As 2024 draws to a close, the iQOO 13 emerges as a tantalizing preview of what 2025 holds for smartphone enthusiasts. Bigger batteries, enhanced performance, and pro-grade cameras are on the horizon, but so are rising costs. However, the iQOO 13, much like the Red Magic 10 Pro, challenges this trend, offering flagship-level features at a competitive $650 price point, making current-gen iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones seem overpriced.
Uncompromising Performance
3DMark benchmark stability test result on iQoo 13.
Following the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s debut, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, a slightly toned-down version offering a more budget-friendly option for manufacturers. This strategy has enabled brands like Motorola to create more affordable foldable phones and Chinese manufacturers to deliver impressive mid-range devices. However, iQOO takes a different approach, prioritizing premium performance without the premium price tag.
The iQOO 13 is among the first phones to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Despite not being marketed as a gaming phone, its performance, particularly its thermal management, exceeded expectations. Even under heavy load, the substantial 7,000 square-millimeter vapor chamber effectively maintains optimal performance and prevents overheating.
Geekbench 6 benchmark comparison chart for iQoo 13.
3DMark benchmark comparison chart for iQoo 13.
After a 40-thread stress test, the iQOO 13 maintained 85% of its peak processing power, demonstrating exceptional stability. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S24, priced at $800, dropped to 60% and continued to decline. Remarkably, the iQOO 13 never became uncomfortably hot, even after rigorous testing, with temperatures remaining below 50 degrees Celsius.
Stability score after throttle test on iQoo 13.
Gaming performance is equally impressive. Demanding titles like Diablo Immortal and Devil May Cry ran flawlessly at maximum graphics settings. Furthermore, games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile, Call of Duty: Warzone, and BattleGrounds Mobile India achieved a smooth 60 fps at peak settings.
Playing Call of Duty on iQoo 13.
Vivo’s custom Q2 chip further enhances gaming by upscaling resolution and frame rates to 2K and 144 fps in optimized titles. While only a few games currently support this feature, the Super Resolution and Frame Interpolation tools noticeably improve fluidity and visual fidelity, exceeding even Apple and Samsung’s current capabilities.
Goodbye Power Banks
View of the rear shell on the iQoo 13.
2024 witnessed significant advancements in battery technology. Semi-solid-state and silicon carbide anode batteries offer improved longevity, heat management, safety, and higher energy density. The iQOO 13 capitalizes on these advancements with a massive 6,000 mAh battery and 120W fast charging, dwarfing the Galaxy S24’s 4,000 mAh battery and slower charging speeds.
The included 120W charger fully charges the iQOO 13 in just 36 minutes, reaching 50% in a mere 15 minutes. This rapid charging capability ensures ample power throughout the day, even with heavy usage.
Home screen of an iQoo 13 lying on a chair.
Game optimization tools on the iQoo 13.
Even with extensive use involving communication apps, music streaming, social media browsing, gaming, and AI utilization, the iQOO 13 consistently lasted a full day on a single charge.
A Well-Rounded Package
Camera module on the iQoo 13.
Beyond performance and battery life, the iQOO 13 boasts an IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance rating, the highest available for smartphones, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and submersion.
Playing Devil May Cry on the iQoo 13.
The triple 50-megapixel rear camera setup, inheriting Vivo’s advanced imaging technology, delivers impressive results. While some overprocessing and aggressive noise reduction in low-light conditions are present, the zoom capabilities, although primarily digital, are respectable.
Cat staring at a camera.
A sesame bagel resting in a blue plate.
The 6.82-inch QHD OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals and adequate brightness for comfortable viewing in various lighting conditions.
Raising the Bar
iQOO 13, Oppo Find X8 Pro and Vivo X200 Pro — silicon carbon battery-equipped phones.
While the iQOO 13 has minor drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging, limited optical zoom, UI bloatware, and a standard software update policy, these are negligible considering its competitive price. The iQOO 13 sets a new standard for 2025 smartphones, demonstrating that flagship features can be offered at affordable prices. Hopefully, other manufacturers will follow suit.
