iQOO is preparing to expand its gaming tablet lineup with a more affordable model aimed at mobile gamers who want high-end performance without paying flagship prices.
The company recently introduced the iQOO Pad Ultra, a premium gaming tablet scheduled to launch in China on September 29. That device is expected to deliver top-tier performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor, an advanced cooling system, and gaming-focused display technology, including up to 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling for faster response during gameplay.
Now, a new leak suggests iQOO is working on a second gaming tablet that could sit below the Pad Ultra in price while still offering strong specifications. The upcoming model is said to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, paired with iQOO’s Q3 gaming chip. While the Q3 chip is no longer the newest in the company’s lineup, it was previously introduced as a dedicated gaming processor and should still provide smoother frame rates, better touch response, and improved visual performance in supported games.
The flagship iQOO Pad Ultra is expected to use the newer Q4 gaming chip, which would help separate the premium model from this cheaper alternative. This strategy could allow iQOO to appeal to two different groups of gamers: those who want the absolute best hardware available, and those who want a powerful gaming tablet at a more accessible price.
Interestingly, the rumored lower-cost iQOO gaming tablet may feature the same 8.8-inch screen size as the Pad Ultra. This compact display size could make it ideal for handheld gaming, offering a balance between portability and immersive visuals. However, it is not yet clear whether the more affordable model will include the same 500Hz touch sampling rate or the peak 5,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling found on the higher-end version.
Another key feature that may carry over is active cooling. Since gaming tablets often face heat buildup during long sessions, a built-in cooling system could help maintain stable performance and reduce throttling. If iQOO includes active cooling in the cheaper model, it could become a strong option for players who enjoy demanding mobile games.
At the moment, there is no confirmed launch date for this second iQOO gaming tablet. The company has also not announced whether the iQOO Pad Ultra or the rumored lower-priced model will be released outside China.
If the leak proves accurate, iQOO may soon have two gaming tablets in its lineup: the Pad Ultra for users who want flagship-grade performance, and a more affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered model for gamers looking for value. More details are expected to surface after the Pad Ultra’s official China launch on September 29.
