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Key Highlights
- Telescopic design with up to 211mm extension
- Hall effect joysticks rated for 5 million uses
- Hall effect linear triggers with 256-level input
- Interchangeable short and long magnetic grips
- Customisable L4 and R4 shoulder buttons
- USB-C connection with 15W pass-through charging
iQOO has introduced the G1, a new telescopic gaming controller designed for smartphones and compact tablets. Launched in China on October 28 along with Neo12, Pad Pro 8.8 the G1 accessory features Hall effect joysticks, analogue triggers, interchangeable grips and additional programmable shoulder buttons.
The controller extends up to 211mm, allowing it to accommodate compatible smartphones and smaller tablets, including 8.8-inch models. Its modular grip design offers two holding configurations, while a direct USB-C connection eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing.
The G1 also supports 15W pass-through charging, allowing users to connect a charger while playing. However, its advanced button mapping and control customisation features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | iQOO |
| Model | G1 |
| Product type | Telescopic gaming controller |
| Design | Dual-sided telescopic |
| Maximum extension | 211mm |
| Weight | 176.5g with long grips |
| Joysticks | Hall effect |
| Joystick durability | Rated for 5 million uses |
| Triggers | Hall effect linear triggers |
| Trigger sensitivity | 256 levels |
| Face buttons | Micro-switch ABXY |
| Additional buttons | Customisable L4 and R4 |
| Connectivity | USB-C wired |
| Wireless connectivity | No Bluetooth |
| Built-in battery | No |
| Pass-through charging | Up to 15W |
| Software | Game Space and Game Magic Box |
| Supported devices for advanced customisation | Four specified iQOO devices |
| Operating system requirement | OriginOS 7 or later |
| Colour | Cool Black |
| Price | ¥499 |
| Availability | China |
Design and Build
The iQOO G1 uses a telescopic construction that extends up to 211mm, allowing it to hold compatible smartphones and compact tablets. Silicone padding helps secure the connected device and reduce unwanted movement during gameplay.
One of its distinguishing features is the interchangeable magnetic grip system. Users can choose between shorter grips for a more compact setup and longer grips designed for a fuller, console-style holding position.
The controller weighs 176.5 grams with the larger grips attached. This modular approach gives users some flexibility between portability and handling comfort.
iQOO offers the G1 in a single Cool Black colour option.
Controls and Gaming Features
The G1’s main hardware highlight is its Hall effect joystick system. Unlike conventional contact-based joystick mechanisms, Hall effect sensors detect magnetic position changes, reducing the mechanical contact associated with traditional stick drift.
iQOO rates the joysticks for up to 5 million uses. The controller also includes interchangeable thumbstick caps to accommodate different grip preferences.
Its Hall effect linear triggers support 256 levels of input. This allows games with analogue trigger support to recognise different pressure levels rather than treating every press as a simple on-or-off command. It can be useful in racing games for controlling acceleration and braking.
The ABXY buttons use micro-switches, while the D-pad provides tactile feedback. Two additional shoulder buttons, labelled L4 and R4, can be customised for different in-game actions.
Connectivity and Charging
The iQOO G1 connects directly to a compatible device through USB-C. It does not rely on Bluetooth pairing and has no built-in battery, drawing its operating power from the connected smartphone or tablet instead.
It also includes a separate USB-C charging connection supporting up to 15W pass-through charging. This allows users to connect an external charger and continue playing while the connected device receives power.
The 15W limit is worth noting for users who regularly play demanding games for extended periods. It provides charging support, but should not be confused with high-speed charging at the maximum rate supported by a smartphone.
Software and Device Compatibility
The controller works with iQOO’s Game Space and Game Magic Box software for advanced configuration.
Supported customisation options include button mapping, joystick and trigger dead-zone adjustments, and rapid-fire settings. These controls allow players to adjust the controller’s behaviour according to their preferred games.
However, advanced software customisation is officially supported on a limited list of devices at launch:
- iQOO 16
- iQOO Neo 12
- iQOO Pad Ultra
- iQOO Pad Pro 8.8-inch
These devices must run OriginOS 7 or later.
This is an important limitation. The controller’s physical USB-C connection and its software-based customisation support are separate considerations. Buyers using other Android devices should verify compatibility and available functions before purchasing.
Price and Availability
The iQOO G1 is priced at ¥499 in China.
iQOO also offers a reported ¥100 discount when customers purchase the controller together with an eligible iQOO smartphone or tablet, reducing the bundle price to ¥399.
The controller is available in a single Cool Black colour option.
Competition and Alternatives
The G1 enters a competitive mobile gaming controller market that includes accessories from Lenovo, Xiaomi and RedMagic.
One alternative is Lenovo’s Legion GamePad G3, which also offers Hall effect joysticks and pass-through charging. It has been reported at a considerably lower price in China.
The iQOO G1’s appeal instead lies in its modular grips, additional shoulder controls and integration with iQOO’s software ecosystem.
Its value will depend heavily on device compatibility and whether buyers actually need its advanced customisation features.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iQOO G1?
The iQOO G1 is primarily aimed at mobile gamers who want physical controls, analogue triggers and additional programmable buttons in a telescopic controller.
Its Hall effect joysticks, interchangeable grips and 15W pass-through charging make it an interesting accessory, particularly for users already invested in iQOO’s smartphone and tablet ecosystem.
However, its restricted advanced software support is a significant consideration. Buyers using other Android devices should check compatibility before spending ¥499.
Best for: iQOO users who regularly play controller-supported games and want configurable physical controls.
Consider alternatives if: You use a non-iQOO device, prefer wireless connectivity or want a more affordable controller.
Bottom line: The G1 offers a useful combination of modular hardware and configurable controls, but its limited software compatibility makes it a more compelling purchase for existing iQOO users than for the wider Android gaming audience.
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