Entering October, the competition among major manufacturers can truly be described as "ramped up."

Influenced by Qualcomm and MediaTek's early releases of flagship chips, various mobile phone manufacturers have advanced the release dates of their flagship products. The vivo X200 series and OPPO Find X8 series have already been released in recent days, and flagship new products from brands such as Xiaomi, Honor, OnePlus, and many others are poised to launch at the end of the month, making for a thrilling spectacle.

Although some manufacturers are still in the planning stages, there are already numerous flagship products available on the market, readily observable with the naked eye.

For comparison, at this time last year, everyone was still preparing for Singles' Day, creating a sense of disconnect. Moreover, despite the already heated market atmosphere, manufacturers have not stopped releasing new products, leaving many feeling overwhelmed with choices.

However, I would argue that having too many choices is better than having none at all.

Looking at the current market, those who prefer small screens can check out the vivo X200 Pro mini and Xiaomi 15; photography enthusiasts can explore the vivo X200 Pro and OPPO Find X8 Pro; and for those seeking a balanced experience, there are options like realme GT7 Pro and OnePlus 13.

Perhaps all that's missing is a flagship that focuses solely on gaming performance?

iQOO thinks so too.

(Image source: iQOO)

On October 30th, iQOO unveiled the latest flagship in its digital series, the iQOO 13. It is not only among the first to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Supreme flagship processor but also boasts up to 16GB+1TB of storage, the only ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in its price range, and an impressive battery life combination of 6150mAh and 120W fast charging.

The goal of this product is clear: to create a "beacon of performance" in the flagship price segment. More importantly, iQOO aims to produce a pure e-sports flagship, a product that pushes the boundaries of gaming technology to the industry's forefront, offering an ultimate user experience for those who pursue cutting-edge technology and love gaming.

Now, let's see if this device truly delivers.

Dual flagship chips for powerful performance

As a device that prioritizes gaming and gaming experience, we must, of course, begin our evaluation with performance.

The iQOO 13 is among the first to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Supreme chip, which features Qualcomm's first self-developed all-big-core CPU architecture with a "2+6" configuration. This includes two ultra-large cores with a maximum frequency of 4.32GHz and six large cores with a frequency of up to 3.53GHz, representing a significant improvement over the 3.3GHz peak frequency of the previous-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen3.

(Image source: Qualcomm)

The most significant upgrade in this processor is undoubtedly Qualcomm's self-developed Oryon core.

This core has already been used in the Snapdragon X Elite compute platform, impressing us with its high frequency, high performance, and low power consumption. Compared to the previously used ARM architecture, Oryon undoubtedly offers greater autonomy and easier subsequent optimization.

Most importantly, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme is built on TSMC's N3E process technology. Compared to the common TSMC N5 process, the N3E offers 34% lower power consumption at the same performance level, 18% higher performance at the same power consumption, and a 60% increase in logic transistor density, reaching an unprecedented 29.1 billion transistors.

In addition to the comprehensively upgraded CPU, the GPU has also received significant upgrades. The Snapdragon 8 Supreme employs the latest Adreno 8 series GPU with a frequency of up to 1100MHz, offering a 25% improvement in energy efficiency. It also provides the Adreno Image Motion Engine 2.0 and Ray Tracing 2.0 technologies, delivering better image quality and smoother gameplay.

(Image source: Qualcomm)

As the saying goes, no matter how impressive the hardware specifications and technical features may be, the true test lies in how well they perform.

Indeed, benchmark scores do not tell the whole story, but they remain a fundamental and direct indicator of a product's overall experience.

Let's start with the familiar AnTuTu benchmark. At a room temperature of 24°C, the iQOO 13 easily surpassed 3 million points, a full 600,000 points higher than its predecessor and surpassing all current Android flagship devices on the market, positioning the iQOO 13 at the forefront of industry performance.

(Image source: Leitech)

Next, let's look at CPU performance. In Geekbench 6, the iQOO 13 achieved a single-core score of 3044 and a multi-core score of 9539.

(Image source: Leitech)

These scores are quite impressive, representing significant improvements over the previous-generation iQOO 12. The self-developed Oryon core in the Snapdragon 8 Supreme has led to a substantial boost in single-core performance, while the multi-core performance places the iQOO 13 in the top tier of devices.

Moving on to GPU performance, we tested with GFX Bench. In the Manhattan 3.1 1080P off-screen test, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme achieved 339FPS, a 10% improvement over its predecessor. In the Aztec 1440P Vulkan test, it reached 128FPS, a 20-30% improvement.

(Image source: Leitech)

For modern graphics API benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme scored 2541 points in the 3DMark Steel Normad Light test, representing a roughly 26% improvement over the iQOO 12, a visible enhancement in performance.

(Image source: Leitech)

Qualcomm claims that the new Ray Tracing 2.0 technology can simulate real-world lighting effects in real-time, more accurately reproducing light reflection, refraction, shadows, and other phenomena. We tested with 3DMark Solar Bay and the iQOO 13 achieved a score of 11858, a commendable result.

An unparalleled gaming experience

In addition to benchmarks, we also tested several games in practice.

Enough talk, let's jump straight into "Genshin Impact"!

Under the settings of original graphics quality and high frame rate (60FPS), we tested the game by running through Sumeru and fighting bosses. Over a 20-minute period, the average frame rate reached 61.24FPS, ensuring smooth gameplay. The CPU's ultra-large cores operated at around 1GHz, with a power consumption of approximately 4.3W.

(Image source: Leitech)

Remember, iQOO employs a "dual-chip" strategy.

In addition to the Snapdragon 8 Supreme, the iQOO 13 is also equipped with the industry's only self-developed gaming chip, the Q2. Combined with advanced self-developed algorithms, it delivers industry-leading super-resolution and frame interpolation effects.

To experience these features, simply swipe right from the game interface to access the Game Toolbox, which offers "Game Super Resolution" and "Game Frame Interpolation" options.

Activating Game Super Resolution noticeably sharpens the game's visuals, reducing jagged edges around scene and object models. However, due to the relatively low texture quality of "Genshin Impact" on Android, the overall image still lacks fine detail, but the overall visual experience is notably improved.

(Image source: Leitech)

Activating Game Frame Interpolation inserts computationally generated transition frames between existing frames, enhancing fluency. While this works well for smooth movements, it can cause blurriness around characters during walking or turning, a limitation of current frame interpolation technologies that rely solely on image capture.

Of course, for hardcore gamers, "Genshin Impact" is old news; "Honkai: Star Rail" is the new darling for pushing performance limits.

At high graphics quality and 60FPS, we tested the game by running through Stellaris Central Hub for approximately 20 minutes. The average frame rate reached 59.79FPS with minimal frame drops, and power consumption remained around 4.8W, with a manageable device temperature.

(Image source: Leitech)

Similarly, in "Zero Zone" at high graphics quality and 60FPS, we ran for 20 minutes around the back alley behind the police station. The maximum temperature reached 41.7°C, with an average frame rate of 60.63FPS and a power consumption of 5.3W. While this may not directly correlate with real-world gaming experiences, it represents one of the most demanding test scenarios currently available.

(Image source: Leitech)

Finally, in "Game for Peace," the game naturally runs at full frame rate at default graphics settings.

(Image source: Leitech)

The real highlight comes when enabling Game Super Resolution and Game Frame Interpolation, allowing the game to run at 2K+144FPS. Over a 20-minute testing period, the iQOO 13 maintained perfect super-resolution and frame interpolation, ensuring a high frame rate experience with minimal heat generation. It just takes some getting used to the additional input lag.

(Image source: Leitech)

Overall, this may currently represent the best mobile gaming experience available.

Comprehensive features, truly flagship

iQOO is a brand passionate about "exploration."

However, good design deserves to be continued, so the iQOO 13 retains the familiar oval camera module design, located in the top-left corner of the rear panel, differing from the current mainstream centered design but offering superior grip.

(Image source: Leitech)

What's different is the newly upgraded "Energy Aura," which imbues the iQOO 13 with a unique gaming aesthetic. With up to 72 lighting effects, it illuminates during key moments like startups, ultimate abilities, and victories. Users can even customize the lighting effects to create their own unique aura.

It's undeniably dazzling.

In terms of color options, iQOO offers the Racing Edition, Legend Edition, Nardo Grey, and the Isle of Man Green. My personal favorite is the Isle of Man Green, which exudes a sense of nature and vitality. The Nardo Grey unit I have here is also quite appealing, exuding a subtle and elegant business aesthetic.

(Image source: Leitech)

Turning to the front, we inevitably discuss the display.

The iQOO 13 features a custom-made straight screen with a BOE Q10 light-emitting device, offering industry-leading 2K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports 8T LTPO, has a global peak brightness of 1800nits, and upgrades with circularly polarized light eye protection technology, anti-reflective coating technology, and more flexible dimming methods.

(Image source: Leitech)

In my personal experience, this screen looks really good. Basically, power consumption, eye protection, and display effects are all well-arranged.

Key point! It still has ultrasonic fingerprint recognition, which I really love.

(Image source: Leitech)

As for the camera, the iQOO 13 doesn't bring much surprise. With a 50MP IMX921 1/1.56" main camera, a 50MP IMX816 1/2.93" 2x telephoto lens, and a 50MP JN1 ultra-wide-angle lens, it can only be described as a standard triple-camera module. Let's take a look at its imaging performance.

Thanks to the same software algorithm as the vivo X series, the iQOO 13 performs well in daytime photography. From sunset to street corners, it captures highlights without overflow, with proper contrast between light and dark, and excellent edge detail transitions and macro processing, providing a comfortable viewing experience.

(Image source: Leitech)

At night or in low-light environments, the iQOO 13's performance is relatively average. Although it maintains a relatively high brightness most of the time and ensures a clean image without obvious color noise, there are occasional situations where highlights cannot be fully suppressed.

(Image source: Leitech)

As for the 2x telephoto lens, there's not much to expect.

Lastly, let's talk about battery life. The iQOO 13 features a combination of a 6150mAh battery and 120W fast charging, supporting 100W PPS fast charging. It comes with a C-to-C fast charging adapter and cable, making it potentially the most aggressive battery configuration among 2K screen flagships this year.

(Image source: Leitech)

In our battery life simulation test, which included 1 hour of gaming, 1 hour of online video streaming, 1 hour of local music playback, 1 hour of web browsing, and 1 hour of continuous 1080P 60fps video recording, the iQOO 13 ended up with 46% battery remaining, demonstrating excellent overall battery life.

Summary: Potentially the most gaming-focused performance flagship

Pros:

1. Excellent performance with dual-chip support for immersive gaming experience;

2. 120W fast charging and 6150mAh battery for outstanding battery life;

3. Customized 2K Q10 Everest screen for impressive display quality.

Cons:

1. Slightly reduced camera capabilities.

In terms of pricing, the iQOO 13 is available in various configurations: 12GB+256GB for 3,999 yuan, 16GB+256GB for 4,299 yuan, 12GB+512GB for 4,499 yuan, 16GB+512GB for 4,699 yuan, and 16GB+1TB for 5,199 yuan.

(Image source: Leitech)

Compared to previous years, the iQOO 13 is a rare flagship that hasn't increased its starting price.

In this year's tumultuous smartphone market, where brands are competing fiercely in terms of performance, memory, and camera capabilities, nearly every brand is striving to launch an "all-rounder."

Under these circumstances, the iQOO 13 has focused its efforts in one direction and may emerge as the most eye-catching performance flagship of 2024.

For users who seek cutting-edge technology and love gaming, the iQOO 13 offers a sincere proposition. With its top-tier BOE Q10 2K screen, peak-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 processor, 120W fast charging, and 6150mAh battery, it comprises the most luxurious and nearly flawless "gaming package" available today.

If you're not too concerned about telephoto photography or wireless charging but are looking for a flagship device with smooth performance, fast charging, and a long-lasting battery, Lei Tech believes that the iQOO 13 is a cost-effective and worthy choice to consider.

Source: Leitech