The highly anticipated iQOO 13 has officially made its debut, set for release on October 30.
Sleek Design And New Features
In terms of design, the iQOO 13 retains the familiar look of previous models with minor tweaks. It features a narrow-bezel flat display, a flat middle frame, and the iconic “Infinite Horizon” Deco window on the back. However, this time it introduces a new “energy ring” design, which lights up to match music or gaming rhythms and serves as a notification light for calls, messages, or charging status. This addition is both functional and visually appealing, adding a unique interactive touch to the phone.
Performance-Focused with Advanced Cooling
Continuing its tradition as a performance-oriented device, the iQOO 13 prominently showcases its “Light of Performance” tagline. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, complemented by iQOO’s Q2 gaming chip, which supports features like 2K ultra-resolution and a high 144fps frame rate. To handle the heat, it’s equipped with multiple layers of graphene and a large 7K VC cooling plate.
Early tests suggest the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Dimensity 9400 in CPU performance, with minimal difference in GPU capabilities. Overall, this places the iQOO 13 at the forefront of Android SoCs, positioning it as a true performance powerhouse in the Android ecosystem.
Display and Battery Upgrades
The iQOO 13 also shines in display quality. Co-developed with BOE, it features a 2K high-refresh screen with the latest Q10 emitting material. Notably, it’s the first Android phone to introduce an OLED circular polarizer for enhanced eye protection. This 2K screen surpasses even Vivo’s higher-end X200 Pro, which uses a 1.5K display.
Battery life has been carefully considered too. With a 6150mAh battery and 120W fast charging, the iQOO 13 provides long-lasting power. It also has symmetrical dual speakers and a 1016H linear motor for enhanced audio and tactile feedback, making it ideal for gaming. Other flagship-level features include NFC, infrared remote control, IP68 water and dust resistance, and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Camera Setup Sparks Debate
The iQOO 13’s camera setup, however, has sparked some debate. It features a 50MP main camera (IMX921 sensor, 1/1.56-inch, with OIS), a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens. In contrast, the previous iQOO 12 offered a larger 1/1.3-inch OV50H sensor for the main camera and a 3x periscope telephoto lens.This change has disappointed some fans, as the 3x periscope telephoto lens was reduced to a 2x regular telephoto lens,
which feels like a downgrade. Although some improvements can be achieved through software, the lack of a periscope telephoto lens is harder to overlook, especially since “no periscope, no flagship” is a common sentiment among enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the iQOO 13 is shaping up to be a solid device for users focused on performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a stunning 2K display, strong battery life, and flagship-level features, it’s an ideal choice if imaging isn’t a top priority.
The decision to scale back on the camera was likely to position the iQOO 13 below Vivo’s higher-end X200 Pro. If you prioritize imaging and are dissatisfied with this setup, there are other options on the market.
