The upcoming iQOO 16R received its first certification in Indonesia last month, and today it showed up in another database, but with a twist. Malaysia’s SIRIM certification lists the model number I2606 as the iQOO 16s, not the 16R. That’s the same model number that appeared as the iQOO 16R in the GSM Association’s IMEI database and Indonesia’s TKDN listing. So it looks like iQOO will sell this phone as the 16s at least in Malaysia, though it remains to be seen which name other markets will get. The SIRIM listing doesn’t reveal any specs, unfortunately.
The 16R/16s is expected to be a rebranded version of the iQOO Z11 Turbo, which launched in China earlier this year. That phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It also has a 50MP main camera, a 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and runs on Android 15 with OriginOS 5 on top. If the 16R/16s is indeed a rebrand, we can expect similar specs.
Naming Confusion: iQOO 16s vs. iQOO 16R
The appearance of the iQOO 16s in Malaysia’s SIRIM certification with model number I2606 is puzzling because the same model number was previously associated with the iQOO 16R in both the GSMA IMEI database and Indonesia’s TKDN listing. This suggests that iQOO might be planning to use different names for the same device in different markets. It’s not uncommon for smartphone makers to rebrand devices for various regions, but the inconsistency here raises questions about the company’s naming strategy.
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, the key takeaway is that the device will likely offer the same specifications regardless of whether it’s called the 16s or 16R. The name change might be a marketing decision or a way to differentiate the product in specific markets. However, it could also lead to confusion among buyers who might expect different features based on the name. As of now, iQOO has not officially announced either the 16R or the 16s, so we’ll have to wait for an official launch to know more.
Previous Certifications and What They Reveal
The iQOO 16R first surfaced in Indonesia’s TKDN certification last month, which indicated that the device would be launched in the country. The TKDN listing didn’t reveal any specifications either, but it confirmed the model number I2606. Later, the same model number appeared in the GSMA IMEI database, which is typically a sign that a global launch is imminent. Now, with the SIRIM certification in Malaysia, it’s clear that the device will also be available in Malaysia, possibly under the 16s name.
Expected Specifications: A Closer Look
If the iQOO 16s is indeed a rebranded iQOO Z11 Turbo, we can expect a solid mid-range device with some impressive features. The Z11 Turbo was launched in China in March 2025 and received positive reviews for its performance and value. Let’s break down the expected specs:
Display and Design
The iQOO Z11 Turbo features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. It has a punch-hole cutout for the 16MP selfie camera and an under-display fingerprint sensor. The phone has a plastic frame and a glass back, and it’s available in three colors: black, blue, and white. The design is typical of iQOO’s recent offerings, with a rectangular camera module in the top left corner.
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the Z11 Turbo is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which is a slightly toned-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The phone runs on Android 15 with OriginOS 5 on top. It packs a 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 100% in about 45 minutes.
Camera
The Z11 Turbo has a dual-camera setup on the back: a 50MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The main camera can record 4K videos at 30fps and 1080p videos at 60fps. The 16MP selfie camera is decent for video calls and social media. Overall, the camera setup is mid-range but should be sufficient for most users.
Software and Features
The phone runs on OriginOS 5, which is iQOO’s custom skin based on Android 15. It comes with a host of features, including a customizable always-on display, gaming mode, and various AI enhancements. The Z11 Turbo also has stereo speakers, an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, and a USB-C port.
What’s Next for iQOO 16s?
With certifications in Indonesia and Malaysia, it’s clear that iQOO is gearing up for a launch in Southeast Asia. The company might also launch the device in other markets, possibly under different names. We expect to see more certifications and teasers in the coming weeks, which should reveal more details about the device’s specifications and availability.
Launch Date and Availability
As of now, there’s no official word on the launch date. However, given the certification timeline, we can expect the iQOO 16s to launch in Malaysia and Indonesia by the end of Q1 2026. The device might also make its way to India, where iQOO has a strong presence. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we hear more.
Pricing
Pricing is always a crucial factor. The iQOO Z11 Turbo was priced at around CNY 2,199 (approximately $300) for the base model in China. If the 16s is a rebrand, we can expect a similar price point in Malaysia and Indonesia, possibly around MYR 1,299 and IDR 4,999,000 respectively. However, these are just estimates, and the actual price could vary.
Conclusion
The iQOO 16s, or 16R depending on the market, is shaping up to be an interesting mid-range offering. With its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, 144Hz display, and 6,000mAh battery, it should appeal to gamers and power users. The naming confusion is a minor issue, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers. We’ll bring you more updates as they come.
