iQOO 13 Review: A Powerhouse Gaming Phone with a Few Misses
The iQOO 13, priced at ₹59,999, marks the latest flagship effort from iQOO, a brand renowned for its gaming-centric smartphones. With significant upgrades like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and IP68 + IP69 ratings, the iQOO 13 aims to secure a place among the best Android flagships. But does it deliver on all fronts? Here’s our comprehensive review.
Unboxing and Design
The iQOO 13 arrives in sleek black packaging, which includes:
- The device itself.
- A 120W fast charger.
- A Type-C cable.
- A plastic case and necessary paperwork.
We tested the 16GB RAM/512GB storage variant in the Legend (White) color with BMW-inspired racing stripes—a signature look that exudes elegance.
Design Overview
- Retains the glass sandwich design with an aluminum frame and a flat front display.
- A new halo light around the camera module offers customizable alerts for calls, notifications, battery levels, and more.
- Despite weighing 213g and being 8.13mm thick, excellent weight distribution makes it comfortable to hold.
- IP68 + IP69 rating provides enhanced water resistance.
Drawbacks: The back lacks glass protection, making it prone to smudges, and the omission of wireless charging is disappointing for a flagship in this segment.
Display and Software
The 6.82-inch 2K AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (144Hz for select games) delivers a visually stunning experience. With 4,500 nits peak brightness, the screen remains sharp and vibrant even under direct sunlight.
Software Experience
The iQOO 13 runs on FunTouch OS 15, based on Android 15, with promises of four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. The interface is fast and feature-rich, but it comes with a few pre-installed apps like Snapchat, Netflix, and Myntra. However, there are no ads, and most app recommendations can be disabled.
Gaming Features
The new Ultra Game Mode elevates gaming with features like:
- Esports Mode for optimized performance.
- Enhanced visuals and frame rates for select games.
- Direct power supply during gaming to reduce battery strain.
Performance
The iQOO 13 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, the first processor based on Qualcomm’s Oryon architecture. It supports advanced features like ray tracing, making it a gaming powerhouse.
Benchmark Results
- Antutu Score: 27,83,171 (among the highest globally).
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: 3016, Multi-core: 9445.
- 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test: Best loop score: 6257, stability: 64.2%.
Performance Observations
While running benchmarks, the device did experience significant heating, with temperatures rising to 50°C during Antutu tests. However, during regular gaming sessions, heating was manageable, and the phone cooled down quickly.
Battery and Charging
The 6,000mAh battery, paired with FunTouch OS 15, ensures impressive endurance:
- Screen-on time: 8–9 hours with moderate use.
- The 120W charger can fully recharge the battery in just 30 minutes.
Even under heavy usage, including gaming and benchmarks, the phone lasted a full day without requiring a recharge.
Camera
The iQOO 13 features a triple camera setup:
- 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor.
- 50MP telephoto lens.
- 50MP ultra-wide lens.
- 32MP front camera.
Performance
While the cameras deliver good results overall, the absence of a periscope lens is noticeable. The 2x and 4x zoom shots lack the sharpness and detail offered by competitors in this price range. However, in standard photography scenarios, the iQOO 13 holds its own.
