iQOO has officially unveiled the Pad Ultra, a compact gaming tablet that will go on sale in China on September 29, 2026. The reveal took place on September 25, 2026, and positions the device squarely in the small-format gaming tablet segment. No international availability or pricing details were announced.
The Pad Ultra is set to launch at 7 PM Beijing time, which is 11 AM GMT. Ahead of that, iQOO has scheduled a gaming technology event for September 23, where it plans to introduce its 3+2 gaming technology framework.
Display and Design
The tablet’s centerpiece is an 8.8-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a claimed 4,500-nit local peak brightness. The panel features 2.65mm bezels on all four sides, translating to a 93.3% screen-to-body ratio, and iQOO lists a sub-1ms response time.
Physically, the Pad Ultra uses an all-metal body that measures just 5.74mm thick and weighs 298g. That combination of a small screen and a slim, light chassis places it in a distinct category among gaming tablets, which often favor larger panels.
iQOO updated the display specifications after the initial reveal, suggesting the final numbers were refined as the launch approached.
Gaming Input and Controls
For touch input, the Pad Ultra relies on a new-generation touch system. It supports 500Hz multi-touch sampling and 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling. A built-in gyroscope is also present, enabling motion-based controls for compatible games.
Audio and haptics are handled by symmetrical dual speakers and dual X-axis linear motors. These components are aimed at providing directional sound and tactile feedback during gameplay.
Active Cooling System
One of the more unusual features for a tablet is a built-in active cooling fan. The fan measures 30 x 30 x 3.5mm and has a heat-dissipation area of 1,661mm². iQOO claims a maximum fan speed of 14,500 rpm and an airflow rating of 0.94 CFM.
The inclusion of an active fan distinguishes the Pad Ultra from most passively cooled tablets and suggests iQOO is targeting sustained performance during long gaming sessions.
Accessories and Software
iQOO also showed two accessories for the Pad Ultra: a stretchable game controller and a rear grip. These are designed to turn the tablet into a more console-like gaming device.
On the software side, the Pad Ultra uses what iQOO calls the Monster Super Core Engine and a self-developed scheduler. The company says these are part of its broader 3+2 gaming technology framework, which will be detailed at the September 23 event. Further specifics on the engine and scheduler have not been disclosed.
Availability and Pricing
The iQOO Pad Ultra will launch in China on September 29, 2026, at 7 PM Beijing time. Trial units have been placed in vivo and iQOO stores across China, allowing customers to try the device before release.
There is no word yet on international availability or pricing. iQOO has not announced any plans to bring the Pad Ultra to markets outside China, and no price has been revealed.
