iQOO 13: iQOO has long been a performance brand in India, and the iQOO 13 continues this trend with a daring new direction. Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip, an even brighter display, and serious battery power, it’s looking to compete with other Android flagships. But can it dominate the premium segment without going minus on must-have flagship features like wireless charging and a periscope camera?
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Design and Build: Unfamiliar yet Practical
To the naked eye, the iQOO 13 does not seem to be radically different from the last one. It still adheres to a glass-aluminum sandwich design and a flat AMOLED screen. The only striking visual aspect here is the glowing “halo ring” of light around the camera, which also acts as a notification LED and even synchronizes with audio for a more engaging experience. Although slightly obese at 213g, the balanced weight distribution makes it comfortable to grip for protracted durations of utilization.
Display and Biometrics: Vivid and Fast
Equipped with a 6.82-inch 2K AMOLED display at a 144Hz refresh rate for supported games, the display is very bright at 4,500 nits peak brightness. It is still legible in direct sunlight. The switch to a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint reader provides enhanced accuracy and speed, allowing for smooth and secure unlocking, a difference from last year’s optical reader.
Software: Feature-Rich But Cluttered
Operating FunTouch OS 15 on Android 15, the interface is smooth and responsive. iQOO promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patch updates. Pre-installed apps like Snapchat, Netflix, and Facebook, however, can prove to be intrusive. Ultra Game Mode with eSports mode and real-time game controls, however, turn the software into a gamer’s dream land.
Camera: Great But No Periscope
The iQOO 13 has a triple 50MP setup telephoto, wide, ultra-wide, and a 32MP selfie shooter. Performance in well-lit conditions and controlled lighting is pretty good, though the lack of a periscope lens is felt. Zoom shots don’t match rivals such as the Vivo X200 or Galaxy S24 series, especially beyond 2x.
Performance and Gaming: Next-Level Horsepower
Blessed with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, the iQOO 13 is a benchmark monster. It pushes its processors to nearly 2.8 million on AnTuTu, but it does warm up when stressed. The gaming performance is great, with ray tracing supported and specific optimizations for improved visuals. The phone will certainly warm up while benchmarking synthetically but stays cooler during longer gaming sessions.
Battery and Charging: Built for Stamina
The 6,000mAh battery and power-saving processor, and OS optimization together offer 1.5 days of usage. Screen-on-time is approximately 8–9 hours. Even better, the 120W fast charger charges it up in just 30 minutes, making power anxiety a relic of the past.
Verdict: Almost The Ideal Gamer’s Flagship
From ₹59,999, the iQOO 13 is loaded with scorching speed, a killer display, and unparalleled battery life. For gaming and performance enthusiasts, it’s among the best currently available in the market, particularly when discounted during sale periods. Nevertheless, the lack of wireless charging and a periscope lens keep it barely short of being an all-rounder outright.