Discover the comprehensive review of the OnePlus 13. From its standout display and performance to its record-breaking battery life, find out why this might be the ultimate flagship smartphone.
Introduction
The OnePlus 13 has been on the market for over a month, and its features have been thoroughly tested. This review covers every aspect of the device, from design to performance and everything in between. Let’s dive in!
Design: A Mixed Bag
While the OnePlus 13 is not unattractive, it lacks the elegance of competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro. The design deviates from the flagship aesthetic of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. However, the alert slider remains, and the phone is available in three colors: blue (with faux leather), matte black, and white.
Despite its looks, the OnePlus 13 excels in practicality. It’s 16.5% thinner than before without compromising on battery size. At just 6,000mAh, the battery is one of the largest available. Additionally, the device is IP69 certified, boasting resistance to high-pressure hot water. The Aqua Touch 2.0 display technology ensures usability even in wet conditions.
Display: A Standout Feature
The OnePlus 13 sports a 6.8-inch flat display with rounded glass edges, making it pleasant to handle. With a Quad HD+ resolution and 510 PPI, the screen offers exceptional sharpness. It boasts a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits and uses LTPO 4.0 technology for adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, significantly improving battery efficiency.
Moreover, the screen is calibrated to the sub-pixel level, providing unmatched color accuracy. Additional features include 2,160Hz dimming and a fast, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Although it uses Ultra Shield ceramic glass instead of Gorilla Glass, durability claims remain unverified.
Performance: Overkill in All the Right Ways
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13 delivers top-tier performance. With up to 24GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device handles everything with ease. Benchmark improvements over last year include:
- CPU: 45% faster
- GPU: 40% faster
- NPU: 45% more efficient
While the everyday experience feels similar to its already speedy predecessor, the phone remains consistent under stress, showing only a 33% performance drop after extended use.
Software: Back to Its Roots
The Android 15-based OxygenOS has improved significantly, offering tasteful design, smooth animations, and enhanced multitasking. Notable features include:
- Parallel rendering for interruption-free animations
- Ingenious multitasking with split-screen capabilities
- A convenient app row for faster navigation
The device also includes AI enhancements like an image eraser, reflection remover, and text rewriting (with limited language support). Software updates are promised for 4 years, with security patches extending to 6 years.
Battery: Setting a New Standard
The OnePlus 13’s 6,000mAh battery is a game-changer. It supports 100W wired charging, going from 0 to 100% in just 36 minutes. Wireless charging is available at 50W. Impressively, OnePlus claims the battery retains 80% capacity after 1,600 charge cycles—double that of many competitors.
In real-world usage:
- Wi-Fi: 9–10 hours of screen time
- 5G: 5 hours under heavy use
Camera: Good but Not Groundbreaking
The OnePlus 13 features three 50MP cameras:
- Main: Unchanged from its predecessor, delivering vibrant and well-exposed photos.
- Ultra-wide: Offers better sharpness and color accuracy than before.
- Telephoto: Aesthetic field of view but limited close-focus capability.
Video recording supports up to 8K at 30fps and includes Dolby Vision HDR. However, the removal of 4K at 120fps and reduced macro capabilities are notable downgrades.
Conclusion: Almost Perfect
The OnePlus 13 delivers flagship-level performance at a lower price point than competitors like Samsung, Apple, or Google. With its best-in-class processor, display, and battery life, it’s hard to find faults beyond its divisive design and minor camera compromises.
Verdict: If you’re looking for top-notch specs and unparalleled value, the OnePlus 13 is hard to beat.
