iQOO Pad Pro vs Pad Ultra: Key Specifications and Differences Revealed

iQOO is preparing to expand its gaming tablet lineup with the new iQOO Pad Pro 8.8, which will join the more powerful iQOO Pad Ultra. The upcoming tablet shares several major features with the Ultra, including a high-refresh-rate OLED display, a large battery and an integrated cooling fan.

The biggest reported difference is the processor. The iQOO Pad Pro is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset with iQOO's Q3 gaming chip, while the Pad Ultra features the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Q4 combination.

The Pad Pro is scheduled to launch in China later in October 2026, and reservations are already open. Its final price and international availability have not yet been confirmed.

iQOO Pad Pro and Pad Ultra Specifications Compared

The two tablets share much of their core hardware, making the chipset and expected price the most important differences.

The Pad Pro's chipset details are based on current reports, while iQOO has confirmed several of the tablet's other specifications through its teasers.

8.8-Inch OLED Display With a 165Hz Refresh Rate

The iQOO Pad Pro will feature an 8.8-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, matching the screen size and refresh rate of the Pad Ultra.

A high refresh rate can make animations, scrolling and supported games appear smoother than on a conventional 60Hz display. OLED technology also offers deep blacks and strong contrast, making it suitable for gaming and video playback.

The compact 8.8-inch screen is another advantage for users who want a powerful tablet that remains easy to carry. At a reported weight of just 298 grams, the Pad Pro should be relatively portable compared with larger gaming tablets.

However, the final experience will also depend on screen resolution, brightness, touch response and how individual games support high frame rates.

Snapdragon Chipset Could Be the Biggest Difference

The most significant reported distinction between the iQOO Pad Pro and Pad Ultra is their processing hardware.

The Pad Ultra uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor alongside iQOO's Q4 gaming chip. The Pad Pro is reportedly switching to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Q3 gaming chip.

This would create two performance tiers within iQOO's tablet lineup. The Ultra would remain the higher-end option, while the Pro could offer a more accessible alternative without sacrificing the main display and cooling features.

The Q-series gaming chips are designed to support gaming-related processing and display enhancements. Their actual benefits depend on software support and the game being played.

Independent tests will be needed to determine how much performance separates the two tablets during demanding games and extended workloads.

Active Cooling Fan Designed for Gaming

One unusual feature shared by both tablets is an integrated active cooling fan.

The iQOO Pad Pro's reported cooling system includes a 30 × 30 × 3.5mm fan, three intelligent fan-speed settings and a total heat-dissipation area of 23,253 square millimeters.

Active cooling can help remove heat generated during extended gaming sessions. This is particularly important for compact devices, where internal space is limited and sustained performance can be affected by rising temperatures.

The fan's inclusion suggests that iQOO is targeting users who play demanding games for long periods rather than focusing exclusively on everyday tablet tasks.

Actual performance will depend on how effectively the cooling system works with the processor, software and internal thermal design. Fan noise and power consumption may also influence the experience.

Large 9,020mAh Battery in a Slim Body

Both tablets feature a 9,020mAh battery despite their slim 5.74mm bodies.

A large battery can help support the demands of a high-refresh-rate display and gaming-focused hardware. However, battery life cannot be determined by capacity alone. Screen brightness, refresh rate, processor efficiency, wireless connectivity and gaming workloads all affect power consumption.

iQOO has not yet provided enough information to establish the Pad Pro's real-world battery endurance or confirm its complete charging specifications.

Buyers should wait for battery tests and the final product specifications before comparing charging speeds or expected screen-on time.

Will the iQOO Pad Pro Be Cheaper Than the Ultra?

The Pad Pro is expected to sit below the Pad Ultra in iQOO's tablet lineup, with the less advanced chipset potentially helping the company reduce its price.

The Pad Ultra launched in China with a starting price of CNY 5,999 for its 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration during its introductory offer. Its stated price increased after that promotion ended.

iQOO has not announced the Pad Pro's official price, so it is too early to calculate the exact savings or determine whether the new tablet will offer better value.

If the price difference is substantial, the Pad Pro could appeal to gamers who prioritize a smooth display, active cooling and portability over having the fastest available processor.

iQOO Pad Pro Launch Date and Availability

iQOO has confirmed that the Pad Pro will launch in China later in October 2026, with reservations already open. The launch is expected to take place alongside the iQOO Neo12 smartphone.

The company has not confirmed whether the Pad Pro will be sold internationally. Availability in Pakistan and other markets therefore remains uncertain.

Potential buyers should also wait for official details about RAM, storage, software, cameras, charging and final pricing before making a purchase decision.

Final Verdict

The iQOO Pad Pro 8.8 appears to be a gaming tablet designed to retain many of the features that make the Pad Ultra distinctive. Its 165Hz OLED display, 9,020mAh battery, lightweight body and active cooling system could make it appealing to mobile gamers.

The reported switch to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Q3 gaming chip may help iQOO position the Pro as a more affordable alternative to the Ultra.

The final verdict will depend on its price and real-world performance. If iQOO sets a meaningful price difference between the two models, the Pad Pro could offer an attractive balance of gaming features, portability and performance.

Source: GSMArena, based on iQOO's announcements and current chipset reports.