iQOO Unveils iQOO 16 Smartphone and 8.8-Inch Pad Ultra Gaming Tablet for End of September Launch iQOO has officially confirmed the launch of its new flagship smartphone, the iQOO 16, and an 8.8-inch gaming tablet, the iQOO Pad Ultra, set for release at the end of September. The announcement was made by iQOO’s flagship product manager, Wang Kan, on September 8, 2026, with both devices becoming available for pre-order on vivo’s China store the same day. The pre-order package costs CNY 9.9 (approximately KES 190), marking the first official confirmation of either device. Earlier leaked specifications from September 7 were partially accurate but not fully verified. iQOO, a performance-focused sub-brand under vivo, operates in markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Russia, and the Gulf, though it does not currently sell in Africa. The iQOO 15 units available in Kenya reportedly come through independent retailers rather than official channels. The launch announcement specifically highlights China as the primary market for the new devices. The iQOO 16 is positioned as a “technology performance flagship,” emphasizing its advanced features. It includes a newly developed esports chip, a next-generation Monster super-core engine, and Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon flagship platform. The device also boasts improved ray tracing capabilities for gaming and a screen supplied by Samsung Display. iQOO claims the phone delivers premium performance typically associated with flagship models under a standard-name designation. A redesigned rear camera block is featured in the teaser image, though details such as the 8,400mAh battery capacity or 165Hz refresh rate remain unconfirmed. The iQOO Pad Ultra represents the brand’s first flagship small tablet, marketed as an “esports new species.#china #vivo #iqoo #wangs_kan #iqoo_16
