Launched earlier in China, the IQOO 13 finally starting to roll out globally. A powerhouse of a device, the IQOO follows in the footsteps of its predecessor offering flagship specs across the board, and is one of the first phones to be powered by the mighty Snapdragon 8 Elite. It also boasts a self-developed gaming chip, triple 50-megapixel cameras, and more.

Here’s everything you need to know about the IQOO 13:

Flagship performance from a fresh flagship chip

One of the most notable things about the IQOO 13 is that it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite which was launched in October of this year.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is currently touted as the fastest mobile PC at the moment, fueling both AI and gaming. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, this chip speeds up things by about 30% and supposedly boosts performance up to 50% more.

IQOO’s self-developed Q2 supercomputing chip, however, makes the setup unique. Working alongside the processor, the Q2 brings enhancements like 2K Game Super Resolution, which is designed to deliver “PC-grade” graphics while maintaining stable frame rates (up to 144FPS) even under high-stress scenarios.

IQOO also updated its cooling system to manage heavier loads. The 7K Ultra VC Cooling System features the company’s largest vapor chamber to date and covers the main camera and battery components as well. It’s paired with a Cool Aircraft-grade aluminium frame for faster cooling and while the High Precision Temperature Algorithm provides smart cooling and industry-leading heat dissipation.

Thin, sleek, durable, powerful

It wasn’t too long ago that powerful smartphones were often bulky or niche in design. Of late, this is becoming less and less true, and the IQOO 13 is a prime example.

The IQOO 13 comes in three subtle but sleek colors — Nardo Gray, Alpha, and the BMW M-inspired Legend. Both the Legend and Nardo colorways stand at just under 9mm thin and 213g in weight while the Alpha stands at under 8mm and is lighter at 207g.

But one of the best things about the new design is its IP69 dust and water protection which means you can fully submerge the device up to 1m of water. The rating also means that the phone is fully guarded against dust and can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature sprays.

Around its camera module is also the all-new Monster Halo lighting effect. Built with six visual effects and customization options, you can personalize the look and movement of the lights for music, calls, messages, charging, and of course, gaming.

Apart from housing a powerful processor and its self-designed supercomputing chip, the slim profile of the IQOO 13 also packs a large 6150mAh battery, complemented by 120W FlashCharge. It also sports a 6.82-inch display made with Q10 Light-emitting material which increases brightness by 12.5% and color cast by 55%. Conversely, it reduces motion blur by 15% and power consumption by 10% as well.

Interestingly, it also provides hardware-based eye protection by incorporating a circular polarized eye-protection (as opposed to the more common linear polarizing) layer that mimics natural light for more lifelike visuals. This apparently reduces the risk of astigmatism and dry eyes. It also debuts with vivo’s first Eye Care IP for all-around eye protection. These include 2592Hz PWM Dimming, Biometric Brightness Adjustment, Anti-Fatigue Brightness Adjustment 2.0, and Adaptive Ambient Color Temperature.

Of course, it comes with some certifications as well including TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display, TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization, and HDR10+.

Triple 50-megapixel shooters and a strong selfie camera, too

While not popularly known for its camera prowess, the IQOO 13 wants to make a different case this year packing a triple 50-megapixel camera setup that we’ve been seeing on flagships of late.

At the core of this imaging system is a flagship-grade Sony IMX921 VCS Sensor main camera, complemented by a telephoto lens and an ultra-wide-angle camera. Each 50-megapixel shooter brings its own strengths, allowing users to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups with remarkable clarity and detail.

What truly elevates the IQOO 13’s camera experience is its advanced computational photography technology.

Powered by the NICE 2.0 algorithm, the phone leverages artificial intelligence to dramatically enhance image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Night mode becomes a particular highlight, enabling users to capture stunningly clear and vibrant photos even in low light.

The camera system also offers creative features like multiple bokeh effects and a Street Photography mode that provides professional-level controls, essentially transforming the smartphone into a versatile digital camera that can adapt to virtually any photographic situation.

IQOO 13 5G full specs

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Ellite processor
Adreno 830 graphics
Supercomputing Chip Q2
12GB+256GB/12GB+512GB/16GB+512GB
Funtouch OS 15

6.82-inch Q10 2K LTPO AMOLED Ultra Eyecare
144Hz refresh rate
4500nits peak brightness
TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display certificationn
TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization certification
HDR10+/Netflix HDR/Amazon Prime Video HDR

6150mAh battery capacity (except India)
12oW FlashCharge
IP68/IP69

50-megapixel Sony IMX921 VCS True Color Camera
50-megapixel S5KJN1SQ03 Ultra Wide-Angle Camera
50-megapixel Sony IMX816 Telephoto Camera
32-megapixel front camera

Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth 5.4
Dual-frequency GPS