OnePlus 13 Review: Design, Performance, Cameras, and More

Meet the new OnePlus 13, a premium Android smartphone that brings selectable materials, cutting-edge specifications, enhanced durability, and innovative features to the table. But in today’s crowded market of flagship devices, where every phone feels eerily similar, the big question arises: Can the OnePlus 13 truly stand out? Can it convince users to switch from an iPhone, a Samsung, or a Pixel? And for existing OnePlus users, is this the upgrade you’ve been waiting for?

Having used the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for the past couple of weeks, I’ve developed some strong opinions about it. There’s plenty it gets right, but also a few areas where it stumbles. Whenever you switch to a new phone, three core aspects immediately shape your experience: the camera, the software, and the standout features.

First, let’s talk about the camera—a critical area where OnePlus has made noticeable changes. Then there’s the software, where OnePlus has introduced a host of new features in its latest iteration of OxygenOS. Finally, we can’t ignore those unique tricks and design touches, like the iconic alert slider on the left side.

In this review, I’ll dive into what makes the OnePlus 13 tick and share how it fares in each of these key areas. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this device is worthy of your attention, and perhaps even your hard-earned cash.

Design and Build

The OnePlus 13 brings significant upgrades over its predecessor, particularly in design and build quality, while retaining some recognizable elements. Starting with the hardware, this phone incorporates the latest Snapdragon chipset, a larger battery, and enhanced ingress protection, making it more robust and feature-packed than before.

A standout feature of the OnePlus 13 is its rear design. The familiar round, off-center camera island remains, but it has been redesigned for a more contemporary look. Our unit, in the elegant blue colorway, boasts a back made of vegan leather, which feels both premium and distinctive. Meanwhile, the other two color options, white and black, feature sleek glass rear panels, catering to those who prefer a more traditional finish.

Another notable shift in the OnePlus 13’s design is its flatter back and front panels. Unlike the previous model, which had a more aggressively curved design, the new approach creates a more streamlined aesthetic. This change also results in a slightly thicker aluminum frame, which not only enhances durability but also provides a sturdier grip in hand.

One of the most practical improvements is the upgraded ingress protection. The OnePlus 12 offered an IP65 rating, which was sufficient for dust and splash resistance. However, the OnePlus 13 takes it up a notch with an IP68/IP69 rating. This ensures full protection against dust, water submersion, and even high-pressure heated water jets, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures and challenging conditions.

As with previous models, the OnePlus 13 retains the signature alert slider, a beloved feature for longtime fans. This physical switch, positioned on the side of the frame, is satisfyingly clicky and allows users to easily toggle between ring, vibrate, and silent modes.

With its refined materials, improved durability, and thoughtful design touches, the OnePlus 13 strikes an impressive balance between form and function. Whether you’re drawn to its vegan leather or glass finishes, this device exudes a premium feel while offering practical enhancements for everyday use.

Screen Specs and Features

The display on the OnePlus 13 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, but it still delivers an excellent viewing experience. The phone features a 6.82-inch LTPO OLED panel with a QHD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This combination ensures stunning visuals with sharp details at a pixel density of 510 PPI and ultra-smooth scrolling.

A notable improvement in durability comes with the use of Ceramic Guard Glass, replacing the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 found on the previous model. This upgrade provides enhanced protection for the display while maintaining its slim bezels for an immersive edge-to-edge look.

The panel supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision standards, enabling vibrant colors and contrast in supported video content. With the LTPO technology, the refresh rate is highly adaptive, dynamically adjusting from 120Hz during active use to as low as 1Hz when the display is idle. This energy-saving feature extends battery life without compromising on performance when you need it.

However, there is a curious limitation in gaming performance. Unlike some earlier OnePlus models that supported high frame rate gaming, the OnePlus 13 couldn’t achieve frame rates above 60 FPS in our tests. This restriction might disappoint users who enjoy graphically intensive games at higher frame rates.

In terms of brightness, the OnePlus 13 matches its predecessor’s levels, reaching around 800 nits with the manual slider and peaking at over 1200 nits in auto mode under bright conditions. While this is sufficient for most scenarios, it does fall short of some other flagship devices that offer higher peak brightness levels.

Audio, Fingerprint Scanner, and Storage Options

The OnePlus 13 offers a solid upgrade in the audio department with its stereo speaker setup. These speakers are louder than last year’s model, earning a “very good” rating in loudness tests. Not only has the volume increased, but the sound quality has also improved, delivering clear and well-balanced audio across different types of media. Whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or gaming, the sound experience is a noticeable highlight.

OnePlus has also made a key change to the fingerprint scanner. The OnePlus 13 switches from the optical under-display fingerprint reader used in the previous model to an ultrasonic one. This upgrade enhances reliability and makes unlocking your device more seamless and secure. However, users who prefer using glass screen protectors might find the ultrasonic sensor slightly less responsive, as it can sometimes be finicky in such cases.

When it comes to storage, the OnePlus 13 provides several high-capacity options to cater to different user needs. The base model starts with 256GB of internal storage and goes up to a whopping 1TB, with RAM configurations of 12GB or more. This ensures plenty of space for apps, media, and files, along with smooth multitasking capabilities. However, it’s important to note that storage is not expandable via microSD, so you’ll need to choose your desired capacity at the time of purchase.

Software & Updates

The OnePlus 13 runs on the brand’s OxygenOS 15, layered over Android 15. While the interface retains OnePlus’s signature touches—such as a brand-specific font and subtle red accents—the overall look and feel closely resemble those found on Oppo and Realme devices, thanks to the shared lineage among the brands.

One of the highlights this year is the expanded suite of AI-powered features, which add a layer of functionality and convenience. Many of these tools are accessible through the smart sidebar, where they appear contextually based on the task at hand. Key AI features include:

• AI Summary: Automatically condenses long texts into key points.
• AI Speak: Reads out texts aloud for hands-free use.
• AI Writer: Assists in drafting text for various needs.
• AI Eraser: An editing tool for removing unwanted elements from photos.

Additionally, the OnePlus 13 integrates Google’s “Circle to Search” functionality, offering quick access to search tools, and comes equipped with the Gemini AI assistant for added utility.

For updates, OnePlus has committed to an impressive four years of major OS upgrades and six years of security patches. This long-term support ensures that users can keep their devices up-to-date with the latest software and features.

Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of an IR blaster, allowing the OnePlus 13 to function as a remote control for appliances. This handy addition brings extra versatility to the device, especially in smart home setups.

Performance & Chipset

At the heart of the OnePlus 13 lies Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the pinnacle of mobile performance in the current generation. It brings significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, in both raw processing power and energy efficiency, marking a substantial step forward in performance.

In benchmarks, the OnePlus 13 holds its ground impressively, earning a spot among the top performers in its class. It handles everything from demanding applications to heavy multitasking with ease, ensuring a fast and seamless user experience. Whether you’re juggling multiple apps or diving into resource-intensive tasks like video editing, the phone’s processing capabilities deliver without missing a beat.

Gaming enthusiasts will also find much to appreciate. The Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with the phone’s advanced cooling system, supports high-frame-rate gaming and smooth visuals. The OnePlus 13 is more than capable of handling the latest games with fluid performance, though its thermals present a mixed bag.

While the device performs well under normal usage, extended stress tests reveal some thermal throttling, a common trait among flagship devices. The phone’s thermal management system does an average job of keeping temperatures in check, comparable to other high-end smartphones on the market. While not perfect, the performance drop under sustained load is unlikely to impact everyday users or short gaming sessions.

In terms of efficiency, the Snapdragon 8 Elite also ensures longer battery life by optimizing power consumption, making the OnePlus 13 not just powerful but also practical for day-to-day use. The chipset’s prowess is complemented by the phone’s generous RAM and storage options, which contribute to an overall responsive and reliable performance.

For users seeking top-tier performance, the OnePlus 13 delivers a compelling package. It’s a powerhouse capable of handling both routine and demanding tasks while staying competitive with other flagship devices in its category. Whether you’re a multitasker, a gamer, or simply someone who values speed and reliability, the OnePlus 13 is built to impress.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The OnePlus 13 boasts a substantial upgrade in battery capacity, featuring a 6,000mAh battery compared to the 5,400mAh cell in its predecessor. This larger battery, combined with the latest silicon carbon anode technology, delivers impressive endurance and efficiency. In real-world usage, the OnePlus 13 achieved 15 hours and 28 minutes of active screen time in testing, making it a reliable choice for heavy users and those frequently on the go.

Charging performance remains a highlight for OnePlus devices, and the OnePlus 13 is no exception. It supports 100W wired fast charging, enabling the phone to charge from 0 to 55% in just 15 minutes and reach a full charge in 35 minutes. While these speeds are slightly slower than the OnePlus 12, they’re still exceptionally fast by industry standards. However, it’s worth noting that the charger is not included in all markets, which could be an inconvenience for some users.

For those who prefer wireless charging, the OnePlus 13 offers 50W fast wireless charging, a standout feature that matches the convenience of its wired counterpart. Additionally, OnePlus provides an optional magnetic wireless charging pack, adding another layer of flexibility to the phone’s charging options.

The adoption of silicon carbon anode technology enhances energy density and battery longevity, allowing for better performance over time. This ensures users can enjoy a reliable and efficient power experience for years to come.

Overall, the OnePlus 13 delivers excellent battery life and versatile charging capabilities, making it a dependable companion for users who demand long-lasting power and quick recharges. While the lack of an included charger may be a minor drawback, the phone’s performance in this area remains a key strength.

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Camera Specs

The OnePlus 13 features a triple 50MP camera setup, comprising a main camera, a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an ultra-wide camera with autofocus. This versatile arrangement provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, building on a foundation that’s similar to last year’s model. Here’s how the cameras perform in different situations:

Main Camera Performance

The 50MP main camera delivers exceptional results, particularly in daylight. Photos are sharp, with natural-looking details, minimal noise, and excellent dynamic range. Colors are rendered beautifully, offering a pleasingly vibrant yet accurate tone. Images of people are especially noteworthy, with likable skin tones and detailed facial textures that lend a realistic touch.

In low-light conditions, the main camera continues to impress. It provides well-exposed images with a wide dynamic range, ensuring both highlights and shadows are well-represented. Details are sharp without being overly processed, and color accuracy remains intact, making it a reliable performer for nighttime photography.

Telephoto Camera Performance

The 3x telephoto lens captures stunning zoomed images with great detail, no visible noise, and accurate color reproduction. Its 70mm focal length is particularly well-suited for portrait photography, yielding pleasing results with a natural background blur.

However, the telephoto lens has limitations. Its minimum focusing distance of 50cm means it struggles with close-up shots. At 6x zoom, achieved through digital cropping, images are decent but show some softness, particularly in shadow areas.

At night, the 3x telephoto camera performs well, though not exceptionally. While detail is respectable, shadows can appear slightly soft. That said, the wide dynamic range and accurate colors make up for these shortcomings.

Ultra-Wide Camera Performance

The 50MP ultra-wide camera is another standout feature of the OnePlus 13. Daytime shots exhibit excellent detail, a wide dynamic range, and accurate colors, making this lens perfect for landscapes or group photos.

Nighttime performance is equally impressive. The ultra-wide camera captures sharp details with minimal noise, well-controlled highlights, and attractive shadow details. Colors remain vibrant and true-to-life, solidifying its place as one of the better ultra-wide cameras available.

Selfie Camera Performance

The 32MP front-facing camera is a mixed bag. While it delivers decent colors and dynamic range, the level of detail is underwhelming given the high resolution. The lack of autofocus is a notable drawback, as it limits the sharpness and flexibility of selfies. This is an area where OnePlus could improve in future iterations.

Video Recording

The OnePlus 13 can record videos at up to 4K resolution at 60fps with all three cameras, and the main camera can even shoot in 8K. The 4K footage from the main camera is excellent, offering wide dynamic range, accurate white balance, and balanced color saturation.

The telephoto lens also performs well, though the sharpness falls slightly short of expectations. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide camera delivers good sharpness and overall video quality, making it versatile for different filming needs.

At night, the main camera maintains good dynamic range and color accuracy, but shadows may appear soft in certain conditions. Stabilization is generally effective for panning shots, though there is some residual shakiness when walking.

In short, the OnePlus 13’s camera system is a robust and versatile offering, excelling in daylight and performing admirably in low-light conditions. The main and ultra-wide cameras are particularly strong, while the telephoto lens adds value for portrait and zoom photography. However, the front-facing camera leaves room for improvement, and stabilization during motion could be more refined. Despite these minor issues, the camera setup on the OnePlus 13 is a significant asset, offering competitive performance in its class.

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Conclusion

The OnePlus 13 delivers a compelling flagship experience, packed with powerful hardware, excellent battery life, and blazing-fast charging capabilities. The inclusion of the latest Snapdragon chipset ensures top-tier performance, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running demanding apps. Additionally, the improved IP68 and IP69 ingress protection adds an extra layer of durability, making it more resistant to dust and water than previous models.

On the camera front, the OnePlus 13 impresses with its versatile 50MP triple-camera system, producing excellent results across the main, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses. However, some areas, like the telephoto camera’s inability to focus closely, leave room for improvement. Similarly, the screen, while vibrant and sharp, could benefit from higher maximum brightness and better support for high-frame-rate gaming to match its competitors.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the OnePlus 13 remains a strong contender in the Android flagship market. Its thoughtful design, refined software, and standout features like fast wireless charging and a reliable fingerprint scanner make it a well-rounded device. Whether you’re upgrading from an older OnePlus phone or switching from another brand, the OnePlus 13 is a worthy recommendation that strikes a fine balance between performance, features, and value.

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Pricing and Trade-In Offers

The OnePlus 13 is competitively priced:

• Base model: $899 (12GB RAM, 256GB storage, available in black only)
• Premium models: $999 (16GB RAM, 512GB storage, available in all colors)

At launch, OnePlus offers a free memory upgrade and a $100 trade-in credit for any phone, even non-functional ones.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus 13 strikes a compelling balance between performance, features, and price. Its camera system is finally competitive with other flagships, and the durability enhancements make it a standout choice for adventurers. While the software has its quirks, the overall experience is smooth and polished.

Who Should Buy It?

• Upgrade from Older OnePlus Devices: A significant leap in all aspects.
• Switching from Other Brands: If you value fast charging, durability, and customizable materials, it’s worth considering.

As my daily driver, the OnePlus 13 has been a joy to use. While it may not dethrone industry giants like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s a strong contender for those seeking value-packed performance. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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