iQOO 13 Review: Return of a Flagship Killer

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Wanna see how the Snapdragon 8 Elite really fares against the Dimensity 9400 in REAL apps you can use on YOUR Phone? I have those bar graphs here: www.patreon.com/posts/oppo-find-x8-pro-116415747

[@samanthamarasca1177]

Hey Juan, I got my global Iqoo 13 yesterday. The rear RGB light flashes upon start up, but I can't for the life of me find where I can customize it in the phone settings. Can you help?

[@Tkz9000]

I’m glad the performance gap of the A18 pro, 8 elite, and 9400 are very close. Companies competing is a win for the consumer.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's the only way we get better products. Techies have to acknowledge good competition while we still have it...

[@Lord_Fidel]

Indeed, I'm glad Mediatek has caught up to Qualcomm, Qualcomm has been completely lazy and playing the 5% generational improvement Intel game for too long.

[@_nom_]

I don't see how the 9400 could be. They don't do full custom cores

[@Tkz9000]

You act like Qualcomm has been doing custom cores for decades. They just started doing custom cores with the Oryon. Apple has been doing it for a while. Each of the chipsets have their pros and cons. The 9400 outperforms the 8 elite in video editing and rendering. Also mediatek cost less. It’s why Samsung went with the 9300 instead of the 8 gen 3 on their latest tablet.

[@Lord_Fidel]

@@Tkz9000 qualcomm stopped making custom cores half a decade ago because they nearly had a monopoly and a complete lack of competition, they just resumed their efforts because they can feel the heat

[@prosetheus]

It's game over for laptops once these companies get access to a more full featured desktop mode like Dex.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

A market like India has already predominantly moved to mobile and the next 500 million folks to get internet access will ONLY have mobile. The compute power in our pockets is RIDICULOUS overkill for "phone" tasks.

[@farishanafiah8461]

While I get your point, I doubt they'd do it since it'll hurt their brand ecosystem, especially their Android tablets. Also, most mobile apps still lacks features compared to its desktop counterparts.

[@joelconolly5574]

Dex isn't that better than a PC. It's a Window's replacement but can't do many things windows can do like managing files or search operating systems for specific hardware modeling. Sure you can do things like watch the web or edit videos or write a script but as a full productivity and diagnostics device, it's still not there yet.

[@farishanafiah8461]

@@joelconolly5574 I totally get your point. While several mobile apps are now getting better at desktop-grade usability, Android still has a long way to be a real desktop-grade OS.

[@Spearra]

​@@joelconolly5574"Yet".

[@Arkhalizard]

Really glad you've acknowledged Winlator finally. Winlator doesn't support 8 Elite yet unfortunately, but you can run Winlator on the 8 Gen 3 and even run many NEW games such as System Shock (2023 remake), PREY (2017), Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018), etc.

[@paradise0692]

D9400 support...?

[@Arkhalizard]

@paradise0692 Nope. Snapdragon only.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's tough to incorporate into bleeding edge phone reviews. It seems it will almost always lag a gen behind the chips. I think it could be huge, but right now emulation is a WAY away from mainstream.

[@ekinteko]

​@@SomeGadgetGuy It's not winNOW, it is winLATER 😂

[@farishanafiah8461]

I always look at the iQOO the same way I look at Xiaomi's POCO lineup - it's for those who care more about chipset than camera. Heck, the iQOO Neo don't even have tele cam.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That was always true EXCEPT for the 12.

[@cymo1397]

I'm not into camera but this is a win for me.. Performance is what really matters in the end of the day for me

[@acelilctl]

Last year's IQOO was nearly as good as x100

[@viktorbaresic4180]

Was in parts even better with ov50h main cam sensor

[@eoin4597]

​​@@SomeGadgetGuyThe IQOO 5 pro back in 2020 had a 5x periscope and a 1/1.31" main sensor, the same gn1 that the pixel is still using. It seems like they've experimented a bit with this series giving it good camera setups in some generations and then downgrading them again in other generations

[@TKBay]

Great Review as always, and I gotta say man Love the Glasses.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I think I look pretty good in glasses 😁

[@jamesbrooks7683]

I appreciate that you actually test the limits of these phones instead of just showing how fast you can swipe through home screens. Fun fact: I used my OnePlus 12 to record, edit, and mix a song I wrote for my fiancee! I was able to use Audio Evolution to add compression, reverb, and even pitch correction! These things are so capable, its crazy.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's really frustrating how stagnant phone reviewing has become. There's SO MUCH stuff we can do with this processing power. Good on you for taking Audio Evolution for a spin. I love using it for podcasting.

[@kaiserfakinaway5909]

4:05 bro, Juan you're literally saying what I think/feel man 😭😭 this is why i love you man, you get me.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

There are A LOT of us out there who care a bit more about what these things can really do. We can't let the "drool over antutu scores" crowd completely drown us out 😄

[@markhunter3936]

Love your take! Want to see Z70 ultra review! It's design is amazing! Hope to see more content like this!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That Z70 looks CRAZY...

[@arondyte318]

These generation of Android phones are looking great. The Vivo X200 Pro is by far still my fave of the lot

[@seaneckhart9914]

Im getting this phone and the Fiio BTR17 for endgame lossless audio. Super excited

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

Fantastic and timely review! Thanks, Juan. I've had the S24 Ultra for a while, and my experience has been less than stellar. I'm looking at this phone, Oppo Find X8, and OnePlus 13. I'm kinda torn on which to go with. I'm really liking the aesthetics on the Iqoo 13.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

The nice thing is, you'll have a BUNCH of fun options there. The battle between iQOO and OP is always a fun sparring match.

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

Yes, sir, Juan. I only wish these Chinese phones would launch in the US. Importing isn't difficult but it's something that shouldn't be necessary.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Agreed. It's sad we dont have a more competitive market here. I'm not surprised these companies gave up on the USA. I'm kinda shocked OP still ships here...

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

Me too. I ordered the Chinese version of the Iqoo 13 last night. I'm hoping it works properly over here.

[@chubbyjohnson5480]

I received the Iqoo 13 a couple of days ago. Wow, is this a refreshing phone. The biometrics alone make my decision to move on from domestic phones worth it. Not to mention the battery tech.

[@bobnelsonfr]

Interesting video. Your commentary on processing power leads to an obvious question: what's the best desktop mode? When will we be able to dump our laptops?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Currently I still like Moto's the best, but Dex and Honor's are very good too.

[@enihi]

Your photos looked gorgeous. What are we missing here besides the telephoto?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Hey thanks for that 😊 Compared to the 12, that tele lens helps a LOT in portrait use and when you need more reach, and you struggle a lot less with macro shots. That's the trade this year. Better overall performance, BIG battery life, but the camera makes you work a bit harder.

[@andrealexander2000]

I can't tell you how much times I rewatched the beginning of this video

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😊

[@pulloversir1448]

I expected better form iqoo 13. Everything is as expected except the cameras😢. It is really sad that they downgraded the camera. I would've bought it eyes closed if they would've kept the old cameras.

[@gockartzz8272]

I think it's great because there isn't alot of other phones that it has to compete with making it an obvious pick for me. And cameras was only gonna increase the price. Tho it would be good if they could keep the same cameras or something

[@davidburns8113]

But who would even want to charge their phone that fast. I love my iPhones ability to make me think about my nearest wall outlet

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's like echolocation, but for chargers! Genius! Think different!

[@israellewis5484]

Loving the satire

[@tempe157]

I dont know English but after watching your video i understand every single word you said. Very clear word and english language. Where are you come from?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Glad You enjoyed the Video. I'm from New Mexico.

[@tempe157]

@SomeGadgetGuy For easy and sharp smooth stabilize video recording, also smoth far zoom, you recomen iqoo13 or iqoo 12 or galaxy s23 or any other brand type? Cos 3 tipes i mention almost same price, now iqoo 12 price drops much. And s23 i hear some people got screen isue. Thanks

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Of those three phones, the iQOO 12 has the best telephoto camera. But if you REALLY want better telephoto action, you might want to spend up on a Vivo X, or an Oppo Find X, or maybe a Xiaomi Ultra.

[@tempe157]

What about galaxy s23? Because its almost same price. Well, i am not a gamer user, but after watching iqoo 13 i like the back side due it has a unic led notification. Also bigger batery vs s23. Thanks. I just subscribe. Indonesian here

[@HuntaKiller91]

Look up redmi k80 pro $599 for a phone with 8gen Elite is crazy Juan😂

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

Juan does the built in experimental desktop work if you force it via the developer options?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Nerp. At least, I can't get it to recognize a keyboard and mouse. It will SHOW the alternate view, but I cant do anything on it.

[@grandgroody]

if you were to rate iqoo camera to the closest Iphone/Samsung competitor, which one would you think it will reach?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

The 13 is honestly not far from a Galaxy S24+. I prefer the Zeiss processing on iQOO, and it's a FAST camera doing things like night mode photography. The Samsung will have a bit more reach on the telephoto, but I think the iQOO is overall more fun to shoot with.

[@enihi]

My next phone will have desktop mode. I really miss it on my Oneplus.

[@N317H]

What brand supports a good desktop mode beside Samsung?

[@enihi]

@N317H Lenovo, Motorola, Hauwei

[@Kirmo13]

:D hurray! I was waiting for this one

[@batsoupp]

Would you recommend this as a long term daily driver?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yes? It depends on what you need?

[@batsoupp]

@SomeGadgetGuy thank you for the reply 🥹 I'm someone who is probably a "balanced user" I play wild rift, and the usual mobile games and just takes selfies with my friends(socializing). I plan to upgrade from my Xiaomi 11t Pro(which has 15 Green lines😭) When uploading on social media, is the iqoo 13 already reliable? And is it good for maybe 3-5 years of usage as a daily driver? Thanks

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

So, the phone is only just out now. I can't responsibly comment on longevity, but considering your needs I think it would be a capable performer for the next 3 years. I seriously doubt we'll see a ton of software really tax this thing any time soon. The cameras should be perfectly capable for casual social media shooting. I think it could be a worthy replacement for the 11t.

[@solas1183]

I think you're being a bit harsh in the title. I mean the phone is actually quite good. Sure, the camera setup isn't the greatest but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's 'brutal'

[@vijaynofear2250]

Does iqoo 13 have ultra hdr image support with sdr dimming?

[@unclegamer3092]

Any phones worth getting this black friday? Especially before the these tariffs destroy prices?

[@akashmohan1132]

Which camera is better IQoo 13 vs S24 ?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

They're incredibly close if you mean S24/S24+. If you mean S24 ultra, then Samsung has better hardware.

[@spinthewin]

I am in market of a phone, so which 8elite/9400 phone is best overall?

[@SunsetNova]

Great phone and reiterates the point there is zero reason to pay double for Sammy

[@jevonsims900]

There's zero reason to pay double when Google Pixels go on "Sale" so often.

[@simmysharma6845]

I had made up my mind I would buy Iqoo 13, but If they have downgraded the camera I might not. iqoo 12 is still available though😁

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's tough. The 13 has a lot of little lifestyle improvements and better battery life. The video out is handy. The cameras aren't "bad", but I liked the 12 cameras better.

[@simmysharma6845]

@SomeGadgetGuy Yes it is tough to decide. Thanks 👍😊

[@tradefutureusa6110]

Is the global version out yet?

[@olaminiranadetula6683]

Pls is this variant a global version?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yes. I'm not reviewing the Chinese ROM version.

[@olaminiranadetula6683]

@@SomeGadgetGuy pls how and where do I buy the global variant?

[@Unan1mouz]

YESS!! Why from 3x back to 2x telephoto camera?? I just don't gedditttttttttttt

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Component costs?

[@CO8848_2]

These phone bands don’t work in the US?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

They're getting a lot better. We still run into some coverage issues on 5G tho depending on carrier.

[@CO8848_2]

@ Thanks!

[@777kiya]

It's battery life improvement we need, not processor power

[@BrianGlaze]

I concur on real fast charging being a game changer. People just don't know.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's crazy. People look at me and say things like "but my iphone charges faster when I use my ipad charger" and they really just dont know...

[@BrianGlaze]

@@SomeGadgetGuy That ignorance annoys me because I'm just standing here like, you don't have to settle for that.

[@rr2206]

Hope you'll review the nubia z70 ultra.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's on my radar 👍

[@narineharutyunyan8522]

Also no OIS on telephoto.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

The tele lens here is pretty limited. The phone seems to switch to the main sensor cropped in MOST situations. The only advantage might be portrait photos in good light. Otherwise, it's often ignored by the phone.

[@DadaArindam]

What are those glasses

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Even Realities G1.

[@DadaArindam]

@SomeGadgetGuy Makes script reading easy🤗

[@atomixyt4032]

Make comparison video of iq0012 and iq0013 cameras only

[@dorin497]

What audio app is that 5:18?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Audio Evolution. One of the OG recording apps for Android, back in the days when we were just getting OTG support for audio devices. It's evolved well over the years.

[@dorin497]

@SomeGadgetGuy oooh thanks. I will check it out

[@M16-mini]

my fav youtuber posted babe... wake up!!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😁

[@UsamaKarim]

#6:16 probably while running camera

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That's a tough one for sure. I'm not sure the thermals there really come from pinning the CPU. It's likely CPU and GPU intensive, but not SOLELY driving the CPU as hard as it can go. More likely, the ENTIRE phone is contributing to the heat. The screen is being used, the camera sensors are being used, you're writing to storage, AND the phone is still a data device with active radios. Camera use is definitely a heavy use scenario, where the WHOLE phone is basically on, but it's not quite what I'm describing in terms of CPU driven workloads.

[@samanthamarasca1177]

Debating selling my Pixel 9 Pro XL for the iqoo. Keeping my s24 ultra to upgrade to the S25 ultra

[@Arasa왕]

If you're into gaming alone , go for IQOO 13, If you into camera and gaming buy one plus 13.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'd maybe say Vivo for the camera...

[@biaali1]

Vivo/iqoo is cooking. Samsung should be really worried

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

They've been putting out bangers.

[@anezmanzoor4221]

A r glasses looks good on you

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm digging the look 😊

[@lololololololol444]

How can Apple and Samsung Justify their prices???

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Momentum and carrier deals? Folks in USA think it's nifty to spend $35 a month for three years to own a "nice" phone.

[@Jibily1]

Juan, I love you, I've been watching you since PocketNow. But you gotta start pronouncing Genshin right or I'll cry. It's a hard G, like Go. Not a soft G like Jo. It's gif, not gif.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

But how will I be able to show my disdain for the game if I give it the respect of pronouncing its title correctly?

[@traize11]

it is marketed as " gaming phone" for me coming from red magic n rog the "gaming" feature is lacking not much plug ins for gaming. Vs rog 9 or rm10 pro, to me its like poco it just a flaghsip killer marketed as gaming phone for non gamer

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

BUT IT HAS RGEEBEEES!!!

[@traize11]

​@@SomeGadgetGuy nahhh i prefer funcyion over rgeebeess

[@RES1GOD]

Wish I could be sponsored as well. I really love the phone but can't afford it also I barely have any subscribers on my channel

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

This video wasn't sponsored.

[@localblackman427]

Every day i wake up an american 😭😭😭😭

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I know... Sigh... I know...

[@faheemabbas3965]

I hate the rest of the world for using different wavelengths 😒 /s

[@777kiya]

Battery matters

[@lovepratapsinghchauhan6455]

I want that super wallpaper of iqoo 13 anyone please give me 😅

[@palooza0069]

Flagship killer yet there's no wireless charging 😅. A true flagship killer should be like Samsung Galaxy S20 FE in its era.