We knew that the iQOO 16R, the successor to iQOO’s sub-flagship, the iQOO 15R, was in the works. However, we’ve now come across a very interesting moniker also associated with the iQOO 16 series, one that we haven’t really come across since the China-exclusive iQOO 11S in 2023.
Listed as the iQOO 16s, the device carries model number I2606, which has previously been linked to the iQOO 16R through other certification listings. This raises the possibility that iQOO could use different branding for the same smartphone in Malaysia. The listing also adds to the evidence of an upcoming international launch.
iQOO 16R/16s certifications
The Malaysian listing shows an approval date of November 5th and confirms the I2606 model number as the ‘iQOO 16s’. The I2606 model number has previously appeared on the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) certification database and the GSMA IMEI database, where it was associated with the iQOO 16R. It also surfaced on Indonesia’s TKDN certification database. However, only the latest Malaysian listing identifies it as the iQOO 16s.
Interestingly, there was no iQOO 15s in Malaysia, with the company introducing only the iQOO 15R in the market. The new naming could therefore be a branding decision for the Malaysian market rather than an entirely different device. The shared model number lends weight to this possibility, although iQOO has yet to confirm it.
The iQOO 15R launched in India in February 2026 with a starting price of Rs 44,999 for its 8GB + 256GB variant. The smartphone went on sale in early March and brought flagship-grade performance to the sub-Rs 50,000 segment, but now is sold above that price point, thanks to multiple hikes. It features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, 50MP Sony LYT-700V primary camera, 8MP ultrawide camera and a 32MP front camera. A 7,600mAh battery with 100W charging rounds off the package.
Meanwhile, the iQOO 16R is said to be a rebrand of China’s iQOO Z12 Turbo with a potential Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Pro chipset. Neither of these have been released by Qualcomm yet, and could be the same processor, till the moniker is confirmed. Additionally, as per leaks, the display is expected to be bumped up to 165Hz, from the native 120Hz on the iQOO 15R, which goes up to 144Hz on supported games.
While there is no confirmation of an iQOO 16R/iQOO 16s launch yet, it remains a possibility in India given the 15R’s reception. The Neo series has also stopped receiving new models in the country, leaving room for the R series to take up that performance-focused segment. However, the latest filing in Malaysia suggests we might soon see an ‘s’ sub-flagship phone there. There’s been no spotting on BIS so far, so we’ll keep you updated on that. Those on the hunt for a performance-focused sub-flagship should hold off their purchase, till we gather more information.
