The iQOO 15 Ultra, Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO’s latest flagship powerhouse, made its debut in China on February 4, 2026. Packed with cutting-edge specs like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a massive battery (around 7,000–7,400mAh with 100W fast charging), a high-refresh-rate 2K AMOLED display, advanced cooling (including active fan options in some configurations), and a strong camera system featuring periscope telephoto lenses, it quickly positioned itself as a top-tier gaming and performance phone in its home market.
Yet, for Indian fans eagerly awaiting this beast, the news isn’t great: reliable reports indicate that the iQOO 15 Ultra is not launching in India.
The Latest on the India Launch (Or Lack Thereof)
According to credible tipster Yogesh Brar and coverage from outlets like Gadgets 360 and India TV News in early February 2026, iQOO has no plans to bring the 15 Ultra to the Indian market. While the brand hasn’t issued an official statement confirming cancellation, the absence of any teasers, launch announcements, or even vague hints from iQOO India — combined with these insider claims — strongly suggests it’s staying China-exclusive for now.
Sites tracking the phone (such as 91mobiles and Gadgets 360) explicitly note that all available information is based on the China launch, with “no news on India launch yet.” As of mid-February 2026, nothing has changed to contradict the earlier leaks.
Why Might iQOO Skip India for the 15 Ultra?
iQOO has built a solid reputation in India by focusing on value-driven performance phones, especially in the mid-to-upper-mid range. Here’s why skipping the Ultra model makes strategic sense for them:
- Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy — The iQOO 15 Ultra is a true flagship with premium hardware (high-end chipset, large battery, advanced cooling, and camera tech). Bringing it to India could mean a launch price well above ₹70,000–₹90,000 (or higher), clashing with iQOO’s image as an accessible performance brand. Instead, they often prioritize devices that deliver flagship-level experiences at more competitive prices.
- Alternative for Indian Buyers — Rather than the Ultra, iQOO is channeling energy into other models tailored for India. The iQOO 15 (with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 7000mAh battery, and similar premium features) is already available in India. Meanwhile, the iQOO 15R — launching very soon on February 24, 2026 — is generating huge buzz with its rumored 7,600mAh battery (one of the largest in its class), slim design, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (or similar), and expected pricing under ₹50,000–₹55,000. It’s positioned as a gaming-focused powerhouse that’s more accessible and India-optimized.
- Competition and Portfolio Focus — The Indian flagship segment is crowded with players like OnePlus, Samsung, Google Pixel, and even Vivo’s own mainline flagships. iQOO likely sees more opportunity in dominating the performance-midrange and upper-midrange segments rather than going head-to-head in the ultra-premium tier right now.
What This Means for Indian iQOO Fans
If you’re holding out for the absolute top-spec iQOO device with every bell and whistle (active cooling fan, maxed-out RAM/storage configs, and the most advanced camera tuning), the 15 Ultra might remain out of reach unless you import it (which comes with risks like warranty issues, network compatibility, and higher costs).
The good news? iQOO isn’t abandoning the high-performance space in India. The regular iQOO 15 already delivers flagship-grade power, and the incoming 15R looks set to offer incredible battery life and gaming chops at a friendlier price point. These moves keep iQOO relevant for gamers, power users, and value seekers without stretching into ultra-premium territory.
Final Thoughts
The iQOO 15 Ultra is an impressive piece of tech — but for now, it’s staying in China. iQOO’s decision reflects a calculated approach to the Indian market: prioritize devices that hit the sweet spot of performance, battery, and affordability rather than chasing every global flagship variant.
Keep an eye on February 24, 2026, for the iQOO 15R launch — it might just be the phone that satisfies most users looking for next-level performance without the Ultra price tag.
What do you think — would you have preferred the Ultra in India, or are you happy with the more accessible options iQOO is bringing? Drop your thoughts below!