OnePlus ended 2024 with some actually attention-grabbing bulletins. It wasn’t the perfect yr for the BBK-owned model in India, however after getting rejected by a big group of cellular retailers, the corporate determined to show issues round by going with an inner rejig. After this, it tried to finish the yr on a superb be aware by asserting a recent new path for the model. OnePlus determined to deal with the mammoth process of recurring display-related inexperienced line points, which have plagued the model’s handsets for years. It additionally introduced that it has not solely labored on fixing the issue with upcoming units however would additionally present a lifetime substitute guarantee for all of its smartphone fashions. Additionally launched was Mission Starlight, part of OnePlus’ efforts to overtake its customer support expertise in India.
With underlying points now swept clear, OnePlus has lastly introduced its all-new OnePlus 13. It’s the successor to the OnePlus 12, which was a correct all-rounder in our overview. The OnePlus 13 is a brand-new system with a brand new design path, packs AI software program tips and a great deal of uncooked efficiency and battery life. Just like the Oppo Discover X8 Professional, which acquired a brand new Fast Button and magnetic circumstances, OnePlus additionally received to choose a brand new function from the BBK bin, and it determined so as to add magnetic wi-fi charging. It’s just like what Oppo gives by way of the identical magnetic circumstances, which have been silently launched in India final yr for apparent causes. After testing out the telephone for weeks, I have to say that the OnePlus 13 needs to be one of the vital formidable smartphones from the model thus far.
OnePlus 13 Design: Slimmer and… modular?
- Dimensions – 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5mm
- Weight – 213g
- Sturdiness – IP68 + IP69
I acquired the OnePlus 13 within the new Arctic Daybreak end, essentially the most primary among the many three. The black colourway referred to as Black Eclipse is reserved for essentially the most high-end storage variant and has a matte black body and wooden grain-like texture, giving it a novel really feel and look. The Midnight Ocean color is essentially the most distinctive one, providing a mirror-finish body with a microfibre vegan leather-based materials that appears and feels luxurious.
The OnePlus 13 has IP68 + IP69 certification for mud and water resistance
Regardless of receiving essentially the most primary colourway, I’m impressed as to how OnePlus has managed to make a slimmer system (in comparison with the OnePlus 12) with a better capability battery whereas enhancing its IP score and sustaining its quick wi-fi charging tech.
The OnePlus 13’s design does seem a bit acquainted to Oppo’s Discover X8 Professional however feels a bit lighter. Due to its mirror-finish aluminium body and flat sides, it gives extra grip than the latter. Whereas the body (chassis) has flat sides, the rear and entrance panels have additionally been flattened (in comparison with the rounded OnePlus 12) with curved edges that seamlessly merge with the body.
The telephone’s water and dirt resistance has acquired a stable improve this yr and is now IP69-certified, that means that it could actually even face up to pressured jets of scorching water (like in a automobile wash). On condition that OnePlus gives safety plans for its units at a further price, you may confidently immerse this system in freshwater.
The brand new OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger will not be your common wi-fi charger
The modular half begins with the telephone’s case. OnePlus has launched many equipment in India, together with a few telephone circumstances with a built-in magnetic ring that holds the brand new equipment in place. This brief record of magnetic equipment features a magnetic snap-on charger and a 5,000mAh magnetic energy financial institution.
The OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger might look like an Apple MagSafe charger, however in precept, it really works in a really totally different method. Not like Qi and Qi 2 chargers obtainable available in the market supplied by smartphone manufacturers, OnePlus takes issues a step additional by including a thermoelectric (peltier) chip contained in the charger. This peltier impact chip goals to maintain the charging course of cool, which, in line with OnePlus, additionally reduces battery degradation generally brought on by warmth, which is a by-product of wi-fi charging.
The fan, together with the thermoelectric chip, can dissipate warmth whereas preserving the world with the magnetic flux and call surfaces cool. Nonetheless, the true functionality of the cooling chip will not be utilised to the fullest as a result of the cooled floor of the charger doesn’t make direct contact with the telephone however the plastic case as a substitute. And for the reason that telephone is nicely insulated from the chilly contact patch of the wi-fi charger, it can’t be used as a cooling resolution whereas enjoying video games. OnePlus’ Freezing Level Telephone Cooler is a greater accent for avid gamers because it immediately clips onto the telephone’s rear panel.
The wi-fi charger has a robust magnetic drive, sufficient to droop the telephone from a charging socket
Certainly, the charger’s magnetic grip possesses a robust ‘loss of life grip’, permitting the telephone to be suspended from a wall outlet. Out of curiosity, I even snapped it onto an iPhone 15 Professional Max. The system firmly connected itself to the iPhone 15 Professional Max, securely holding the charger in place and preserving the iPhone ice-cold all through the charging course of. It is simply that the charging course of was fairly sluggish in comparison with OnePlus’ AIRVOOC speeds.
The magnetic charger accent is a good thought that mixes the 2 present applied sciences in the absolute best means. I simply want that the magnets to carry the equipment have been constructed into the rear panel as a substitute of the case.
OnePlus 13 Show: Pretty much as good because it will get
- Show dimension – 6.82-inches, 1,440 x 3,168 pixels, QHD+ (510PPI)
- Show sort – AMOLED, LTPO, 1-120Hz
- Show safety – Ceramic Guard
From a design standpoint, that is the primary OnePlus system (save for the ‘R’-branded fashions) to have a flat show. Whereas its border seems slimmer when holding the telephone entrance and centre, the curved protecting glass across the corners makes it seem thicker when considered from every other angle. Whereas the curved edge shows on the earlier fashions didn’t have any particular objective other than lending the system a premium look, the identical applies to the brand new quad-curved glass, which, other than its look, serves no different objective. Nonetheless, identical to on the Discover X8 Professional, I did discover the reflections as a consequence of its quad-curved edges fairly distracting when considered outdoor.
The quad-curved protecting glass display screen exhibits plenty of distracting reflections outdoor
The show showcases pure color at default settings. The identical applies even when viewing it outdoor, due to OnePlus’ RadiantView know-how that improves readability in daylight. One of many few manufacturers to supply a QHD+ show on this worth phase (and above), sharpness will not be an issue, even for those who decrease the show and font dimension to the bottom setting. The show additionally gives HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient certification, with supporting content material showing as anticipated. OnePlus additionally employed an ultrasonic fingerprint reader throughout this time, and it labored flawlessly through the testing interval.
OnePlus 13 Software program: Jack of all trades…
- Software program model – Android 15
- Software program – OxygenOS 15
- Software program dedication – Four years of software program, 6 years of safety updates
I’ve already explored a lot of the options supplied by ColorOS 15, that are almost the identical as OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15, in my Oppo Discover X8 and X8 Professional overview. Regardless of testing these options yet again, a lot of the outcomes, particularly with picture manipulation, stay the identical as they have been on the Discover X8 Professional.
OnePlus’ algorithms nonetheless require some fine-tuning to be as succesful as Google’s Pixel units. For the time being, the majority of picture modifying instruments, such because the AI Eraser and AI Reflection Eraser instruments, are succesful within the sense that they could or might not produce the specified outcomes.
OxygenOS 15 seems to be fairly totally different from the earlier model, however its similarities with Oppo’s ColorOS are fairly apparent
OnePlus’s new Clever Search is out there on the OnePlus 13. Nonetheless, primary search keyword-related outcomes apart, it truthfully cannot do a lot. It can not even discover recordsdata within the paperwork apps (each Google Information and OnePlus Information), even after typing within the precise file title, which is a bit unusual.
Dwell Translation guarantees to supply real-time translation throughout 20 languages, however the function will arrive at a later date. So I couldn’t check it out.
The AI-based picture modifying instruments certain want plenty of work
Open Canvas which debuted in 2023 and remains to be the most effective multitasking options on the OnePlus Open. After the OnePlus Pad 2, it lastly arrives as an everyday bar-shaped smartphone. It really works in a well-known method, letting you open two apps at a time, like in cut up display screen mode, however enables you to stretch the window of 1 app (by about 80 p.c), letting the second app peak from the highest or backside. If you could swap, merely faucet the opposite app to start out utilizing it! Whereas it could not sound like a giant deal, it reduces the necessity to hold adjusting the divider between two apps in split-screen mode. It additionally enables you to see extra of the app that you’re engaged on in comparison with the common split-screen implementation.
Open Canvas is a enjoyable method to multitask, letting you view extra of the first app in a split-screen association
Similar to on the Discover X8 Professional, I do just like the AI Abstract and AI Communicate options which are obtainable by way of the Good Sidebar. AI Reply additionally offers well-written contextual replies, however just for choose apps.
Seeing how far OnePlus has gotten for the reason that OnePlus 12 is attention-grabbing. You additionally have to remember the fact that Google’s Gemini Dwell and Assistant can be found on this telephone, which principally fills the void left behind by the shortage of OnePlus’ personal devoted digital assistant. In lots of facets, I feel this can be a good initiative. Nonetheless, customers have to learn by the nice print and concentrate on the place their private information is shared, as some AI options use OnePlus’ (AKA ColorOS’) AI mannequin, whereas others use Google’s AI fashions.
OnePlus 13 Efficiency: Spectacular
- Processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon Eight Elite, 4.32GHz, 3nm
- RAM – 12/16/24GB (LPDDR5X)
- Storage – 256/512/1TB (UFS 4.0)
The OnePlus 13 gives spectacular efficiency with day-to-day duties and multitasking. Apps additionally keep in reminiscence for a substantial period of time, and the software program operates with a clean and seamless really feel. Haptics vibrations are fairly crisp and appear to be well-optimised to cater to OxygenOS 15.
When operating artificial benchmarks, the handset performs as anticipated, managing barely decrease scores than its opponents primarily due to its high-resolution QHD+ show, as may be seen from the desk beneath.
| Benchmarks | OnePlus 13 | Oppo Discover X8 Professional | Realme GT 7 Professional | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon Eight Elite (3nm) | Dimensity 9400 (3nm) | Snapdragon Eight Elite (3nm) | Exynos 2400 (4nm) |
| Show decision | QHD+ | FHD+ | FHD+ | FHD+ |
| AnTuTu v10 | 22,59,761 | 23,38,411 | 27,15,106 | 14,80,582 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 14,431 | 12,868 | 25,876 | 16,910 |
| Geekbench 6 (Single) | 2,964 | 2,787 | 2,953 | 1,845 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi) | 9,081 | 8,391 | 9,094 | 5,771 |
| GFXB T-rex | 60 | 60 | 60 | 119 |
| GFXB Manhattan 3.1 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 119 |
| GFXB Automobile Chase | 60 | 60 | 60 | 109 |
| 3DM Slingshot Excessive OpenGL | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life Limitless | 25,427 | 23,225 | 24,042 | 13,576 |
The gaming efficiency is spectacular. The telephone managed to stay to a stable 60 fps whereas enjoying Genshin Influence at its highest preset at 60 fps. Nonetheless, I used to be a bit shocked to see no MEMC or Adaptive Body Booster assist for a similar title, because it was obtainable on the Oppo Discover X8 collection.
Oppo’s BeaconLink, a function launched with the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Reno 12 Professional, can be obtainable on the OnePlus 13. Nonetheless, I couldn’t check it out as I didn’t have a second suitable system.
OnePlus 13 Cameras: New doesn’t imply higher
- Main digital camera – 50-megapixel, f/1.6, OIS
- Telephoto digital camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.65, OIS
- Ultrawide digital camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.05, AF
- Selfie digital camera – 50-megapixel, f/2.45, FF
OnePlus’s new Triprism telephoto digital camera takes up quite a bit much less area in comparison with an everyday periscope telephoto digital camera
OnePlus has retained the first and selfie cameras from the earlier mannequin. As for the upgrades, it has switched from the 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B periscope telephoto digital camera to a brand new Sony LYT-600, which nonetheless gives 3X optical zoom however in a lighter and extra compact package deal due to its triprism structure. The ultrawide digital camera has additionally been modified, with the 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 changed by an improved S5KJN5 digital camera with a 50-megapixel sensor.
Whereas testing out the cameras on the OnePlus 13, I used to be additionally a bit as to the way it in comparison with the earlier OnePlus 12. So, I’ve included comparisons between the 2 beneath for reference.
OnePlus 13 major digital camera samples (faucet photographs to increase)
The first digital camera produces sharp photographs with good color replica. It manages to keep up a superb stability of distinction and delivers good dynamic vary in difficult taking pictures eventualities. Low-light taking pictures can be dealt with nicely, offering ample dynamic vary and displaying good element at the hours of darkness and vivid areas of a picture. The 2X zoom choice, a crop from the first digital camera, stays the identical as earlier than, with photographs which have decrease high quality regardless of the lighting situation.
The brand new trisprism digital camera performs nicely at 3X (high) and 6X (backside) magnification (faucet photographs to increase)
The 3X triprism telephoto digital camera is sort of the sharpshooter. In truth, even the lossless 6X magnification photographs it produces are wonderful by way of element. Whereas its capabilities are commendable in low gentle, the photographs aren’t as sharp as these produced by the outdated OnePlus 12’s 64-megapixel digital camera, as may be seen within the two samples beneath.
The 6x lossless telephoto picture captured by the OnePlus 12 (backside) seems quite a bit sharper and detailed in comparison with the OnePlus 13’s picture (high) (faucet to increase photographs)
One other element to level out right here is that the brand new triprism digital camera additionally doesn’t let me get near a topic in comparison with the improbable near-focusing functionality (1 foot from the topic) of the older telephoto digital camera. The OnePlus 13’s digital camera system can be very fast to modify to a cropped view from the first digital camera (at 3X) everytime you get nearer than 3-Four ft out of your topic. In brief, this new telephoto is a little bit of a downgrade, though it helped make the OnePlus 13 slimmer.
OnePlus 13 ultrawide digital camera pattern (faucet picture to increase)
The ultrawide digital camera is a pleasant improve to the earlier mannequin. It retains the barrel distortion beneath management whereas sustaining sufficient element. This additionally applies to low-light taking pictures, which produces clear photographs with little noise.
By way of color processing, each digital camera appears to wish to do its personal factor, as may be seen from the collage above. Nonetheless, shot-to-shot consistency when utilizing the identical digital camera is nice and reliable. If you could get extra correct colors, it is best to modify to OnePlus’ Grasp mode.
AI Zoom OFF (Prime), AI Zoom ON (backside) (faucet photographs to increase)
As for Zoom, identical to the Discover X8 Professional, the OnePlus 13 prompts AI Zoom when you attain 60X. The outcomes are unpredictable and depend on the creativity of the AI mannequin. I discovered the pictures captured until 10X to be usable, past which the picture high quality noticeably deteriorates.
OnePlus 13 selfie digital camera pattern (faucet picture to increase)
Selfies captured in daylight appeared sharp and crisp with good edge detection, whereas low-light captures stay the identical as earlier than, which is a bit tender.
When recording 4K video at 30 fps, the OnePlus 13 manages softer movies with much less element versus the OnePlus 12. The video high quality remains to be commendable in comparison with different choices at this worth level. 4K 60 fps gives the highest quality potential with diminished noise, good stabilisation and a gentle framerate. On the similar time, I discovered footage from the OnePlus 12 that supplied sharper picture high quality with elevated luminance noise.
OnePlus 13 Battery: Glorious
- Battery capability – 6,000mAh
- Wired charging – 100W
- Wi-fi charging – 50W
The 50W AIRVOOC charger is definitely one of many quickest wi-fi charging options obtainable in India. And is means sooner than the standard Qi or Qi 2 speeds obtainable for many Android smartphones. In truth, it could actually defeat the wired charging speeds of most premium flagships from Apple and Samsung and hold the charger and surfaces cool whereas doing so.
The brand new silicon carbon battery, regardless of its 6,000mAh capability, can simply match into the OnePlus 13’s slim physique
In our testing, the 50W AIRVOOC Magnetic Charger totally charged the telephone’s 6,000mAh battery in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The wired SUPERVOOC 100W charger managed a 55% cost in 15 minutes and accomplished the charging course of (totally charged) in 41 minutes.
As for battery life, the OnePlus 13 lasted 26 hours and a couple of minutes in our video battery loop take a look at. Whereas utilization patterns range from individual to individual, the telephone simply lasted me a day and a half with informal use (calls, social media apps, electronic mail and workplace apps) and a bit over a day with heavy use (gaming and digital camera), which is fairly spectacular.
OnePlus 13 Verdict
OnePlus seems to be looking for a recent begin, and the OnePlus 13 represents a major development. It is received a ton of upgrades in each division, together with AI tips and a few new toys.
Priced from Rs. 69,999 onwards (12GB + 256GB), the OnePlus 13 as soon as once more makes a case for itself within the sub-Rs. 70,000 phase. It’s potential to seek out many smartphones (just like the Realme GT 7 Professional and iQoo 13) that supply related efficiency at a lower cost, however none can match the digital camera prowess of the OnePlus 13 at this worth level.
These considering a smaller type issue may give the Oppo Discover X8 a glance, because it, is full of sufficient firepower however falls brief on digital camera efficiency. OnePlus 12 customers who’re searching for one thing extra highly effective will nonetheless discover the OnePlus 13 engaging though the digital camera upgrades are qualitative.
Given Samsung’s lack of curiosity in enhancing their Galaxy S collection’ digital camera capabilities (the Galaxy S24 retains the digital camera {hardware} from the S22), the OnePlus 13 presents a compelling various for these looking for a extra complete digital camera expertise. Add to this the brand new design choices, magnetic equipment, quick charging, huge battery upgrades and OnePlus’ prolonged guarantee program, and it is arduous to look elsewhere.
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