The eagerly awaited iQOO 15 Ultra has officially debuted in China, and it’s generating buzz for some impressive features. While it shares several characteristics with the standard iQOO 15, the Ultra variant takes things up a notch with an enormous 7,400mAh battery and a remarkable display that can reach a peak brightness of 8,000 nits—an eye-catching improvement. This device boasts a design inspired by science fiction, complemented by iQOO's innovative Ice Dome Cooling system, which includes an active cooling fan with 59 blades to maintain optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
In addition to its powerful battery, the iQOO 15 Ultra features a revamped gaming control setup, incorporating shoulder triggers and a built-in gyroscope among other enhancements. These upgrades aim to provide users with an immersive gaming experience akin to that of a traditional gaming console. Such features highlight the brand's dedication to establishing the iQOO 15 Ultra as a premier choice for serious gamers who seek uncompromised performance.
While there is no official word yet on whether this smartphone will be available in India, should it make its way to Indian shores, expect it to carry a hefty price tag. In China, the starting price for the iQOO 15 Ultra is set at 5,699 yuan (approximately Rs 74,290) for the base model featuring 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For comparison, the standard iQOO 15 was launched at 4,199 yuan (around Rs 51,780) for its 12GB + 256GB version, which later entered the Indian market starting at Rs 72,999. The pricing disparity suggests that the iQOO 15 Ultra could be positioned as a premium offering in India, should it be released.
Here’s a breakdown of the various configurations available for the iQOO 15 Ultra, along with their respective prices:
- 16GB + 256GB: 5,699 yuan (~Rs 74,290)
- 16GB + 512GB: 5,999 yuan (~Rs 78,220)
- 16GB + 1TB: 6,999 yuan (~Rs 91,235)
- 24GB + 1TB: 7,699 yuan (~Rs 1,00,379)
Currently, the iQOO 15 Ultra can be pre-ordered in China, with sales commencing on February 10th.
Aesthetic Appeal & Display Brilliance
Taking cues from its sibling, the iQOO 15 Ultra elevates its aesthetic with a unique hexagonal honeycomb texture on the back and a transparent camera module. Additionally, it features larger R-angle corners for better handling, along with an L-shaped charging cable designed for comfort during gameplay while the device is plugged in. These design tweaks not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve user ergonomics.
The display itself remains largely consistent with its predecessor, with the exception of achieving a higher peak brightness of 8,000 nits compared to the standard model's 6,000 nits. To give context, the original iQOO 15 came equipped with a stunning 6.85-inch Samsung M14 8T LTPO AMOLED screen, boasting a 2K resolution (3,168 x 1,440 pixels), a variable refresh rate of 144Hz, HDR10+ support, and compatibility with Dolby Vision and the DCI-P3 color gamut. It stands tall among the best smartphone displays currently available, and the Ultra model brings an even brighter experience to users.
Advanced Cooling & Gaming Features
At the heart of the iQOO 15 Ultra lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite chipset, a powerhouse that has consistently set performance standards in the smartphone realm. According to iQOO, this processor has been fine-tuned in close collaboration with Qualcomm, enabling the device to achieve a remarkable AnTuTu 11 score exceeding 4.51 million—outpacing the standard iQOO 15. When paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5x Ultra Pro RAM, the iQOO 15 Ultra promises smooth performance during intensive multitasking and demanding tasks. Additionally, it incorporates a native Q3 gaming chip, ensuring high-quality 2K gaming visuals and smooth playback at 2K+144 FPS.
To maintain optimal performance levels, the iQOO 15 Ultra employs its Ice Dome Cooling System, featuring a 59-blade active cooling fan measuring 17mm by 17mm. This works alongside an impressively large vapour chamber heat dissipation plate, measuring 8,000mm², to efficiently manage heat. The cooling system is further enhanced with double-layer, ultra-high thermal conductivity graphite and a one-click global cooling mode, ensuring that high-performance activities such as gaming do not lead to throttling due to excessive heat.
To cater to the needs of its primary audience—gamers—the iQOO 15 Ultra introduces a new set of gaming controls. These include highly responsive shoulder triggers with a sampling rate of 600Hz and an impressive response time of just 32ms in popular gaming titles. Furthermore, a 500Hz gyroscope enhances sensitivity, accurately capturing even the slightest hand movements in real time. With a touch sampling rate of up to 4,000Hz, players can expect fast, lag-free inputs that significantly enhance their gaming experience.
An Impressive Battery and Camera Setup
Powering this robust hardware configuration is a massive 7,400mAh battery, which supports both 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging capabilities. This larger battery capacity provides longer usage times compared to the regular iQOO 15. On the software front, the device runs on OriginOS 6 layered atop Android 16, seamlessly integrating all its features. In terms of photography, the iQOO 15 Ultra boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, featuring three 50MP cameras: a primary Sony IMX921 sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 150-degree field of view, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front-facing camera is a 32MP unit, perfect for selfies and video calls, making this camera arrangement particularly appealing for gamers who appreciate high-quality imaging.
Additional features include a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, an IP68+IP69 rated design, a Warhammer Max dual-axis vibration motor, and new War Drum Master Coaxial Symmetrical dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Given these specifications, the iQOO 15 Ultra certainly merits attention and investment, especially for gaming enthusiasts. Should it eventually launch in India, it could very well become a key player in iQOO's offerings in the country.
