The iQOO 13 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are both Snapdragon flagships, but they are pitched at different buyers — the iQOO 13 at performance-first users who want raw power and fast charging at a lower price; the S24 Ultra at those who need camera versatility, S Pen productivity, and long-term software support.
What are the general specs and platform differences?
The iQOO 13 5G runs a newer Snapdragon chip and ships on Android 15; the S24 Ultra launched on Android 14 but commits to seven years of OS updates — three more years than the iQOO 13's promise of four.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Launch date | 3 December 2024 | 17 January 2024 | iQOO 13 is about 11 months newer |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm) | iQOO 13 has the newer, more efficient chip |
| OS (launch) | Android 15, Funtouch OS 15 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | iQOO 13 ships one Android version ahead |
| OS updates | 4 years | 7 years | S24 Ultra is supported until 2031 — significantly longer |
| Security updates | 5 years | 7 years | S24 Ultra's patch support also runs two years longer |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | S24 Ultra supports eSIM for digital carrier switching |
| Network | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | Both work on Indian 5G networks |
How does performance and hardware compare?
The iQOO 13's Snapdragon 8 Elite on a 3nm node is a full generation ahead of the S24 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and the benchmark gap reflects that. The iQOO 13 also has the option of 16GB RAM; the S24 Ultra is capped at 12GB.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm) | iQOO 13 is faster and more power-efficient |
| CPU | Oryon cores: 2×4.32GHz + 6×3.53GHz | Cortex-X4: 1×3.39GHz + 3×3.1GHz + 2×2.9GHz + 2×2.2GHz | iQOO 13's Oryon architecture delivers higher IPC |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 13's GPU is a full generation newer — better for gaming |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X | iQOO 13 offers a 16GB option for heavier gaming and multitasking |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.1 | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 | S24 Ultra is the only option here with a 1TB variant |
| Expandable storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD |
| Fingerprint | 3D ultrasonic in-display | Ultrasonic in-display | Both are fast and reliable; iQOO 13's 3D sensor adds a layer of depth |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos | S24 Ultra's tuning is rated higher by GSMArena (-24.6 LUFS) |
How do the displays compare?
The iQOO 13's panel is brighter, larger, and refreshes faster. Its 4,500-nit peak brightness is especially useful under direct sunlight — nearly double the S24 Ultra's 2,600 nits. The S24 Ultra uses Gorilla Armor rather than Schott Xensation Alpha, but both are premium glass coatings with anti-reflective properties.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Screen size | 6.82 inches | 6.8 inches | Near-identical; iQOO 13 is fractionally larger |
| Display type | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | Both are top-tier AMOLED panels |
| Resolution | 3168 × 1440 pixels | 3120 × 1440 pixels | Both are QHD+; visually indistinguishable |
| Pixel density | 510 PPI | 505 PPI | Essentially the same level of sharpness |
| Refresh rate | Up to 144Hz | Up to 120Hz | iQOO 13 is smoother at peak; both adapt down for battery saving |
| Peak brightness | 4,500 nits | 2,600 nits | iQOO 13 is dramatically more readable in Indian outdoor conditions |
| Screen protection | Schott Xensation Alpha | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | Both are premium anti-reflective coatings; Gorilla Armor is more widely tested |
➜ Pro tip: For users in India who spend time outdoors — commuting, travel, or sport — the iQOO 13's 4,500-nit display is a real-world advantage that numbers alone don't fully convey.
How do the cameras compare?
The S24 Ultra is the more versatile camera system. Its 200MP primary sensor, dedicated 3x and 5x optical telephoto lenses, and superior DxOMark camera score (144 vs not rated) give it the edge for photography-focused users. The iQOO 13's three uniform 50MP lenses are well-suited for everyday shooting, and its 32MP selfie camera records 4K@60fps — a step ahead of the S24 Ultra's 12MP front camera.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Rear camera setup | 50MP + 50MP + 50MP | 200MP + 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | S24 Ultra has higher primary resolution and an extra telephoto |
| Primary camera | 50MP Sony IMX921, f/1.88, OIS | 200MP, f/1.7, OIS | S24 Ultra captures significantly more detail and has a wider aperture |
| Ultra-wide | 50MP, f/2.0, AF | 12MP, f/2.2 | iQOO 13's ultra-wide is substantially higher resolution |
| Telephoto | 50MP, f/1.85, 2x optical zoom | 50MP, f/3.4, 5x optical zoom | S24 Ultra's 5x periscope handles long-range subjects far better |
| Secondary telephoto | — | 10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom | S24 Ultra's dedicated 3x lens fills the zoom gap the iQOO 13 lacks |
| Flash | Ring LED | LED | iQOO 13's ring flash distributes light more evenly for close-ups |
| Front camera | 32MP, f/2.45 | 12MP, f/2.2 | iQOO 13's selfie sensor is much higher resolution |
| Front video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@30fps | iQOO 13 records front-facing video at twice the frame rate |
| Rear video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Equal maximum rear video quality |
| DxOMark (camera) | Not rated | 144 | S24 Ultra has a verified independent camera score |
➜ Pro tip: If zoom photography matters to you — events, wildlife, cricket matches — the S24 Ultra's dual telephoto (3x and 5x optical) gives it a flexibility the iQOO 13's 2x periscope simply cannot replicate.
How do the connectivity specs compare?
Both phones support Wi-Fi 7 and NFC. The S24 Ultra adds Ultra Wideband for precision spatial features; the iQOO 13 does not. The S24 Ultra also supports eSIM, which is increasingly relevant for Indian travellers.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Network | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G | Both work on Jio and Airtel 5G |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes | HD voice calls on all major Indian networks |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Both support the latest standard |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 | iQOO 13 has a marginally newer version |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Both support Google Pay and contactless transactions |
| UWB | No | Yes | S24 Ultra supports Ultra Wideband for precision spatial sharing |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS | Equivalent location accuracy |
| eSIM | No | Yes | S24 Ultra supports eSIM for digital carrier management |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | Both support standard USB-C |
How do the battery and charging specs compare?
The iQOO 13's 120W FlashCharge is in a different league — filling the 6,000mAh cell in about 23 minutes. The S24 Ultra's 45W wired charging takes around 2 hours to reach full from 20%. However, the S24 Ultra supports wireless charging (15W) and reverse wireless charging, which the iQOO 13 lacks entirely. In endurance testing, the S24 Ultra also lasts longer: 16 hours 18 minutes versus the iQOO 13's 13 hours 9 minutes.
| Feature | iQOO 13 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | What this means |
|---|
| Battery capacity | 6,000mAh | 5,000mAh | iQOO 13 has a 1,000mAh larger cell |
| Wired charging | 120W FlashCharge | 45W | iQOO 13 charges from 20% to 100% in ~23 minutes; S24 Ultra takes ~2 hours 5 minutes |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W | S24 Ultra supports wireless top-ups; iQOO 13 does not |
| Reverse wireless charging | Yes (wired) | 4.5W wireless | S24 Ultra can wirelessly charge accessories like earbuds |
| Battery life (PCMark) | 13h 9m | 16h 18m | S24 Ultra lasts over 3 hours longer in standardised testing |
| Charger in box | Yes (120W adapter) | No | iQOO 13 includes the fast charger; S24 Ultra buyers need to purchase one separately |
➜ Pro tip: The S24 Ultra does not include a charger in the box in India — factor in ₹1,500–2,500 for a compatible 45W USB-C PD adapter when comparing total purchase costs.