OnePlus 13: The Dawn of a Fresh Era in Smartphones

OnePlus concluded 2024 with some quite compelling announcements. It was not the most favorable year for the BBK-owned brand in India; however, after facing rejection from a significant number of mobile retailers, the enterprise opted to shift gears by implementing an internal restructuring. Following this, it endeavored to finish the year on a positive note by revealing a fresh new direction for the brand. OnePlus committed to addressing the massive challenge of recurring display-related green line complications, which have troubled the brand’s devices for years. It also declared that it had not only focused on resolving this issue with future models but would provide a lifetime replacement warranty for all its smartphone offerings. Additionally, Project Starlight was unveiled, part of OnePlus’ initiatives to revamp its customer service experience in India.

With foundational concerns now resolved, OnePlus has finally unveiled its brand-new OnePlus 13. This model serves as a successor to the OnePlus 12, which was a well-rounded device in our analysis. The OnePlus 13 is a completely new gadget featuring a new design approach, offers AI software enhancements, along with impressive performance and battery longevity. Similar to the Oppo Find X8 Pro, which introduced a new Quick Button and magnetic cases, OnePlus has also selected a new feature from the BBK collection, opting to implement magnetic wireless charging. This is akin to what Oppo provides through their magnetic cases, which were quietly introduced in India last year for obvious reasons. After using the phone for several weeks, I must say that the OnePlus 13 stands out as one of the most ambitious smartphones the brand has released to date.

OnePlus 13 Design: Thinner and… modular?

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

I received the OnePlus 13 in the sleek Arctic Dawn finish, the simplest of the three options. The black variant called Black Eclipse is designated for the top-tier storage model and features a matte black frame with a wood grain-like texture, giving it a distinctive feel and appearance. The Midnight Ocean color is the most exceptional, showcasing a mirror-finish frame with a microfiber vegan leather material that appears and feels luxurious.

The OnePlus 13 features IP68 + IP69 certification for dust and water resistance

 

Even with the most basic colorway, I am impressed by how OnePlus has succeeded in creating a slimmer device (compared to the OnePlus 12) with a higher capacity battery while enhancing its IP rating and preserving its rapid wireless charging technology.

The OnePlus 13’s design does appear somewhat reminiscent of Oppo’s Find X8 Pro but feels lighter in hand. Due to its mirror-finish aluminum frame and flat edges, it provides better grip compared to the latter. While the frame (chassis) has flat sides, both the rear and front panels have also been flattened (in contrast to the rounded OnePlus 12) with curved edges that seamlessly blend with the frame.

The device’s waterproof and dustproof features have received a significant upgrade this year, now boasting IP69 certification, meaning it can even endure high-pressure jets of hot water (such as in a car wash). Since OnePlus offers protection plans for its products at an additional cost, you can place this device in freshwater confidently.

The new OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger is an exceptional wireless charger

 

The modular aspect commences with the device’s case. OnePlus has released a range of accessories in India, including several phone cases embedded with a magnetic ring to secure the new add-ons. 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 may resemble an Apple MagSafe charger, yet it operates distinctly different. Unlike the Qi and Qi 2 chargers available from other smartphone brands, OnePlus elevates the experience by incorporating a thermoelectric (peltier) chip within the charger. This peltier effect chip’s purpose is to keep the charging process cool, which, according to OnePlus, also minimizes battery degradation frequently caused by heat, a by-product of wireless charging.

The fan, when paired with the thermoelectric chip, can dissipate heat while maintaining the area with the magnetic flux and contact surfaces cool. Nonetheless, the cooling chip’s true potential is not fully utilized since the cooled surface of the charger does not make direct contact with the phone but rather the plastic case instead. Given that the phone is well insulated from the cold contact area of the wireless charger, it is not suitable for use as a cooling solution during gaming. OnePlus’ Freezing Point Phone Cooler serves as a better accessory for gamers as it directly clips onto the rear panel of the phone.

The wireless charger showcases a robust magnetic force, adequate to suspend the phone from a charging socket

 

Indeed, the charger’s magnetic grip possesses a formidable ‘death grip’, allowing the phone to hang from a wall outlet. Out of curiosity, I even attached it to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The device securely affixed itself to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, firmly holding the charger in position and keeping the iPhone pleasantly cool throughout the charging session. It’s just that the charging speed was considerably slower compared to OnePlus’ AIRVOOC rates.

The magnetic charger accessory is an excellent concept that merges the two existing technologies optimally. I only wish that the magnets used to secure the accessories had been integrated into the rear panel rather than the case.

OnePlus 13 Display: As good as it gets

• 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 perspective, this is the inaugural OnePlus device (save for the ‘R’-branded models) to feature a flat display. Although its bezel appears narrower when gripping the device front and center, the curved protective glass around the corners gives it a thicker appearance from other angles. While the previous models equipped with curved edge displays lacked any specific function besides providing a premium aesthetic, the same is applicable to the new quad-curved glass, which,…

apart from its aesthetics, has no additional function. However, similar to the Find X8 Pro, I found the reflections caused by its quad-curved edges rather distracting when outdoors.

The quad-curved protective glass display exhibits numerous distracting reflections in outdoor settings

 

The screen displays natural colors at its default configuration. This is true even when used outside, thanks to OnePlus’ RadiantView technology that enhances visibility in sunlight. It is among the limited brands offering a QHD+ display in this price range and above, so sharpness is not an issue, even when display and font sizes are adjusted to the smallest size. Furthermore, the screen includes HDR10+ and Dolby Vision certification, with compatible content appearing as anticipated. OnePlus has also integrated an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner during this period, which performed flawlessly throughout the testing phase.

OnePlus 13 Software: Versatile…

• Software version – Android 15
• Software – OxygenOS 15
• Software promise – 4 years of software updates, 6 years of security updates

I have already covered most of the functionality provided by ColorOS 15, which closely resembles OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15, in my Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro review. Even after revisiting these features, most outcomes, particularly with photographic editing, remain consistent with those seen on the Find X8 Pro.

OnePlus’ algorithms still need some adjustments to match the capabilities of Google’s Pixel devices. Currently, the majority of image editing utilities, such as the AI Eraser and AI Reflection Eraser, are competent, yet they might yield inconsistent results.

OxygenOS 15 exhibits significant changes from its predecessor, yet its resemblance to Oppo’s ColorOS is rather evident

 

OnePlus’s signature Intelligent Search feature is present on the OnePlus 13. Nevertheless, apart from basic search keyword-related results, it honestly falls short in functionality. It even struggles to locate files within document apps (both Google Files and OnePlus Files), even after entering the precise file name, which is somewhat odd.

Live Translation claims to deliver real-time translation across 20 languages, but this feature will be introduced at a later date. Thus, I was unable to test it.

The AI-driven image editing utilities certainly require significant improvement

 

Open Canvas, which launched in 2023, remains one of the finest multitasking features on the OnePlus Open. Following the OnePlus Pad 2, it finally makes its way to a conventional bar-shaped smartphone. It operates in a familiar fashion, allowing you to run two applications simultaneously, akin to split screen mode, but enables you to adjust one app’s window (by roughly 80 percent), letting the second app show from the top or bottom. To switch, simply tap the other app to begin using it! While this may not seem revolutionary, it minimizes the need for continuous adjustments to the divider in split-screen mode. Additionally, it provides a better view of the focused app compared to standard split-screen implementations.

Open Canvas is an enjoyable method to multitask, allowing for a larger view of the primary application in a split-screen setup

 

Similar to the Find X8 Pro, I appreciate the AI Summary and AI Speak functionalities accessible via the Smart Sidebar. AI Reply also offers well-written contextual replies, though only for certain applications.

It’s fascinating to observe OnePlus’s progress since the OnePlus 12. Additionally, it’s essential to remember that Google’s Gemini Live and Assistant are available on this device, effectively addressing the gap left by the absence of OnePlus’ dedicated virtual assistant. In many aspects, I view this as a positive step. However, users must scrutinize the details and understand where their personal data is shared, as some AI functionalities utilize OnePlus’ (or ColorOS’) AI models, while others deploy Google’s AI models.

OnePlus 13 Performance: Remarkable

• 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 daily tasks and multitasking capabilities. Applications remain in memory for an extended duration, and the software runs with a fluid and cohesive experience. Haptic feedback is quite crisp and appears to be well-optimized for OxygenOS 15.

During synthetic benchmark testing, the device performed as anticipated, achieving slightly lower scores compared to its rivals primarily due to its high-resolution QHD+ display, as illustrated in the following table.

 

The gaming capabilities are remarkable. The device maintained a steady 60 fps while playing Genshin Impact at top settings. Nevertheless, it was somewhat unexpected to find no MEMC or Adaptive Frame Booster support for this game, given that such features were present in the Oppo Find X8 lineup.

Oppo’s BeaconLink, a functionality introduced with the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Reno 12 Pro, is similarly present on the OnePlus 13. However, I was unable to test it as I didn’t have an additional compatible device.

OnePlus 13 Cameras: New does not imply better

• Main camera – 50-megapixel, f/1.6, OIS
• Telephoto lens – 50-megapixel, f/2.65, OIS
• Ultrawide lens – 50-megapixel, f/2.05, AF
• Selfie lens – 50-megapixel, f/2.45, FF

OnePlus’s new Triprism telephoto lens occupies considerably less space than a conventional periscope telephoto lens

 

OnePlus has preserved both the main and selfie lenses from its predecessor. As for the enhancements, it has transitioned from the 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto camera to a new Sony LYT-600, maintaining the 3X optical zoom while providing a lighter and more compact design due to its triprism structure. The ultrawide lens has also been updated, swapping the 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 for an upgraded S5KJN5 with a 50-megapixel sensor.

While analyzing the cameras on the OnePlus 13, I was intrigued to see how it compared with the prior OnePlus 12. Therefore, I’ve included comparisons between the two below for reference.

OnePlus 13 primary camera imagery (tap images for enlargement)

 

The main camera captures crisp images with excellent color fidelity. It achieves a commendable equilibrium of contrast and provides good dynamic range in difficult lighting conditions. Low-light performance is also impressive, delivering sufficient dynamic range and showcasing good clarity in both dark and bright segments of a picture. The 2X zoom option, derived from the primary camera, remains unchanged, producing lower quality images regardless of the lighting scenario.

The new triprism camera excels at 3X (top) and 6X (bottom) magnifications (tap images for enlargement)

 

The 3X triprism telephoto camera
“`is quite the marksman. Indeed, even the lossless 6X zoom photographs it creates are remarkable in terms of clarity. Although its performance in dim lighting is praiseworthy, the images do not possess the same sharpness as those captured by the preceding OnePlus 12’s 64-megapixel sensor, as illustrated in the two samples below.

The 6x lossless telephoto image taken by the OnePlus 12 (bottom) looks considerably sharper and more detailed in comparison to the OnePlus 13’s image (top) (tap to expand images)

 

Another aspect worth noting is that the new triprism lens does not allow me to get as close to a subject compared to the incredible near-focusing ability (1 foot from the subject) of the previous telephoto lens. The camera system on the OnePlus 13 is also very swift to transition to a cropped view from the main lens (at 3X) whenever you approach within 3-4 feet of your subject. In summary, this latest telephoto setup represents a slight deterioration, despite its contribution to making the OnePlus 13 slimmer.

OnePlus 13 ultrawide camera sample (tap image to expand)

 

The ultrawide camera represents a pleasing enhancement over the previous iteration. It effectively manages barrel distortion while preserving sufficient detail. This is evident in low-light conditions as well, producing clear images with minimal noise.

Regarding colour processing, each camera seems to prefer its own approach, as evident from the collage above. However, consistency from shot to shot when utilizing the same camera is reliable and solid. For more precise colour accuracy, it’s advisable to switch to OnePlus’ Master mode.

 

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

 

With regards to Zoom, akin to the Find X8 Pro, the OnePlus 13 engages AI Zoom once you hit 60X. The results can be erratic and are contingent on the AI model’s creativity. I discovered that images taken up to 10X are suitable, beyond which the quality of the image significantly declines.

OnePlus 13 selfie camera sample (tap image to expand)

 

Selfies taken in daylight look sharp and clear with effective edge detection, whereas low-light selfies remain similar to previous models, exhibiting slight softness.

When filming 4K video at 30 fps, the OnePlus 13 produces softer videos with less definition compared to the OnePlus 12. Nonetheless, the video quality is still commendable when compared to alternatives in this price range. 4K 60 fps delivers the highest possible quality with reduced noise, excellent stabilisation, and a steady framerate. In contrast, I found the footage from the OnePlus 12 to provide sharper image quality with increased luminance noise.

OnePlus 13 Battery: Exceptional

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

The 50W AIRVOOC charger is undoubtedly one of the quickest wireless charging solutions available in India. It outpaces the conventional Qi or Qi 2 speeds typically found in most Android smartphones. Indeed, it can surpass the wired charging speeds of many high-end flagships from Apple and Samsung while keeping both the charger and surfaces cool in the process.

The new silicon carbon battery, despite its 6,000mAh capacity, can effortlessly fit within the OnePlus 13’s sleek exterior

 

During our assessment, the 50W AIRVOOC Magnetic Charger completely charged the device’s 6,000mAh battery in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The wired SUPERVOOC 100W charger achieved a 55% charge in just 15 minutes and finished the charging cycle (fully charged) in 41 minutes.

In terms of battery longevity, the OnePlus 13 endured 26 hours and 2 minutes in our video battery loop experiment. While usage patterns differ among individuals, the phone easily lasted me a day and a half with casual use (calls, social media applications, email, and workplace applications) and slightly over a day with intensive use (gaming and photography), which is quite impressive.

OnePlus 13 Verdict

OnePlus seems to be aiming for a new beginning, and the OnePlus 13 signifies a considerable improvement. It boasts numerous enhancements across all aspects, including AI innovations and additional features.

Starting at Rs. 69,999 (12GB + 256GB), the OnePlus 13 once more asserts its relevance in the sub-Rs. 70,000 bracket. While it is feasible to find many smartphones (like the Realme GT 7 Pro and iQoo 13) delivering similar performance at a lower cost, none can rival the camera capabilities of the OnePlus 13 in this pricing tier.

Individuals seeking a more compact design might consider the Oppo Find X8, which is equipped with ample power but falls short in terms of camera quality. OnePlus 12 users in search of a more potent device will also find the OnePlus 13 appealing, even if the camera enhancements are not absolute.

Given Samsung’s disinterest in advancing their Galaxy S series’ camera functionalities (the Galaxy S24 maintains the camera hardware from the S22), the OnePlus 13 poses an enticing alternative for those in pursuit of a more comprehensive photographic experience. Coupled with new design alternatives, magnetic accessories, quick charging, significant battery enhancements, and OnePlus’ extended warranty program, it’s challenging to consider other options.