OnePlus 13: A Bold Leap Forward in Design, Performance, and Customer Commitment

OnePlus concluded 2024 with an array of intriguing announcements. Although it wasn’t the most successful year for the BBK-backed brand in India, after facing rejections from a considerable number of mobile retailers, the company opted for an internal restructuring. Following this change, it sought to finish the year positively by revealing a new strategy for the brand. OnePlus committed to addressing the longstanding recurring display-related green line issues that have affected its devices for several years. Additionally, it announced that it has developed solutions for these issues in upcoming models and will offer a lifetime replacement warranty for all smartphone variants. Also launched was Project Starlight, part of OnePlus’ initiative to revamp its customer service experience in India.

With underlying challenges now addressed, OnePlus has finally introduced the completely redesigned OnePlus 13. This model serves as the successor to the OnePlus 12, which impressed as an all-rounder in our review. The OnePlus 13 is a brand-new device featuring a novel design approach, incorporates AI software enhancements, and offers abundant performance and battery longevity. With characteristics similar to the Oppo Find X8 Pro, which saw the introduction of a new Quick Button and magnetic cases, OnePlus has also chosen to include magnetic wireless charging from the BBK collection. My extensive testing over several weeks leads me to conclude that the OnePlus 13 is among the most ambitious smartphones released by the brand so far.

OnePlus 13 Design: Sleeker and… modular?

• Dimensions — 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5mm
• Weight — 213g
• Durability — IP68 + IP69

I received the OnePlus 13 in a new Arctic Dawn finish, which is the base option of the three available. The black variant named Black Eclipse is designated for the highest-end storage configuration, featuring a matte black frame and a wood grain-like texture, providing a distinctive appearance and touch. The most eye-catching Midnight Ocean color offers a reflective frame wrapped in microfiber vegan leather that exudes a luxurious vibe.

The OnePlus 13 boasts IP68 + IP69 certification, ensuring dust and water resistance

 

Even with the most basic color selection, I am impressed with how OnePlus has managed to create a thinner device (in comparison to the OnePlus 12) while accommodating a larger battery and enhancing its IP rating, all without sacrificing its fast wireless charging technology.

The design of the OnePlus 13 evokes some familiarity with Oppo’s Find X8 Pro but feels slightly lighter. Thanks to its mirror-finish aluminum frame and flat edges, it offers better grip than its competitor. While the frame has flat sides, the rear and front surfaces have also been made flatter (as opposed to the rounded edges of the OnePlus 12) with curved corners that seamlessly integrate with the frame.

The device’s water and dust resistance has notably improved this year and it is now IP69-certified, indicating it can withstand pressurized jets of hot water (similar to those found in car washes). Given OnePlus provides protection plans for its devices at an added cost, users can confidently submerge this phone in freshwater.

The new OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger stands out from traditional wireless chargers

 

The modular aspect begins with the device’s casing. OnePlus has introduced several accessories in India, including a couple of cases equipped with a built-in magnetic ring for holding new accessories in place. This limited selection of magnetic accessories comprises a magnetic snap-on charger and a 5,000mAh magnetic power bank.

The OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger might remind one of the Apple MagSafe charger, but it operates quite differently in principle. Unlike standard Qi and Qi 2 chargers available from many smartphone brands, OnePlus takes innovation further by integrating a thermoelectric (peltier) chip within the charger. This chip aims to maintain a cooler charging process, which OnePlus claims helps reduce battery degradation that typically results from heat generated during wireless charging.

The fan and thermoelectric chip work together to dissipate heat, keeping the areas around the magnetic field and contact surfaces cool. However, the full capabilities of the cooling chip are not fully realized since the cooled surface of the charger does not directly contact the phone but rather the plastic case. Consequently, because the phone is insulated from the cooler area of the wireless charger, it isn’t suitable as a cooling solution for gaming. OnePlus’ Freezing Point Phone Cooler is a more fitting accessory for gamers as it clips directly onto the phone’s back.

The wireless charger’s magnetic force is powerful enough to hold the phone suspended

 

Indeed, the charger’s magnetic grip has an impressive ‘death grip,’ allowing the phone to dangle from a wall outlet. Out of curiosity, I even attached it to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The device firmly adhered to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, securely holding the charger and keeping the iPhone cool during the charging process. However, the charging speed was comparatively slower than the OnePlus’ AIRVOOC speeds.

This magnetic charger accessory is a clever concept that melds existing technologies effectively. I only wish the magnets that secure the accessories were integrated into the rear panel rather than the case.

OnePlus 13 Display: Top-notch Quality

• Display size — 6.82-inches, 1,440 x 3,168 pixels, QHD+ (510PPI)
• Display type — AMOLED, LTPO, 1-120Hz
• Display protection — Ceramic Guard

From a design aspect, this marks the first OnePlus device (excluding those labeled ‘R’) featuring a flat display. While its borders appear slender when the phone is held vertically, the curved protective glass around the corners gives it a bulkier impression from different angles. Previous models with curved edge displays only served the purpose of enhancing the device’s premium appearance, which is similarly true for the new quad-curved glass, despite its aesthetic appeal. However, as seen with the Find X8 Pro, I found the reflections from the quad-curved edges to be somewhat distracting outdoors.

The quad-curved protective glass screen showcases distracting reflections in outdoor settings

 

The display showcases vivid colors at default settings. This remains true even in outdoor conditions, thanks to OnePlus’ RadiantView technology that enhances readability in bright sunlight. Being one of the few brands to present a QHD+ display within this price range (and even above), clarity is not an issue, even at the lowest display and font size settings. The display also boasts HDR10+ and Dolby Vision certification, ensuring content appears as intended. Furthermore, OnePlus has included an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner which performed flawlessly throughout the testing phase.

OnePlus 13 Software: A Convergence of Features…

• Software version — Android 15
• Software — OxygenOS 15
• Software commitment — 4 years of updates, 6 years of security patches

I have already explored most aspects of ColorOS 15, which bear strong similarities to OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15 during my review of the Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro. Despite going through these features again, many results, especially regarding image editing, remain consistent with those from the Find X8 Pro.

OnePlus’ algorithms still require fine-tuning to match the capabilities of Google’s Pixel devices. Currently, the available image editing tools, like the AI Eraser and AI Reflection Eraser, show varying effectiveness and may not consistently yield desired outcomes.

OxygenOS 15 showcases a revamped aesthetic compared to the previous version, while its resemblance to Oppo’s ColorOS is evident

 

OnePlus has introduced its new Intelligent Search feature with the OnePlus 13. However, apart from basic keyword-related results, it offers limited capabilities. It could not even locate files in applications like Google Files and OnePlus Files, even when entering the exact filename, which felt rather peculiar.

Live Translation is meant to provide real-time translation across 20 languages, but this feature will be rolled out at a later time, preventing any testing.

The AI-driven image editing tools certainly require improvement

 

Open Canvas, which first debuted in 2023 as one of the finest multitasking features on the OnePlus Open, finally makes its arrival on a typical bar-shaped smartphone after appearing on the OnePlus Pad 2. It operates similarly to other apps, allowing the simultaneous opening of two applications in a manner akin to split-screen mode, while letting one app occupy about 80 percent of the screen, with the other app peeking from above or below. Switching between the two is simple; just tap the alternate app to engage it! This method may seem minor, but it significantly reduces the constant need to adjust the divider in split-screen mode, providing a greater view of the working app compared to traditional implementations.

Open Canvas offers an enjoyable multitasking experience, allowing enhanced visibility of the primary app in a split-screen configuration

 

Similar to the Find X8 Pro, I appreciate the AI Summary and AI Speak features accessed via the Smart Sidebar. AI Reply also crafts contextually relevant responses, but only for select applications.

Observing how far OnePlus has progressed since the OnePlus 12 is intriguing. One should also bear in mind that Google’s Gemini Live and Assistant feature on this phone essentially fills the gap left by OnePlus’ own dedicated virtual assistant. In many ways, I view this as a positive development. However, users should examine the fine print and understand how their personal data may be utilized, as some AI functionalities rely on OnePlus’ (or ColorOS’) AI framework, while others leverage Google’s models.

OnePlus 13 Performance: Exceptional

• Processor — Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, 4.32GHz, 3nm
• RAM — 12/16/24GB (LPDDR5X)
• Storage — 256/512/1TB (UFS 4.0)

The OnePlus 13 delivers remarkable performance with everyday tasks and multitasking. Applications remain in memory for an extended period, and the software runs with a fluid and seamless experience. The haptic feedback is sharp and well-calibrated for OxygenOS 15.

In synthetic benchmark tests, the device performed as expected, achieving slightly lower scores compared to its rivals, largely attributable to its high-resolution QHD+ display, as illustrated in the table below.

 

The gaming performance is noteworthy. The device maintained a consistent 60 fps while playing Genshin Impact at the highest settings. However, I was slightly surprised to discover the absence of MEMC or Adaptive Frame Booster support for that title, features which were available on the Oppo Find X8 series.

Oppo’s BeaconLink, introduced initially with the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Reno 12 Pro, is also featured on the OnePlus 13. However, I could not test this out, as I lacked a second compatible device.

OnePlus 13 Cameras: New Does Not Indicate Better

• Primary camera — 50-megapixel, f/1.6, OIS
• Telephoto camera — 50-megapixel, f/2.65, OIS
• Ultrawide camera — 50-megapixel, f/2.05, AF
• Selfie camera — 50-megapixel, f/2.45, FF

OnePlus’s new triprism telephoto camera occupies significantly less space compared to a standard periscope telephoto camera

 

OnePlus has retained the main and selfie cameras from the previous iteration. Regarding upgrades, it has transitioned from the 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera to a new Sony LYT-600, which still provides 3X optical zoom but in a lighter and more compact form factor due to its triprism layout. The ultrawide camera has also seen improvements, with the previous 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 swapped for an enhanced S5KJN5 camera with a 50-megapixel sensor.

While evaluating the cameras on the OnePlus 13, I was curious to see how it compared with the OnePlus 12, so I’ve included some comparisons for reference.

Primary camera samples from the OnePlus 13 (tap images to expand)

 

The main camera captures sharp images with excellent color accuracy. It manages a commendable balance of contrast while providing a good dynamic range even in difficult lighting conditions. Low-light photography is well-handled, offering substantial dynamic range and showcasing details in both bright and dark areas of photographs. The cropped 2X zoom from the primary camera retains the same quality as before, yet results in images of lower quality regardless of lighting circumstances.

Comparative performance of the 3x (top) and 6x (bottom) zoom levels (tap images to expand)

 

The 3X triprism telephoto lens proves to be a reliable performer. Furthermore, the lossless 6X magnification images produced are commendable for their level of detail. While its function is admirable in low-light conditions, the photos tend to lack the sharpness that one would expect from the previous OnePlus 12’s 64-megapixel sensor, highlighted in the following two samples.

The OnePlus 12’s telephoto image (bottom) is noticeably sharper and more detailed than that of the OnePlus 13 (top) (tap to expand images)

 

Another aspect to mention is that the new triprism camera does not allow for close-up shots compared to the superb near-focusing capability of the old telephoto lens (1 foot from the subject). The OnePlus 13’s camera system quickly resorts to a cropped view from the primary camera (at 3X) when subjects are closer than 3-4 feet. To sum up, this new telephoto feature feels like a bit of a downgrade, even if it has slimmed down the OnePlus 13’s profile.

Sample shot from the ultrawide camera of the OnePlus 13 (tap image to expand)

 

The ultrawide camera represents a satisfactory improvement over its predecessor. It successfully minimizes barrel distortion while maintaining sufficient detail levels. This is also true for low-light shots, which yield clean images with minimal noise.

In terms of color rendering, each camera exhibits its unique attributes, as illustrated in the collage above. However, shot-to-shot consistency is reliable when using the same camera. For more accurate color reproduction, utilizing OnePlus’ Master mode is recommended.

 

AI Zoom OFF (Top), AI Zoom ON (bottom) (tap images to expand)

 

For zoom capabilities, similar to the Find X8 Pro, once reaching 60X the OnePlus 13 activates AI Zoom. The results tend to be unpredictable and depend largely on the AI model’s creativity. I found images captured up to 10X to be of acceptable quality, but anything beyond that significantly decreases image clarity.

Selfie captured using the OnePlus 13 (tap image to expand)

 

Selfies taken in daylight appear sharp and detailed with good edge detection; however, low-light selfies continue to show some softness, similar to previous models.

When recording 4K video at 30 fps, the OnePlus 13 captures softer footage with less defined details compared to the OnePlus 12. Nevertheless, the video quality remains respectable when compared to other devices within the same price range. At 4K 60 fps, the quality is at its peak with reduced noise levels, excellent stabilization, and consistent frame rates. In contrast, footage from the OnePlus 12 provided sharper images with increased luminance noise.

OnePlus 13 Battery: Outstanding

• Battery capacity — 6,000mAh
• Wired charging — 100W
• Wireless charging — 50W

The 50W AIRVOOC charger is arguably one of the fastest wireless charging solutions available in India, significantly outpacing standard Qi or Qi 2 charging speeds common in most Android devices. In fact, it can outperform many flagship wired charging speeds from Apple and Samsung while keeping the charger and surrounding surfaces cool.

The silicon-carbon battery, despite its 6,000mAh capacity, comfortably fits within the slim profile of the OnePlus 13

 

In our evaluations, the 50W AIRVOOC Magnetic Charger fully charged the device’s 6,000mAh battery in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. The wired SUPERVOOC 100W charger achieved a 55% charge in a mere 15 minutes and completed the full charging cycle in just 41 minutes.

As for battery longevity, the OnePlus 13 lasted 26 hours and 2 minutes during our video battery looping test. While usage habits vary, the device easily sustained over a day and a half of light use (calls, social media apps, emails, and productivity apps) and just over a day with heavier usage (gaming and camera), which is quite impressive.

OnePlus 13 Verdict

OnePlus seems to be pursuing a fresh chapter, and the OnePlus 13 illustrates significant evolution. It encompasses numerous enhancements across all areas, such as AI capabilities and novel features.

With a starting price of Rs. 69,999 (12GB + 256GB), the OnePlus 13 reestablishes its position in the sub-Rs. 70,000 price bracket. While there are other smartphones (like the Realme GT 7 Pro and iQoo 13) that provide similar performance at lower prices, none can rival the camera capabilities offered by the OnePlus 13 at this price range.

For those seeking a more compact device, the Oppo Find X8 presents an option, offering adequate power but lacking in camera performance. Users of the OnePlus 12 seeking an upgrade will still find the OnePlus 13 appealing, despite the camera improvements being primarily qualitative.

Given Samsung’s disinterest in advancing their Galaxy S series’ camera technology (the Galaxy S24 utilizes the same camera hardware as the S22), the OnePlus 13 serves as a compelling alternative for those in search of a more comprehensive camera experience. Coupled with new design options, magnetic accessories, rapid charging, superior battery enhancements, and OnePlus’ extended warranty plans, it becomes increasingly hard to look at other options.