The iQOO 15 Ultra has finally arrived, and it is not trying to blend in with the usual crowd of flagship phones. After months of rumors and leaks, the device is now official, and it clearly shows what iQOO had in mind from the beginning: raw performance, smarter cooling, and battery life that refuses to quit. This is the brand’s first “Ultra” model, and it feels like a statement piece built for people who want the absolute maximum from their smartphone.
Instead of focusing only on faster processors or bigger cameras, iQOO has looked at one of the biggest real-world problems users face in 2026: heat. High-end chips often deliver great speed but get hot during gaming or charging. The iQOO 15 Ultra tackles that issue head-on with active cooling, something rarely seen outside niche gaming phones.
What Is the iQOO 15 Ultra and Who Is It For
The iQOO 15 Ultra is the company’s most advanced smartphone to date, built around the idea of “no compromise.” It targets gamers, power users, and anyone who pushes their phone hard throughout the day. From high refresh rate gaming to long streaming sessions and heavy multitasking, the device is designed to stay smooth and cool under pressure.
At its core, the phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on an efficient 3nm process. That means faster speeds, better graphics performance, and improved power management. Paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the 15 Ultra promises instant app launches and near-zero lag.
But hardware alone does not define this phone. What really sets it apart is how that power is controlled and sustained.
Engineering a Flagship That Stays Cool
Most smartphones rely on vapor chambers or graphite sheets to manage heat. These solutions work fine for everyday use but often struggle during long gaming sessions. As temperatures rise, performance drops to prevent overheating, which leads to stutters and frame drops.
iQOO decided to take a more aggressive approach with its Ice Dome active cooling system. Inside the phone sits a tiny 17x17mm fan that actively pushes hot air out through a side vent. It is a rare feature in mainstream phones and feels closer to something you would expect from a handheld gaming console.
What makes this even more impressive is that the phone still carries IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance. Adding a fan without sacrificing durability shows careful engineering rather than a simple marketing trick.
In real-world use, this cooling setup helps maintain stable temperatures even while running demanding games at high frame rates or charging at the same time. Instead of heating up uncomfortably, the phone stays surprisingly manageable, making long sessions far more enjoyable.
A Massive 7,400mAh Battery That Changes Daily Use
If there is one feature that quietly steals the show, it is the battery. The iQOO 15 Ultra packs a huge 7,400mAh cell, far larger than the typical 5,000mAh batteries found in most flagships.
Despite this size, the phone remains relatively slim at around 8.7mm. This is possible thanks to a high-density silicon-anode battery design, which allows more energy to fit into the same space.
The result is simple but powerful: freedom from constant charging. Heavy users can comfortably go through a full day of gaming, streaming, and browsing without hunting for a charger. Lighter users might even stretch it into a second day.
When it is time to recharge, the process is quick. The phone supports 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. Even with such a large battery, top-ups do not take long, making the whole experience far less stressful.
A Bright and Smooth Display for Gaming and Entertainment
The front of the iQOO 15 Ultra is dominated by a 6.85-inch Samsung M14 LTPO AMOLED display. It features a sharp 2K+ resolution and a fast 144Hz refresh rate, which makes everything from scrolling to gaming look fluid.
The curved design gives it a premium feel, while LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate to save power when full speed is not needed. This helps balance performance and battery life.
One of the most striking features is the brightness. With peak levels reaching up to 8000 nits, the screen remains clearly visible even under harsh sunlight. Whether you are outdoors or indoors, content looks vibrant and easy to read.
Watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing social media feels immersive and smooth, exactly what you would expect from a top-tier flagship.
Surprisingly Strong Cameras for a Gaming Phone
Gaming-focused phones often cut corners on cameras, but the iQOO 15 Ultra takes a more balanced approach. It includes a triple 50MP rear camera setup that aims to deliver consistent quality in different scenarios.
The main Sony IMX921 sensor captures detailed and natural-looking photos. A 3x periscope lens helps with optical zoom, allowing you to get closer to distant subjects without losing clarity. The ultra-wide camera is ideal for landscapes, group shots, and travel photography.
On the front, a 32MP selfie camera handles video calls and social media snaps with ease.
This setup ensures the phone does not feel like a niche device. It works just as well for everyday photography as it does for gaming.
Connectivity, Software, and Extra Features
Beyond the core specs, the iQOO 15 Ultra includes modern connectivity features like 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and NFC. Stereo speakers deliver immersive sound, while a 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor offers fast and secure unlocking.
The phone runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6.0, bringing customization options and smooth system performance. Storage options range from 256GB all the way up to 1TB, giving users plenty of room for games, videos, and apps.
Pricing varies by configuration, but considering the hardware and features on offer, it positions itself as a premium yet competitive flagship.
Final Thoughts
The iQOO 15 Ultra feels like a phone built without shortcuts. It combines flagship performance, true active cooling, a gigantic battery, a beautiful display, and capable cameras into one well-rounded package. Instead of targeting only gamers, it appeals to anyone who wants reliability, endurance, and top-tier speed in daily life.
For 2026, it sets a high bar and shows what an “Ultra” smartphone can really mean.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Specifications, prices, features, and availability may vary by region or change over time. Actual performance can differ based on usage and software updates. Readers should verify details through official iQOO sources before making any purchase decision.
