Unveiling the iQOO 13: A Comprehensive Preview of Its Photography Features and Sample Shots

iQOO 13 is projected to debut in India on December 3. However, we had the opportunity to evaluate its camera capabilities before the launch. The device was introduced last month in China, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, a triple rear camera arrangement, and a 6,150mAh battery. Although most specs of the Indian variant are claimed to be akin, the battery capacity has been limited to 6,000mAh. The iQOO lineup has a reputation for its robust performance, and the iQOO 13 aims to shift focus with its impressive camera capabilities, boasting a triple 50-megapixel rear camera setup.

iQOO 13 camera specifications

The iQOO 13 is equipped with a primary 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 sensor featuring an f/1.88 aperture, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The primary camera is also capable of recording videos at resolutions up to 8K at 30 frames per second.

This model includes a 2x telephoto camera

Additionally, it incorporates another 50-megapixel ultrawide camera utilizing the Samsung S5KJN1SQ03 sensor, which has an f/2.0 aperture. Finally, there’s a 50-megapixel Sony IMX816 telephoto sensor with an f/1.85 aperture and 2x optical zoom. Although the telephoto feature is a downgrade from the iQOO 12, which had a periscope telephoto sensor, iQOO asserts that the new model employs Vivo’s image processing technology, expected to enhance its output.

iQOO 13 camera samples

We tested the iQOO 13’s cameras while in Dubai, UAE, capturing numerous images using all three sensors. While we are not ready to provide a final assessment yet, here are some samples from the main, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras for you to examine.

First, let’s review some daylight and low-light shots taken with the 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 rear camera. The images were captured in the standard Photo mode.

Main camera daylight examples captured at 1x (23mm)

The iQOO 13 performs well in daylight, producing images rich in detail with colors that are slightly saturated yet largely true to life. The dynamic range and white balance appear to be well-managed, but further testing will be necessary to evaluate the overall camera performance.

Next, we have some low-light images from the main camera.

Main camera lowlight examples captured at 1x (23mm)

The low-light results from the main camera are impressive, particularly given that the device emphasizes performance. The OIS in the primary sensor contributes to reducing blur in photos. However, some pictures were taken while moving on a cruise, which isn’t the most favorable situation for capturing nighttime images that require stability.

Here are a few shots taken with the 50-megapixel Sony IMX816 telephoto sensor in Portrait Mode at four varying focal lengths.

From top to bottom: 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 100mm

I was pleasantly surprised by the portrait mode capabilities of the iQOO 13; however, additional testing is needed to evaluate its performance in less than ideal conditions. Nonetheless, the edge detection could use some improvement.

Furthermore, the Camera app includes a Snapshot mode that claims to capture sharp images of moving subjects. Naturally, we tested this on fast-moving vehicles (2nd image below) at the Dubai Autodrome. Below are a few examples from the Snapshot mode.

The Snapshot feature is quite beneficial for capturing moving subjects, as evidenced by the clear shots of the cars (traveling at over 200km/h in the second image) without any blurriness.

The iQOO 13 is scheduled to launch in India on December 3. Stay connected for our complete review to learn our final thoughts on the camera capabilities.

*Disclosure: iQOO provided sponsorship for the correspondent’s travel and accommodation for the event in Dubai, UAE.