of aggressive specialization. It pairs competent 50MP main and ultrawide sensors with a technically groundbreaking 200MP periscope telephoto system. This hardware-centric approach is augmented by a deep, co-engineered "Ricoh GR-tuned" software ecosystem, a partnership four years in the making. This collaboration targets a specific "enthusiast" or "creative" user.
The core technical conflicts defining this comparison are:
- The Telephoto Divide: The iQOO 15’s conventional 50MP 3x optical zoom telephoto is pitted against the Realme GT 8 Pro's 200MP telephoto. The Realme's sensor is multifunctional, enabling advanced "in-sensor" lossless zoom at 6x and 12x and a unique telemacro capability.
- The Processing Pipeline: Both devices use the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform. However, the iQOO 15 incorporates its gaming-centric "Q3" co-processor, while the Realme GT 8 Pro uses a media-focused "HyperVision AI chip".
- The Software Experience: The iQOO 15 features its in-house camera software. The Realme GT 8 Pro's entire user experience is defined by the profound, UI-integrated Ricoh GR partnership.
This analysis finds that the iQOO 15 presents a robust, high-performance, and reliable all-around imaging system. The Realme GT 8 Pro is a more ambitious and specialized toolkit, offering superior zoom and creative capabilities for the photography enthusiast.
At-a-Glance Hardware Matrix
| Specification | iQOO 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Main | ||
| Megapixels | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Sensor Model | Sony IMX921 | Sony LYT700 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.56" | 1/1.56" |
| Pixel Size | 1.0µm | 1.0µm |
| Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 |
| Rear Telephoto | ||
| Megapixels | 50 MP | 200 MP |
| Sensor Model | Sony IMX882 | Samsung HP5 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.95" | 1/1.56" |
| Pixel Size | 0.8µm | 0.5µm (Bins to 1.0µm or 2.0µm) |
| Aperture | f/2.7 | f/2.6 |
| Optical Zoom | 3x | 3x (plus 6x/12x Lossless) |
| Rear Ultrawide | ||
| Megapixels | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Sensor Model | Samsung JN5 (Assumed) | Samsung JN5 (Assumed) |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/2.8" |
| Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 0.64µm (Assumed) |
| Aperture | f/2.1 | f/2.0 |
| Front-Facing | ||
| Megapixels | 32 MP | 32 MP |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 |
| Focal Length | 21mm (Wide) | 24mm (Wide) |
Interactive Data Visualization
Use these charts to visually compare the key hardware specifications. The differences, particularly in the telephoto system, become immediately clear.
Chart 1: Megapixel Distribution (Rear Lenses)
Notice the massive 200MP sensor on the Realme GT 8 Pro's telephoto lens, compared to the balanced 50MP setup on the iQOO 15.
Chart 2: Physical Sensor Size (Calculated Area)
Bigger bars represent larger sensors, which can capture more light. The Realme GT 8 Pro's telephoto sensor is the same large size as both phones' main sensors.
Key Differentiators: Infographics
Zoom Versatility
Dedicated Co-Processors
iQOO Q3 Chip
Focus: Gaming, Ray Tracing, Performance
HyperVision AI Chip
Focus: Media, AI Imaging, HDR Enhancement
Primary Camera Analysis: A Virtual Draw
The primary cameras present the closest hardware match-up. Both devices use a 50MP sensor with an identical 1/1.56-inch optical format. The iQOO 15 features the Sony IMX921, while the Realme GT 8 Pro employs the Sony LYT700. The LYTIA line is Sony's strategic successor to the IMX series, designed to offer superior low-light and HDR performance. On physical size, the main sensors are effectively a draw. However, the Realme GT 8 Pro's combination of a fractionally wider aperture and a newer-generation LYTIA stacked sensor gives it a marginal on-paper advantage in raw light-gathering potential.
Telephoto System: The 50MP IMX882 vs. The 200MP HP5
This category represents the central and most significant point of divergence. The phones adopt fundamentally different technologies for zoom photography.
iQOO 15: The Conventional Portrait Specialist
The iQOO 15 features a strong, conventional telephoto system: a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor with a 1/1.95-inch optical format and 3x optical zoom. This is a robust configuration ideal for high-quality portraits. Its limitation is its specialization. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 70 cm, rendering it physically incapable of macro photography.
Realme GT 8 Pro: The Multi-Functional Powerhouse
The Realme GT 8 Pro’s telephoto system is technically revolutionary. It uses a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor with 3x optical zoom. The most important hardware distinction is sensor size. The Realme GT 8 Pro's telephoto sensor has a 1/1.56-inch optical format—the exact same physical size as its main sensor. Compared to the iQOO 15's 1/1.95-inch telephoto sensor, the Realme's is vastly larger, allowing it to capture significantly more light.
The 200MP Versatility Advantage
The 200MP resolution is the mechanism for the lens's versatility:
- In-Sensor Zoom: The sensor uses its high pixel count for "in-sensor cropping." This enables an "up to 6x 'lossless' zoom mode" and "up to 12x lossless zoom." This effectively gives the Realme GT 8 Pro two "optical quality" focal lengths (3x and 6x) from a single module.
- Telemacro Functionality: The lens features a close-focusing distance of 10-25 cm. This, combined with the 3x optical magnification, transforms the periscope into a "makeshift macro" or "Telephoto Close-up."
Sensor Deep Dive: The Hardware Behind the Megapixels
Beyond the megapixel counts, the specific sensors used reveal the core design choices for each phone. This is where the technical philosophies truly separate.
Main Sensor: Sony IMX921 (iQOO) vs. Sony LYT700 (Realme)
This is a battle of sensor generations. Both are 1/1.56-inch sensors with 1.0µm pixels, making them functionally identical in size. The key difference is the branding: the Realme GT 8 Pro's Sony LYT700 is part of Sony's newer "LYTIA" line, which uses a stacked CMOS architecture. The iQOO 15's Sony IMX921 is part of the established IMX generation. The LYTIA stacked design separates the photodiode and transistor layers, which typically allows for a wider dynamic range and better low-light performance. While the real-world difference may be subtle, the Realme GT 8 Pro has the more modern sensor technology for its main camera.
Telephoto Sensor: Sony IMX882 (iQOO) vs. Samsung HP5 (Realme)
This is the most significant hardware difference in the entire comparison. The iQOO 15 uses a 50MP Sony IMX882, a 1/1.95-inch sensor that is a common and reliable choice for a 3x telephoto lens. It's a standard, high-quality component.
The Realme GT 8 Pro, however, uses the 200MP Samsung HP5. This sensor is a technical specialist. What's most important is its physical size: at 1/1.56-inch, it is physically much larger than the iQOO's telephoto sensor. It's the same large size as the main cameras on both phones. This large size, combined with its high resolution, is what unlocks its advanced features.
Infographic: The 200MP Samsung HP5 Specialist
The 200MP sensor doesn't just take 200MP photos. It uses "pixel binning" to adapt to any situation. (Learn more about how the HP5 compares to other sensors.)
- Native Mode (200MP): In bright light, it can use all 200 million of its tiny 0.5µm pixels for maximum detail.
- 4-in-1 Binning (50MP): It combines four pixels (0.5µm) into one larger 1.0µm pixel, resulting in a cleaner, brighter 50MP image. This is ideal for most "lossless" zoom shots.
- 16-in-1 Binning (12.5MP): In low light, it combines 16 pixels into one massive 2.0µm "Tetrapixel," creating an extremely sensitive 12.5MP image that captures more light.
This technology is why the HP5 sensor is perfect for a versatile telephoto lens, allowing it to function as a high-detail zoom, a low-light performer, and a 4K/120fps video camera.
Ancillary Systems and Processing
Ultrawide and Front-Facing
Both devices use a 50MP sensor for their ultrawide cameras, likely the same Samsung JN5. With autofocus supported on both, this category is a hardware draw. Similarly, the front-facing cameras are both 32MP units with 4K video support, representing another hardware draw.
The Processing Pipeline
Both phones are built on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SD 8 E G5) System-on-a-Chip. This platform includes the powerful Qualcomm Spectra AI ISP, which serves as the foundation for both camera systems. Where the phones diverge is in their use of proprietary, dedicated co-processors. The iQOO 15 includes its "Q3 gaming chip," while the Realme GT 8 Pro includes a "HyperVision AI chip." The iQOO Q3 chip's primary functions are for gaming. The Realme HyperVision AI chip, by contrast, is explicitly tied to media and imaging, implying a dedicated hardware path for imaging enhancement.
Software & User Experience: The "Ricoh" Decoded
iQOO 15: Standard Flagship Processing
The iQOO 15 will feature iQOO's (and parent company Vivo's) standard, high-quality image processing and camera application. It lacks a co-branded software experience.
Realme GT 8 Pro: The "Ricoh GR-Tuned" Ecosystem
The Realme GT 8 Pro features a "long-term strategic partnership" with Ricoh, described as "profound" and "four years in the making." This is not a simple filter pack; it is a deep co-engineering effort. This partnership delivers a unique and tangible software experience (UX) that the iQOO 15 lacks.
Infographic: The Ricoh GR Partnership Decoded
This "four-year co-creation" is more than a logo. It's a full user experience integration:
- Dedicated "GR Mode": A custom camera interface that mimics Ricoh's "Snap by No Rules" philosophy. It offers a fast-start interface for street photography.
- "Snap Focus" Presets: Allows users to preset focal distances (e.g., 28mm, 40mm) for instant, no-autofocus "zone focusing," a classic street photography technique.
- Five Classic Ricoh Tones: Co-engineered color science profiles, including "Standard," "Positive Film," "Negative Film," "Monotone," and "High-Contrast B&W," which can be customized.
- Immersive UI: The experience includes the signature "GR shutter click" sound, GR-style watermarks, and dedicated album labels for photos taken in GR Mode.
The software battle is a one-sided victory for Realme. It offers a unique, co-engineered, and highly stylized software ecosystem designed for a specific creative purpose.
Comparative Video Capabilities
Both devices offer strong video recording, but a key differentiator exists. For high-resolution capture, both phones are matched, supporting 8K at 30fps. They also both include OIS on the main and telephoto sensors. A significant divergence appears in 4K high-frame-rate recording: the iQOO 15 is capped at 4K at 60fps, while the Realme GT 8 Pro supports 4K at 120fps, a significant advantage for high-quality slow-motion.
| Feature | iQOO 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Max Rear Resolution | 8K@30fps | 8K@30fps |
| 4K Frame Rates (Rear) | 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K@30/60/120fps |
| Front Camera Video | 4K@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps |
Analysis: Front-Facing Cameras
On the front, both phones offer very similar hardware, representing a draw for most users. Both feature a 32MP sensor capable of high-quality 4K video at both 30 and 60fps, which is a premium feature for vlogging and high-quality video calls.
The minor differences are in focal length and aperture. The iQOO 15's 21mm (f/2.2) lens is slightly wider than the Realme GT 8 Pro's 24mm (f/2.4) lens. This means the iQOO 15 may be slightly better for fitting more people into a group selfie, while its slightly wider f/2.2 aperture gives it a tiny on-paper advantage in gathering light. In practice, these differences are minimal and processing will be the larger differentiator.
Final Recommendations
The following table distills the entire analysis into the four key areas of divergence that should inform a purchasing decision.
| Feature | iQOO 15 | Realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Telephoto System | 50MP 1/1.95" Sensor | 200MP 1/1.56" Sensor |
| Telephoto Versatility | 3x Optical Zoom | 3x Optical, 6x/12x Lossless, Telemacro |
| Dedicated Co-Processor | Q3 Gaming Chip | HyperVision AI Chip (Imaging-focused) |
| Software Partnership | None documented | Deep Ricoh GR Integration |
Recommendation: The Pragmatic Power-User
Choose the iQOO 15
Rationale: This user seeks a powerful, consistent, and balanced flagship camera system. Its triple-50MP system is engineered for uniformity. The color science and user experience are likely to be highly consistent when switching between lenses. It is a "no-fuss" system that delivers predictable, high-quality results for a power-user who demands a top-tier "point-and-shoot" camera.
Recommendation: The Creative Enthusiast
Choose the Realme GT 8 Pro
Rationale: This user will directly benefit from the superior telephoto hardware. The 200MP sensor provides a "best-in-class" 3x image, a highly usable 6x lossless zoom, and a unique telemacro capability that the iQOO 15 physically cannot match. This hardware is paired with a unique, tangible software ecosystem (the Ricoh GR integration) that offers a distinct creative voice and specialized tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 200MP telephoto on the Realme GT 8 Pro just a gimmick?
No. While the 200MP number is large, its real advantage is twofold. First, the sensor itself is 1/1.56-inch, which is exceptionally large for a telephoto and allows for excellent light gathering. Second, the high resolution enables advanced "in-sensor zoom," providing high-quality 6x lossless zoom and also allows for pixel binning (combining pixels) to create cleaner, brighter images in low light.
What exactly is the "Ricoh GR-tuned" software?
It's a deep software partnership, not just a filter. Based on our research, it's a "four-year co-creation" that includes a custom "GR Mode" camera UI, unique color profiles modeled after Ricoh's classic film tones (like "Positive Film"), and special features like "Snap Focus" presets that mimic a classic street photography experience. It's a tangible, unique user experience for photographers.
Is the iQOO 15's "Q3 gaming chip" used for the camera?
The iQOO Q3 chip's primary function is gaming (enhancing frame rates, ray tracing). The main camera processing is handled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's powerful Spectra ISP. While the Q3 chip *may* assist with some post-processing or display enhancements, it's not its core function. In contrast, the Realme GT 8 Pro's "HyperVision AI chip" is explicitly marketed for media and AI imaging enhancements.
Which phone is better for video recording?
Both are extremely capable, offering 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps from their rear cameras, and 4K@60fps from their front cameras. However, the Realme GT 8 Pro has a clear advantage for slow-motion enthusiasts, as it supports 4K at 120fps, a feature the iQOO 15 lacks according to the latest specifications.
Conclusion: A Clear Choice for Every User
This comparison reveals a clear split in philosophy. The iQOO 15 is the "Pragmatic Powerhouse," built on a foundation of balance and consistency. Its triple 50MP system is engineered to deliver a predictable, high-quality experience at every focal length. It's the reliable, "do-it-all" flagship for the user who wants outstanding photos without fuss.
The Realme GT 8 Pro is the "Creative Specialist." It makes a strategic decision to specialize, pairing two strong 50MP sensors with a truly class-leading 200MP telephoto system. This gives it tangible hardware advantages in zoom and macro photography that the iQOO cannot replicate. This hardware superiority is then paired with a unique, enthusiast-focused software experience via the Ricoh partnership.
Ultimately, the choice is not about which phone is "better," but which user you are. Do you value consistent, all-around excellence for any situation? The iQOO 15 is your camera. Or do you crave specialized tools, superior zoom, and a unique creative software experience? The Realme GT 8 Pro is built for you.
