The smartphone landscape is about to get a new contender focused squarely on raw power. iQOO, the performance-oriented sub-brand of Vivo, has officially begun teasing its first-ever "Ultra" model, the iQOO 15 Ultra. Breaking from the convention where "Ultra" suffixes typically denote camera-centric flagships, iQOO is positioning this device as a "performance Ultra," engineered specifically for gamers, streamers, and power users. With an imminent launch window now set, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation for a device that promises to push the boundaries of sustained mobile performance.
Official Launch Timeline and Teaser Campaign
iQOO has officially confirmed that the iQOO 15 Ultra will be announced before the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17, 2026, in China. Building on this, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has narrowed down the launch timeframe to early February 2026. The brand has released its first official poster, which clearly displays the "iQOO 15 Ultra" moniker, marking the start of its promotional campaign. This timeline suggests a debut potentially in late January or the first two weeks of February, setting the stage for one of the first major flagship releases of the year.
A New "Performance Ultra" Philosophy
The iQOO 15 Ultra represents a strategic shift in the "Ultra" branding. Instead of focusing primarily on advanced imaging hardware, iQOO is targeting what it calls a "performance Ultra" experience. The device is reportedly being designed for a specific demographic: gaming creators, live streamers, and competitive esports players. This focus suggests an emphasis on thermal management, consistent frame rates, and hardware features that enhance gameplay, potentially redefining what users expect from a top-tier performance phone.
Expected Specifications and Gaming-Centric Features
Leaks and reports paint a picture of a device built for endurance and control. The iQOO 15 Ultra is expected to be powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Its most talked-about feature is an active cooling system featuring what is rumored to be the largest built-in fan ever seen in a smartphone. This system is designed to actively expel heat during extended gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance. Furthermore, the phone is tipped to include physical gaming shoulder triggers, offering tactile controls akin to dedicated gaming handhelds, a rarity in mainstream flagship phones.
Expected iQOO 15 Ultra Specifications (Based on Rumors):
| Feature | Specification (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Display | 6.85" Flat LTPO AMOLED, 2K (1440x3168), 144Hz |
| Cooling | Active cooling system with large internal fan |
| Gaming Features | Physical shoulder triggers |
| Battery | ~7,000mAh with 100W wired, 50W wireless charging |
| Rear Camera | Triple 50MP sensor setup |
| OS | OriginOS 6 (based on Android 16) |
| Durability | IP68/69 rating (dust/water resistant) |
| Launch Region | China (Initial) |
| Launch Timeframe | Early February 2026 (Before Chinese New Year on Feb 17) |
Display, Battery, and Camera Details
While performance is the headline, the iQOO 15 Ultra is expected to carry forward several high-end specs from the standard iQOO 15. It will likely feature the same 6.85-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display with a 2K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. Display brightness is rumored to be exceptional, with figures suggesting a manual peak of 1,000 nits, a full-screen peak of 2,600 nits, and a local peak soaring as high as 6,000 nits for stunning HDR content. Powering this setup is said to be a massive battery around 7,000mAh, supporting 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The camera system may inherit the triple 50-megapixel setup from its sibling, and the phone is expected to run on OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, with a body likely rated for dust and water resistance.
Regulatory Approval and Market Availability
A Vivo phone with the model number V2545A recently received approval from China's SRRC (State Radio Regulation of China) authority. While not explicitly named, this device is strongly believed to be the upcoming iQOO 15 Ultra, indicating that its launch is indeed drawing near. A significant question remains regarding its market availability. As of now, all information points to a launch in China. There has been no indication from iQOO about an international release for the 15 Ultra, leaving global enthusiasts hopeful but uncertain about whether this performance beast will reach their markets.