Key Launch Details
iQOO officially launched the iQOO Pad Ultra compact tablet on September 29, with the following key specifications:
- Release Date: September 29, 2026
- Sales Start: October 15, 2026
- Starting Price: CNY 5,999 (12GB+256GB variant)
- Maximum Price: CNY 8,999 (16GB+1TB variant)
- Government Subsidy Price: CNY 5,499 (12GB+256GB variant)
Hardware Specifications and Thermal Breakthrough
The iQOO Pad Ultra features an 8.8-inch OLED ultra-performance screen with 165Hz refresh rate, sub-1ms response time, 4500nits peak brightness, and 93.3% screen-to-body ratio. The device achieves an ultra-slim profile of just 5.74mm at its thinnest point.
Under the hood, it houses Qualcomm’s sixth-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Ultra chip, built on a 2nm process with a max CPU clock speed of 5.0GHz. Industry’s first iQOO custom scheduler joins the new Monster HyperCore Engine for optimized performance during gaming and heavy workloads.
The ice-dome 5-layer cooling system includes a custom 30×30×3.5mm active fan—the largest in the industry—delivering 0.94CFM airflow. Dual-side air inlets enable multi-directional air intake with three-tier intelligent thermal control, addressing heat buildup during extended high-performance use.
A 9020mAh blue-sea battery balances longevity with portability.
Configuration and Pricing Comparison
| RAM+Storage | Regular Price (CNY) | Launch Price (CNY) | After Subsidy (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12GB+256GB | 6499 | 5999 | 5499 |
| 16GB+256GB | 7199 | - | - |
| 16GB+512GB | 7999 | - | - |
| 16GB+1TB | 8999 | - | - |
The 12GB+256GB variant offers a CNY 500 discount during launch. Notably, larger storage configurations lack promotional pricing.
Target Users and Recommendations
Optimized for mobile办公, Steam cloud gaming, and mobile gamers:
- Gaming: Dual X-axis linear motors deliver 4D haptic feedback for 15+ mobile games; Tencent STAR Cloud Gaming optimization enables controller-assisted play
- PC Emulator: Supports local Steam login for playable lightweight AAA titles
- Software: OriginOS 7 HD with atomic workspace, theme cards, and Storage Compression 2.0 (30% max compression improvement)
Buy Now if You’re:
- Mobile professionals seeking portable performance (compact size + flagship specs)
- Budget-conscious gamers targeting cloud emulation (launching at CNY 5,999)
Wait if You Need:
- Large onboard storage (512GB+ variants lack launch discounts)
- A screen larger than 8.8 inches (this is specifically a compact model)
Final Word
iQOO’s timing aligns the tablet launch with flagship mobile chip releases, addressing a gap in the premium compact tablet segment. Integrating an active cooling fan into a 5.74mm chassis demonstrates advancing miniaturization capabilities. However, success in the 5,000-yuan-plus segment hinges on real-world thermal management and battery performance, not just peak specifications.