iQOO 13 vs. Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro: A Head-to-Head Flagship Showdown

The vivo iQOO 13 and Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro represent two distinct approaches to the high-end smartphone market. The iQOO 13 aims for all-around excellence with a focus on raw performance and battery endurance, while the ROG Phone 8 Pro doubles down on gaming-centric features and a refined user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right flagship for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and peak CPU performance, the iQOO 13 emerges as the winner. Its 18:03 active use score and Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset offer a significant advantage. However, gamers will find the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s dedicated gaming features and ecosystem more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO 13 Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (Up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 302024, January 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, November 08Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum alloy frame, glass back or fiber-reinforced plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.4 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.02 x 0.31 in)163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207 g or 213 g (7.30 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott Xensation AlphaCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~510 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 113.0 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~88.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 2592Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10, 1600 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 830Adreno 750
OSAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 15 (International), OriginOS 5 (China)Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, 50mm (telephoto), 1/2.93", 0.6µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, gimbal OIS 32 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/3.2", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 28mm (wide), 1/3.15", 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/3.2", 0.7µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LHDC 55.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes, 360˚Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C (side), DisplayPort 1.4; USB Type-C (bottom), OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired, PPS, 100% in 30 min65W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC5, 100% in 39 min - International 30W wired, PD3.0, PPS - India 15W wireless (Qi) 10W reverse wired
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Si/C Li-Ion 6150 mAh (Global)· 6000 mAh (India only)5500 mAh
Misc
ColorsAlpha (Black), Nardo Gray (Silver), White (BMW M branding), Ace GreenPhantom Black
ModelsV2408A, I2401AI2401, AI2401_A, AI2401_D
PriceAbout 590 EUR$ 1,157.98 / £ 1,693.75 / € 632.66

vivo iQOO 13

  • Exceptional battery life (18:03h)
  • Blazing-fast 120W charging
  • Superior CPU performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite

  • Camera specs are unknown
  • Lacks gaming-specific features of the ROG Phone

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

  • Dedicated gaming features (AirTriggers, customizable UI)
  • Versatile camera system (expected)
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Shorter battery life (14:43h)
  • Slower charging speeds (65W/30W)
  • Less powerful CPU compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite

Display Comparison

Both phones feature excellent displays, with the iQOO 13 achieving a measured peak brightness of 1804 nits and the ROG Phone 8 Pro reaching 1765 nits. While the difference is minimal, the iQOO 13’s slightly higher brightness could be noticeable in direct sunlight. Both likely employ LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, though this isn't explicitly stated. The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s display is likely tuned for color accuracy in gaming, while the iQOO 13 may prioritize vibrant, punchy colors for general consumption. Bezels are expected to be similarly slim on both devices, reflecting current flagship design trends.

Camera Comparison

The context data for the ROG Phone 8 Pro only mentions 'Photo / Video,' lacking specifics. Given Asus’s history, we can expect a versatile camera system with a focus on video recording capabilities. The iQOO 13’s camera specs are absent, but it’s reasonable to assume a high-resolution main sensor. Without detailed sensor size and aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s likely emphasis on computational photography and video stabilization could give it an edge in challenging shooting conditions. We'll need to see sample images to assess the image processing styles of both phones.

Performance

The performance gap is significant. The iQOO 13’s Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) boasts an octa-core configuration with 2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores and 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M cores. This architecture, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, promises superior efficiency and raw power compared to the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm). The ROG Phone 8 Pro’s CPU, with its 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520 cores, is still incredibly capable, but the iQOO 13’s Oryon cores are expected to deliver a noticeable performance uplift in CPU-bound tasks. The 3nm process also translates to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. Both phones will likely utilize LPDDR5x RAM, but the iQOO 13’s superior chipset will be the primary performance driver.

Battery Life

Battery life is a clear win for the iQOO 13. Its active use score of 18:03 hours significantly surpasses the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 14:43 hours. This difference is likely attributable to the more efficient 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and potentially a larger battery capacity (though not specified). The iQOO 13 also boasts significantly faster charging at 120W, achieving a full charge in just 30 minutes, compared to the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s 65W (International) or 30W (India) which takes 39 minutes. The ROG Phone 8 Pro does offer 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired charging, features absent on the iQOO 13, adding to its versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO 13 if you need exceptional battery life, the fastest possible CPU performance for demanding tasks, and rapid 120W charging. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro if you prioritize a dedicated gaming experience, value features like AirTriggers and a customizable gaming interface, and are willing to trade some battery life for those enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the iQOO 13 run noticeably cooler than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 during extended gaming sessions?
The 3nm process used in the Snapdragon 8 Elite is inherently more efficient than the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This translates to lower heat generation under load, potentially resulting in less thermal throttling and more sustained performance during long gaming sessions. While both phones will likely have sophisticated cooling systems, the iQOO 13 has a fundamental advantage in thermal efficiency.
❓ The ROG Phone 8 Pro is marketed as a gaming phone. Does the iQOO 13 lack features that would appeal to serious mobile gamers?
The iQOO 13 prioritizes all-around performance and doesn't feature dedicated gaming accessories or software optimizations like the ROG Phone 8 Pro’s AirTriggers, customizable gaming UI, or X Mode. While the iQOO 13’s powerful chipset can handle any mobile game, it lacks the specialized features that enhance the gaming experience on the ROG Phone 8 Pro.
❓ What charging protocols does the iQOO 13 support, and is a proprietary charger required to achieve the 120W charging speed?
The iQOO 13 supports 120W wired charging with PPS. While it's likely compatible with some PD chargers, using the included charger is recommended to achieve the full 120W charging speed and ensure optimal charging performance. The ROG Phone 8 Pro supports 65W (International) or 30W (India) with PD3.0, PPS, and QC5.