Over the years, OnePlus has emerged as an underdog that’s often underestimated but one that regularly outperforms expectations. The many reviews for the OnePlus 13 should show you that things are no different this time around. From its unique design to its long-lasting battery, the OnePlus 13 is putting a lot of its strengths on the table in hopes that consumers will finally let its offerings truly shine.
When we think of premium smartphones, we usually consider the most expensive iPhones and Samsung Galaxies to be at the top of their game, but over the years, many users have found that the quality and performance of these devices are not always worth the money you spend on them. Oftentimes, it is the midrange models that truly guarantee quality, with no regrets on money spent. OnePlus offers up a flagship device that is not cheap, but substantially more affordable than the flagship devices offered by other brands.
With this OnePlus 13 review, you may just come to see why we feel so strongly about the new phone.
Image: OnePlus 13 in Arctic Dawn
OnePlus 13 Review: Everything You Need to Know About the New Flagship Smartphone
The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R have both arrived at the global markets in style, but for today, we’ll allow the former to bask in the sun for a while. The new smartphone maintains many of the aesthetic choices we’ve seen in its last few flagship models, particularly the massive back camera setup on the device, however, there are some changes to the design, like the slimmer and flatter aluminum rail along the edge of the phone.
The device is available in three colors—Black Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, and Arctic Dawn. The blue midnight ocean model features a softer vegan leather back, while the black and white models offer glass rear panels for those who don’t enjoy the unusual texture.
The OnePlus 13 display utilizes a ceramic guard screen touted to be “one of the most durable smartphone display glasses.” Only time will prove the veracity of this claim. While these details are definitely interesting, let’s take a look at some of the OnePlus 13 specs in greater detail to see what you can expect from the smartphone.
The OnePlus 13 Internal Specs are Interesting
With Android 15 at its core, the OnePlus 13 works on OxygenOS 15, which echoes some of the elements of ColorOS 15 but still has its own identity. The highlight of the device’s functionality is its Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The octa-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU and Adreno 830 GPU make an inviting combo, putting the smartphone on a pedestal as one that can handle most of the demands a user might make of their smartphone.
The OnePlus model is among the first to spot this Qualcomm chipset but bear in mind that we are only at the start of the year and other flagship phones will also debut with the processor.
There are two memory configurations to expect with the OnePlus 13. You can either purchase 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage, or 16GB RAM with 512GB storage. Chinese users who purchase the phone locally also have the option of 24GB RAM with 1TB storage, but this is an advantage we can live without.
Familiarizing Ourselves with the OnePlus 13 Display
The OnePlus 13 features a 6.82-inch LTPO OLED display that offers 1440×3168 resolution and 510 ppi pixel density. With its 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate, the device is expected to keep gamers satisfied with their in-game experience, particularly bolstered by the processor. The device showcases 800 nits brightness typically, but its 4500 nits peak brightness also makes it decent for outdoor use, with its Radiant View capability enhancing the device’s operability.
The OnePlus 13 Battery is a Standout Feature of the Device
Setting aside the already noteworthy 5,400mAh battery on the OnePlus 12, the OnePlus 13 features a dual-cell 6,000mAh battery that could potentially keep you going without a charge for over 36 hours.
Marketing its 80W SUPERVOOC and 50W AIR VOOC charging, the smartphone has a 100W charging capability and is able to go from 0 to 100 percent charge in 36 minutes. The smartphone isn’t inherently capable of wireless charging, but if you pick up a Qi2 or MagSafe-compatible phone case and a wireless charger, you’ll still be able to make the most of this technology, although the charging speeds will be slower.
The OnePlus 13 Camera Takes Care of All Your Photography Needs
Bringing back its Hasselblad collaboration, the OnePlus 13 has a triple camera setup with a 50 MP Sony LYT-808 standard lens, a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 telephoto lens that supports 3x optical zoom, and a 50 MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 ultra-wide lens. The front camera is a humble 32 MP Sony IMX615 lens.
If you prefer a smartphone with an advanced zoom system, then this one does suggest up to 120x digital zoom, but in terms of quality, you’ll find yourself a little disappointed. The color range is decent and the photo quality doesn’t leave much room for complaint. If there’s one thing to take away from this OnePlus 13 review, it’s that for an average user whose photography needs only peak during the occasional vacation, the OnePlus 13 camera setup offers everything you need.
In terms of video recording, the rear camera supports 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps/30 fps. There is also support for 1080p at 60 fps/30 fps and 720p at 30 fps. The time-lapse capability and slo-mo video modes offer up some additional excitement for those who want to try something new.
Is the OnePlus 13 Durable?
When it comes to durability, one reassuring upgrade is the OnePlus 13’s IP68 and IP69 rating. These numbers indicate that the device can withstand submersion in shallow water for up to 30 minutes or even hold its own against water jets aimed in its direction. Ideally, neither ability
will have to be put to the test, but greater protection against freak accidents is always welcome. For comparison, the OnePlus 12 only had an IP65 rating, which was one of its many limitations.
The updated Aqua Touch 2.0 capabilities also add a guarantee of operability even with water on the screen, and there is also a promise of being able to use the smartphone with gloves on that are up to 5mm thick. These features mean the smartphone will be easier to use outdoors or in varying weather conditions. They don’t make or break this OnePlus 13 review, but it does help to note these details when they are available.
The OnePlus 13 has moved away from an optical fingerprint sensor to an ultrasonic one, and for all intents and purposes, this one appears more responsive and better placed for easy use. With this new flagship phone, you are guaranteed four years of software updates and six years of security updates, which works strongly in the smartphone’s favor.
Wrapping Things Up with the OnePlus 13 Pricing
The OnePlus 13 is priced at $899 USD and those who make the purchase early should also be able to bag a free pair of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. The new smartphone is $100 more expensive compared to the previous model, but for all the features it offers, the deal sounds fair enough.
Those who wait to purchase it may be able to make the most of future sales, but overall, most OnePlus 13 reviews should be enough to convince you that the smartphone may just be worth the investment if you’re in the market for a smartphone right now.