Upcoming Smartphones in October 2025: OnePlus 15, Xiaomi 17, Vivo V60e, More
October will see multiple flagship and mid-range devices debut with next-gen processors and big batteries.
October promises to be a pivotal month for smartphone buyers, with major manufacturers unveiling flagships leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 processors. Building on a whirlwind summer of releases—including Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in July, Google's Pixel 10 series in August, and Apple's iPhone 17 lineup with the slim iPhone Air in September—OEMs like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Oppo, and iQOO are set to intensify competition in the premium segment. These launches emphasise enhanced AI capabilities, larger batteries, and advanced imaging, potentially reshaping the high-end market amid global demand for efficient, long-lasting devices.
Leading the pack is the OnePlus 15, confirmed for a Chinese debut on October 27, with global availability, including India, expected in early 2026. As the successor to the OnePlus 13, it will feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a groundbreaking 165Hz refresh rate—up from 120Hz—for smoother scrolling and gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it includes up to 16GB RAM, a 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, and a triple 50MP rear camera array with 3x optical zoom, enhanced by the in-house DetailMax Engine for superior low-light performance. Design highlights include ultra-narrow 1.15 mm bezels, an aerospace-grade frame, and a minimalist rectangular camera module, available in colours like Sand Dune. Priced around Rs 65,000 in India, it runs ColorOS 16 on Android 16, promising seven years of updates.
Xiaomi's 17 series, fresh from its Chinese debut, is confirmed for an Indian launch this month, showcased at the Snapdragon Summit with its blue variant. The base Xiaomi 17 packs a compact 6.3-inch 1.5K OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and a massive 7,000mAh battery supporting 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Leica-tuned triple cameras include a 50MP main sensor with OIS, ideal for on-device AI tasks via Qualcomm's AI Engine. The Pro and Pro Max variants add larger screens up to 6.9 inches and secondary rear displays for notifications. Starting at Rs 56,000, the series emphasises HyperOS 3 on Android 16, with global models potentially including the Ultra variant by late 2025. This follows Xiaomi's strategy of rapid international rollouts, contrasting delays in past Ultra releases.
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On the mid-range front, Vivo's V60e 5G is slated for October 7, succeeding the V50e with a focus on durability and photography. It features a quad-curved 6.77-inch AMOLED display protected by Diamond Shield Glass, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, and a 50MP main + 8MP ultrawide rear setup with ZEISS optics for vibrant portraits. A standout 6,500mAh battery with 90W FlashCharge ensures all-day use, bolstered by IP68/IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance. AI enhancements like real-time transcription via Gemini integration and three Android updates round out the package. Expected pricing starts at Rs 28,999 for the 8GB/128GB model, positioning it as a value-driven option under Rs 35,000.
Rounding out the highlights, Realme's 15 Pro 5G Game of Thrones Limited Edition arrives early October as a thematic variant of its July-launched Pro model. Retaining the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, 6.8-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, dual 50MP rear cameras, and 7,000mAh battery with 80W charging, it adds HBO-inspired black-gold aesthetics, nano-engraved dragons, and custom UI themes for Houses Stark and Targaryen. The bundle includes an Iron Throne stand and a Westeros map replica.
Oppo's Find X9 series follows on October 16 in China (globally on October 28), with Dimensity 9500, 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED "1-nit Eye Protection" screens, and batteries up to 7,500 mAh in Pro models. Colours like Velvet Titanium enhance its premium appeal. Finally, iQOO's 15 debuts October 20 in China (India by November), boasting Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 6.85-inch 144Hz QHD display, triple 50MP cameras with periscope zoom, and a 7,000mAh battery for gamers. At Rs 59,999, its Q3 chip and IP69 rating target esports enthusiasts.
With these releases, October 2025 underscores a shift toward silicon-carbon batteries for longevity and AI-driven experiences, per industry trends from Qualcomm's summit. Buyers eyeing upgrades should monitor certifications like BIS for India-specific timelines, as global variants may vary in software and bands.
