The upcoming iQOO 15 Ultra is already creating buzz ahead of its official launch, especially among mobile gaming enthusiasts. Recently teased by the company and backed by tipster leaks, the smartphone is expected to debut in China in early February, just before the Spring Festival. Positioned as a performance-driven flagship, the iQOO 15 Ultra appears ready to blur the line between traditional premium smartphones and dedicated gaming devices.
iQOO 15 Ultra Launch Timeline Confirmed
iQOO has officially opened pre-orders for the iQOO 15 Ultra in China, confirming that the device will launch before February’s Spring Festival. This places the release timeline firmly in early February, making it a strategic upgrade following the launch of the standard iQOO 15, which debuted in October 2025.
A Weibo post by an iQOO product manager not only confirmed the launch window but also highlighted that the iQOO 15 Ultra will feature a distinct gaming-oriented design, setting it apart from regular flagship models.
Gaming-Centric Design With Active Cooling Fan
One of the most talked-about features of the iQOO 15 Ultra is its active cooling fan, a rarity in mainstream flagship smartphones. According to teaser images, the fan is positioned near the lower portion of the device and is designed to deliver sustained performance during extended gaming sessions.
Active cooling helps reduce thermal throttling, ensuring stable frame rates, faster response times, and consistent performance even under heavy load. This move strongly indicates that iQOO is targeting hardcore gamers rather than casual users.
Interestingly, iQOO is also reportedly offering a dedicated protection plan for the cooling fan, with coverage extending up to five years. This reinforces confidence in the durability of the feature and highlights the brand’s long-term commitment to gaming-focused hardware.
Bold Design With Gamer Aesthetics
Visually, the iQOO 15 Ultra embraces a bold design language. The rear camera module adopts a circular layout surrounded by a ring, giving the phone a premium yet aggressive look. Orange accents scattered across the body further enhance its gamer-centric identity.
Unlike minimalist flagship designs, the iQOO 15 Ultra seems unapologetically performance-focused, prioritising functionality and immersion over subtle aesthetics.
Expected Specifications and Hardware Highlights
On the hardware front, the iQOO 15 Ultra is expected to pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, one of the most powerful mobile processors available. This chipset should deliver exceptional CPU and GPU performance, especially when paired with the active cooling system.
Other rumoured specifications include:
- 165Hz high-refresh-rate display for ultra-smooth gameplay
- 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera for advanced zoom photography
- Enhanced touch sampling rate for faster input response
Tipsters have also hinted at a large-capacity battery paired with fast charging support, ensuring minimal downtime for gamers. While exact battery and charging figures are yet to be officially confirmed, expectations are high given iQOO’s history of offering competitive charging speeds.
Built for Gamers, Not Just a Flagship Upgrade
Unlike routine annual upgrades, the iQOO 15 Ultra is being positioned as a performance-first smartphone. The emphasis on thermal management, touch responsiveness, immersive design, and sustained power output suggests that this device aims to compete directly with dedicated gaming smartphones rather than conventional premium flagships.
Features like active cooling and long-term fan protection are rarely seen outside niche gaming phones, making the iQOO 15 Ultra a compelling option for users who prioritise gaming performance over camera-centric or lifestyle-focused features.
Final Thoughts
With its early February launch window, powerful Snapdragon chipset, high-refresh-rate display, and standout active cooling system, the iQOO 15 Ultra is shaping up to be one of the most exciting performance-oriented smartphones of the year. If priced competitively, it could become a strong alternative to established gaming phones while still offering flagship-level hardware.
