iQOO 13 review

Design and handling

The iQOO 13 features almost the exact same design as its predecessor. The differences are negligible - the two have different camera arrangements but a similar camera island design.

However, the newer iQOO takes things up a notch when it comes to ingress protection. From no IP rating on the iQOO 12 version to full IP68/IP69 on IQOO 13.

The iQOO 13 is still a glass sandwich type of phone with a glass front (Schott Xensation Alpha), glass back and aluminum side frame. The back features a matte, satin-like finish, while the side frame is glossy and flat.

The device comes in three colorways - Alpha (black), Nardo Grey and Legend (white) with BMW M branding - the one we got here.

No matter how you hold it, it's a rather slippery device. The side frame provides a relatively secure grip due to its glossy nature, but the back is extremely smooth. At least the latter doesn't attract fingerprints, but we can't say the same about the side frame.

One quirky little feature is the camera bump. It's outlined by RGB LED lighting called Monster Halo. It lights up when turning on the handset or when charging. You also get real-time notifications for calls and messages.

Oh, and the IR blaster sits in the camera bump instead on the top part of the frame.

Notably, the device supports 360-degree NFC, which means you don't have to hold the phone in a certain way to make contactless payments, for example. The NFC works 360 degrees around the phone's chassis.

iQOO 13

The optical fingerprint reader from last year makes room for an ultrasonic one. In most cases, ultrasonic readers are faster and more consistent. The placement is pretty convenient too.

All in all, in favor of no design changes, iQOO focused their efforts on improving more practical aspects like the fingerprint reader, the NFC and the ingress protection.