iQOO 3 Price in India and Launch Details

The iQOO 3, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 and equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera in a quad-camera setup, launched in India at a starting price of ₹36,990. That price was for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage 4G model; the phone also came in a more expensive 5G configuration.

India launch price and variants

iQOO announced the phone in India in February 2020. Its launch prices varied according to RAM, storage and whether the model supported 5G:

8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4G: ₹36,990
8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 4G: ₹39,990
12GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5G: ₹44,990

So, the direct answer to “starting at Rs?” is ₹36,990. The starting figure refers to the base 4G model, not the 5G version. These are launch prices from 2020, not a statement of what a new or used iQOO 3 costs today. Availability and resale prices can differ substantially by seller, condition and location.

What the Snapdragon 865 brought

The Snapdragon 865 was Qualcomm’s flagship mobile platform for 2020. It paired a high-performance CPU and Adreno 650 graphics with a separate Snapdragon X55 modem for 5G connectivity. The modem arrangement is one reason the 5G model should be distinguished from the base 4G version: having the same main processor does not mean every configuration supports the same mobile networks.

At launch, this hardware positioned the iQOO 3 as a performance-focused Android phone, particularly for demanding games and multitasking. The device also had pressure-sensitive shoulder controls called Monster Touch, intended to give compatible games extra touch inputs when the phone was held horizontally. These controls were a gaming feature, not physical buttons that worked universally across every app.

Performance comparisons today need context. A processor’s launch-era reputation does not guarantee current software support, battery condition or compatibility with every modern game. On a second-hand handset, storage health, temperature, battery wear and installed software can matter as much as the original processor specification.

Quad cameras and what the 48MP figure means

The rear camera system combined a 48MP main camera with three other cameras: a 13MP telephoto camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera was 16MP. This mix gave users different kinds of framing rather than four cameras with the same role.

48MP main: the primary camera for everyday photos. A high megapixel count describes image resolution potential, not a guarantee of better photos in every lighting condition.
13MP telephoto: provides a narrower field of view for zoomed framing compared with the main camera.
13MP ultra-wide: captures a broader scene, useful for landscapes or groups when stepping back is difficult.
2MP depth: supplies depth information for effects such as background separation in portrait-style images.

A common misconception is that “quad camera” means all four rear cameras are equally useful or that the phone can deliver lossless zoom at every magnification. Camera results depend on the lens being used, sensor size, software processing, light and movement. The 2MP depth camera, for example, is not a second high-resolution main camera.

Display, battery and charging

The iQOO 3 had a 6.44-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The screen’s AMOLED technology can produce deep blacks, while the resolution gives it a sharpness suited to video, browsing and games. Its 60Hz refresh rate is a useful detail when comparing it with newer phones: it does not offer the smoother 90Hz or 120Hz scrolling found on many later models.

A 4,440mAh battery powered the device, and iQOO advertised 55W Super FlashCharge. Charging speed in everyday use depends on factors such as the supplied compatible charger, battery temperature and the phone’s charging controls; advertised peak charging is not a promise that every charge takes the same time. A battery in a phone that has been used for several years may also hold less charge than it did when new.

The phone included an in-display fingerprint reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Those are practical points for buyers comparing an older device with newer handsets, but they do not by themselves establish that the phone is the better choice. Software condition, network compatibility and the availability of service or replacement parts deserve attention too.

Choosing a model or buying one now

For someone researching the original launch, the base model’s ₹36,990 price is the key figure. For someone considering a used iQOO 3, the relevant question is not simply whether it originally cost that much, but whether a particular unit remains suitable and works with the buyer’s carrier.

Check the exact variant: confirm RAM, storage and whether the handset is the 4G or 5G model. Do not infer 5G support just from the Snapdragon 865 name.
Inspect the physical condition: look for screen damage, camera-lens scratches, loose charging connections and signs of liquid exposure.
Test essential functions: check calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi, cameras, speakers, charging, fingerprint recognition and the buttons before buying.
Check software and reset status: confirm the phone can be set up normally, that the seller has removed their accounts, and that the device receives the updates available for its model.
Compare the actual asking price: launch pricing is historical context. Compare the unit’s condition and included accessories with current alternatives rather than treating ₹36,990 as today’s fair value.

Network support can depend on the phone’s regional model and the bands used by a carrier. A 5G-capable label alone does not ensure that every carrier’s 5G service will work. Confirm the precise model and network compatibility with the carrier before relying on it.

How it compares with newer phones

At launch, the iQOO 3’s standout pitch was flagship-class processing at a lower entry price than many premium phones, along with a versatile camera arrangement and fast charging. Its base price was for a 4G device, while 5G required buying the higher-priced configuration. That distinction matters when summarising the launch: saying simply that “the iQOO 3 started at ₹36,990 with 5G” would be inaccurate.

Against newer phones, its 60Hz display, older processor generation and age are important trade-offs. Newer models may offer longer remaining software support, faster displays or more advanced image processing, though their strengths vary by price and model. A comparison should use current local prices and the exact variants being considered, not only the iQOO 3’s original launch price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the iQOO 3 starting price in India?
The base 8GB RAM and 128GB storage 4G version launched at ₹36,990.

How much did the iQOO 3 5G cost at launch?
The 12GB RAM and 256GB storage 5G variant launched at ₹44,990.

Does every iQOO 3 support 5G?
No. The entry-level model was 4G. The 5G capability was offered in the higher-tier configuration, so check the specific variant.

What are the iQOO 3’s four rear cameras?
They comprise a 48MP main camera, a 13MP telephoto camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP depth sensor.

Is ₹36,990 the iQOO 3’s current price?
No. It is the phone’s launch price in 2020. Present-day prices depend on availability, seller, condition and whether the handset is new or used.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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