The iQoo 15 Ultra is set to launch soon, positioning itself as a high-performance gaming smartphone. According to reliable rumors from Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the official unveiling is expected before February 17, 2026. This upcoming model highlights iQoo’s commitment to extreme gaming performance by integrating the largest active cooling fan ever installed in a smartphone.
The development of the iQoo 15 Ultra was initially hinted at last October, alongside the standard iQoo 15 release in China. Now, new details reinforce its gaming-centric focus. Like the regular iQoo 15, which launched globally within a month of its China debut, the Ultra variant is expected to follow a similar release pattern. However, it will target a niche market segment prioritizing performance and thermal management.
Largest Active Cooling System in a Smartphone
The most striking feature of the iQoo 15 Ultra is its revolutionary cooling system. The built-in fan is reportedly the biggest ever used in a smartphone. This active cooling aims to prevent overheating during intense gaming sessions, thereby maintaining sustained peak performance without thermal throttling. Such innovation is crucial for gamers who demand high frame rates and responsiveness without drops caused by excessive heat.
According to industry whispers, this cooling system could enable the phone’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Elite processor to perform close to next-gen chips such as the Dimensity 9600 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. This approach reflects iQoo’s strategy to extend the useful lifespan and capability of current flagship hardware through innovative temperature control rather than relying solely on newer processors.
Gaming Optimizations and Physical Controls
Beyond cooling, the iQoo 15 Ultra will include shoulder buttons on the sides of its chassis. These physical triggers are designed to enhance gaming controls, giving players additional input options and better precision. Such hardware additions are typical in handheld gaming devices but remain relatively rare in smartphones, setting the iQoo 15 Ultra apart in usability for mobile competitive gamers.
This combination of aggressive cooling and tactile gaming buttons confirms the phone’s positioning as a portable gaming powerhouse. It’s a clear signal that iQoo is focusing on delivering an optimized experience tailored for esports and heavy mobile gaming.
Display and General Hardware Specifications
The iQoo 15 Ultra will feature a premium Samsung display panel, the same top-tier screen supplier for the iQoo 15 and reportedly the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Key details include a 6.85-inch AMOLED screen with a high resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels. The display supports a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for fluid animations and fast-paced games. Additionally, peak brightness reaches up to an impressive 6,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments.
Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Elite chipset, the flagship processor for 2025, paired with the advanced cooling system. This synergy between hardware and cooling technology enables sustained high performance for gaming, streaming, or multitasking.
Release Timing and Market Impact
The scheduled launch early in the first quarter of 2026 demonstrates iQoo’s ambition to capture attention in the high-performance smartphone segment promptly. This timing aligns with typical flagship cycles and prepares the device for head-to-head competition against other premium gaming smartphones expected during this period.
Despite the buzz, it is important to note that these details remain unconfirmed and sourced from dependable leakers with a solid track record. Official announcements from iQoo will provide definitive specifications, features, and pricing. However, if the rumors hold true, the iQoo 15 Ultra could set a new standard in smartphone gaming performance and hardware cooling technology.
Potential Influence on Industry Trends
The focus on a mechanical cooling fan as opposed to relying solely on software optimization might influence other brands to explore similar physical solutions to thermal challenges. Mobile devices increasingly face demands to handle complex games and power-intensive apps without compromising speed or comfort. The iQoo 15 Ultra could pioneer a broader shift toward hybrid cooling systems that balance innovation, noise control, device thickness, and user experience.
Summary of Expected iQoo 15 Ultra Features
| Feature | Specification/Detail |
|---|---|
| Cooling System | Largest active cooling fan in a smartphone |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Elite |
| Display | 6.85-inch Samsung AMOLED, 1440 x 3168 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate, 6000 nits peak brightness |
| Gaming Controls | Side shoulder buttons (triggers) |
| Launch Window | Expected before February 17, 2026 |
| Market Positioning | High-end gaming smartphone |
With its advanced thermal management, physical gameplay enhancements, and cutting-edge display, the iQoo 15 Ultra is poised to draw the attention of serious mobile gamers and performance enthusiasts. This device will deepen iQoo’s footprint in the competitive gaming market and showcase innovative solutions to longstanding smartphone performance challenges.
