Realme GT7 Pro, Redmi K80 Pro, and iQOO 13: An In-Depth Comparison of Sub-Brand Flagships

Realme GT7 Pro, Redmi K80 Pro, and iQOO 13: An In-Depth Comparison of Sub-Brand FlagshipsIn recent years, sub-brands of major smartphone manufacturers have gained significant market share with their cost-effective strategies. They often attract consumers with balanced configurations and lower starting prices, sometimes even surpassing their parent brands' flagship phones in certain aspects

Realme GT7 Pro, Redmi K80 Pro, and iQOO 13: An In-Depth Comparison of Sub-Brand Flagships

In recent years, sub-brands of major smartphone manufacturers have gained significant market share with their cost-effective strategies. They often attract consumers with balanced configurations and lower starting prices, sometimes even surpassing their parent brands' flagship phones in certain aspects. This article provides an in-depth comparison of three top-tier sub-brand flagship phones: Realme GT7 Pro, Redmi K80 Pro, and iQOO 13. We'll evaluate them across performance, screen, camera, battery life, and other key features to help you choose the best phone for your needs.

I. Performance: Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Each with its Own Strengths

All three phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, optimized for online users with improvements in thermal management and performance output. AnTuTu benchmark scores show iQOO 13 scoring highest, followed by Realme GT7 Pro, and then Redmi K80 Pro. However, benchmark scores are just for reference; real-world gaming experience is the ultimate determinant.

We tested the performance of each phone in three games: Honor of Kings, Genshin Impact, and Honkai: Star Rail.

1. Honor of Kings: Smooth Operation, Minimal Differences

Under Honor of Kings' highest graphics settings with 120fps and all effects enabled, all three phones ran smoothly. The Redmi K80 Pro achieved an average frame rate of 119.7fps with excellent power consumption (3.34W average, 37 peak temperature). The Realme GT7 Pro reached 120.1fps, but the frame rate curve was less smooth, with lower load on some CPU cores (3.5W average, 36.5 peak temperature). The iQOO 13 performed best with an average of 122.9fps and a remarkably smooth frame rate curve (3.04W average, 36 peak temperature). Overall, the differences in Honor of Kings performance were negligible and had little impact on the gaming experience.

2. Genshin Impact: A True Test of Performance

Under Genshin Impact's highest graphics settings, the Redmi K80 Pro delivered an average frame rate of 59.8fps with a stable frame rate curve and a temperature close to 39. The Realme GT7 Pro achieved 60.1fps with an exceptionally smooth frame rate curve, higher CPU core utilization, and a peak temperature of 40. The iQOO 13 reached 61.2fps, showcasing the most aggressive performance output with high CPU core utilization, but maintaining a peak temperature of only 36. It's clear the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 handles Genshin Impact with ease.

3. Honkai: Star Rail: The Ultimate Stress Test

During map exploration in Honkai: Star Rail's "Golden Age" scene, the Redmi K80 Pro experienced brief frame drops, averaging 59.7fps with 5.1W power consumption and a peak temperature of 40.1. The Realme GT7 Pro maintained a stable frame rate curve at 59.6fps, but with higher power consumption (6.08W) and a peak temperature of 37.8. The iQOO 13 showed greater frame rate fluctuations, averaging 59.4fps with 5.41W power consumption and a peak temperature of 37.8. The Realme GT7 Pro's higher power consumption compared to the Redmi K80 Pro suggests room for optimization. The iQOO 13 might have benefited from specific optimization for Honkai: Star Rail, showing good power control but slightly less frame rate stability.

II. Everyday Use Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

Besides performance, screen, camera, and battery life significantly impact the daily user experience.

1. Screen: A Mix of Advantages and Disadvantages

The iQOO 13 and Redmi K80 Pro both feature 2K resolution screens, while the Realme GT7 Pro uses a 1.5K resolution display. All three support 120Hz refresh rates and advanced dimming technologies. Subjectively, the Redmi K80 Pro offered the best screen uniformity and eye protection at low brightness. The Realme GT7 Pro's screen felt slightly dry in low-light conditions, while the iQOO 13 boasted high pixel density and excellent white balance.

2. Camera System: Realme GT7 Pro Slightly Edges Out, iQOO 13 Relatively Underperforms

The Realme GT7 Pro stands out with its periscope telephoto lens, making it the best equipped in terms of imaging capabilities. The Redmi K80 Pro inherits the 50MP telephoto lens from the Xiaomi 13, also supporting macro photography. The iQOO 13's camera system is relatively weaker, considered mid-range among performance phones.

Under bright daylight conditions, the main camera image quality of all three phones is comparable. In low-light scenarios, the Redmi K80 Pro's larger sensor size gave it a slight edge. The Realme GT7 Pro's 3x periscope telephoto lens performed best in low light, while the iQOO 13's 2x telephoto and ultrawide lenses were relatively weaker.

3. Battery Life and Charging: Realme GT7 Pro Offers the Longest Battery Life, Redmi K80 Pro Supports Wireless Charging

The Realme GT7 Pro boasts the largest battery capacity (6500mAh) and longest battery life (8 hours). The Redmi K80 Pro features a 6000mAh battery with a battery life of 7 hours and 28 minutes, while the iQOO 13 has a 6150mAh battery lasting 7 hours and 24 minutes. All three support 100W wired fast charging, and the Redmi K80 Pro additionally supports 50W wireless charging.

III. Peripheral Features: Flagship-Level Features, Minor Differences

All three phones offer flagship features like full-function NFC, infrared remote control, dual speakers, X-axis linear motor, and IP68/69 dust and water resistance. The iQOO 13 uses a USB 3.2 interface, while the Redmi K80 Pro has a USB 2.0 interface.

IV. Conclusion: Each Phone Has Its Strengths, Choose Wisely

The three phones demonstrated stable performance and battery life without any negative optimization. The Redmi K80 Pro offers a balanced and excellent daily experience at a high price-to-performance ratio. The Realme GT7 Pro excels in its camera setup, making it suitable for users with higher photography demands. The iQOO 13 delivers a superior gaming experience but its camera performance is average, resulting in a relatively lower price-to-performance ratio. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and budget. We recommend visiting a physical store for a hands-on experience before purchasing. Remember that any phone has its pros and cons; consider factors beyond hardware specifications, including software and after-sales service.