iQOO reportedly targets compact tablet market
iQOO is said to be preparing a move into the small form factor tablet space, according to information shared by Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station. The brand has so far focused on larger slates such as the iQOO Pad 6 Pro, but the new device is positioned as a more portable alternative aimed directly at the niche occupied by RedMagic Astra 2, which launched in June.
The leak suggests iQOO wants to combine high end performance with a compact footprint, a combination that has been rare outside gaming focused brands. If accurate, it would mark the company's first serious attempt at an 8 inch class tablet and a clear shift from the bigger productivity oriented models it has released to date.
What the leak claims
The core of the rumor centers on size and hardware. The device is described as having an 8.8 inch panel with an ultra-high refresh rate and narrow bezels on all four sides. A metal frame is mentioned, along with a built in cooling fan, hinting at sustained performance under load rather than just burst speeds.
Under the hood, the tablet is tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. That would place it firmly in flagship territory for mobile silicon, well beyond the mid range chips often used in smaller tablets. The combination of a high end SoC and active cooling suggests gaming and productivity workloads are a priority.
The reference to RedMagic Astra 2 is notable. That device also sits in the 8.8 inch range and targets mobile gamers with active cooling and a high refresh display. iQOO entering the same segment would create a direct spec for spec rivalry in China, with potential global implications if the tablet launches internationally.
The metal construction and fan point to a design tuned for thermal headroom. Small tablets struggle with heat when pushing flagship chips, so active cooling is a meaningful differentiator. Narrow bezels would maximize screen real estate without increasing overall dimensions, a design cue common in premium tablets.
Why a small tablet makes sense now
Compact tablets have seen a resurgence as users look for something larger than a phone but more portable than an 11 to 12 inch slate. An 8.8 inch form factor fits in a bag easily, works well for reading, and remains usable for short sessions. For iQOO, which has built a reputation around performance phones, a small powerful tablet aligns with brand DNA.
The segment also offers differentiation. iQOO's existing Pad lineup covers the mainstream large tablet market. A compact high performance model would let the company compete on portability and gaming credentials without cannibalizing its own larger devices.
If the ultra high refresh rate claim holds, it would likely be in the 144Hz to 165Hz range, typical for gaming tablets. That would make the device attractive for both gaming and smooth scrolling in media apps, while the metal chassis would add perceived premium feel.
What remains unknown
At this stage the information is limited to a single leak. No official images, pricing, or launch window have been shared. Details such as battery capacity, storage options, camera setup, software skin, connectivity and whether the tablet will ship outside China are all unconfirmed.
It is also unclear how iQOO will differentiate the product beyond specs. RedMagic already offers a gaming centric UI and accessories. iQOO may lean on its own OriginOS tablet experience and ecosystem integration with its phones to create a more balanced productivity and gaming proposition.
The source material is in Chinese and has not been corroborated by other tipsters. As with all pre launch rumors, the final product could change significantly before release, with specs, design and naming all subject to revision.
We will continue to monitor for further leaks, official teasers or confirmation from iQOO. For now, the prospect of an 8.8 inch iQOO tablet with flagship silicon and active cooling is an intriguing one for fans of compact high performance devices.
