OnePlus 13 Review: A New Beginning

OnePlus ended 2024 with some actually fascinating 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 inside rejig. After this, it tried to finish the yr on a superb word by asserting a recent new path for the model. OnePlus determined to deal with the mammoth job of recurring display-related green line issues, which have plagued the model’s handsets for years. It additionally announced that it has not solely labored on fixing the issue with upcoming gadgets however would additionally present a lifetime alternative guarantee for all of its smartphone fashions. Additionally launched was Project 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 review. The OnePlus 13 is a brand-new gadget with a brand new design path, packs AI software program methods and a great deal of uncooked efficiency and battery life. Just like the Oppo Find X8 Pro, which obtained a brand new Fast Button and magnetic circumstances, OnePlus additionally acquired to choose a brand new characteristic from the BBK bin, and it determined so as to add magnetic wi-fi charging. It’s much like what Oppo presents through the identical magnetic circumstances, which have been silently launched in India final yr for apparent causes. After testing out the telephone for weeks, I need to say that the OnePlus 13 must be one of the vital formidable smartphones from the model so far.

OnePlus 13 Design: Slimmer and… modular?

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

I obtained the OnePlus 13 within the new Arctic Daybreak end, essentially the most primary among the many three. The black colourway known 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 singular 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 gadget (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 Find X8 Pro however feels a bit lighter. Because of its mirror-finish aluminium body and flat sides, it presents 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 mud resistance has obtained a stable improve this yr and is now IP69-certified, that means that it may even stand up to pressured jets of sizzling water (like in a automotive wash). On condition that OnePlus presents safety plans for its gadgets at an extra value, you may confidently immerse this gadget in freshwater.

The brand new OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger just isn’t 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 quick listing of magnetic equipment features a magnetic snap-on charger and a 5,000mAh magnetic energy financial institution.

The OnePlus AIRVOOC 50W Magnetic Charger might seem to be an Apple MagSafe charger, however in precept, it really works in a really totally different method. In contrast to Qi and Qi 2 chargers obtainable out there 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 response to 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 protecting the world with the magnetic flux and make contact with surfaces cool. Nonetheless, the true functionality of the cooling chip just isn’t 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 because the telephone is effectively insulated from the chilly contact patch of the wi-fi charger, it can’t be used as a cooling answer whereas taking part in video games. OnePlus’ Freezing Level Telephone Cooler is a greater accent for avid gamers because it straight clips onto the telephone’s rear panel.

The wi-fi charger has a robust magnetic pressure, sufficient to droop the telephone from a charging socket

Certainly, the charger’s magnetic grip possesses a strong ‘dying 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 gadget firmly hooked up itself to the iPhone 15 Professional Max, securely holding the charger in place and protecting the iPhone ice-cold all through the charging course of. It is simply that the charging course of was fairly gradual in comparison with OnePlus’ AIRVOOC speeds.

The magnetic charger accent is a good concept that mixes the 2 current applied sciences in the very best method. 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 measurement – 6.82-inches, 1,440 x 3,168 pixels, QHD+ (510PPI)
• Show kind – AMOLED, LTPO, 1-120Hz
• Show safety – Ceramic Guard

From a design standpoint, that is the primary OnePlus gadget (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 seen from some other angle. Whereas the curved edge shows on the earlier fashions didn’t have any particular goal other than lending the gadget a premium look, the identical applies to the brand new quad-curved glass, which, other than its look, serves no different goal. Nonetheless, similar to on the Find X8 Pro, I did discover the reflections attributable to its quad-curved edges fairly distracting when seen outdoor.

The quad-curved protecting glass display exhibits loads of distracting reflections outdoor

The show showcases pure color at default settings. The identical applies even when viewing it outdoor, due to OnePlus’ RadiantView expertise that improves readability in daylight. One of many few manufacturers to supply a QHD+ show on this worth section (and above), sharpness just isn’t an issue, even should you decrease the show and font measurement to the bottom setting. The show additionally presents 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 throughout the testing interval.

OnePlus 13 Software program: Jack of all trades…

• Software program model – Android 15
• Software program – OxygenOS 15
• Software program dedication – 4 years of software program, 6 years of safety updates

I’ve already explored a lot of the options supplied by ColorOS 15, that are nearly the same as OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15, in my Oppo Discover X8 and X8 Professional evaluate. Regardless of testing these options once more, 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 gadgets. In the intervening time, 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 fairly totally different from the earlier model, however its similarities with Oppo’s ColorOS are fairly apparent

OnePlus’s new Clever Search is accessible on the OnePlus 13. Nonetheless, primary search keyword-related outcomes apart, it actually 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 identify, which is a bit unusual.

Stay Translation guarantees to offer real-time translation throughout 20 languages, however the characteristic will arrive at a later date. So I couldn’t check it out.

The AI-based picture modifying instruments positive want loads of work

Open Canvas which debuted in 2023 and continues to be the most effective multitasking options on the OnePlus Open. After the OnePlus Pad 2, it lastly arrives as a daily bar-shaped smartphone. It really works in a well-known method, letting you open two apps at a time, like in break up display mode, however enables you to stretch the window of 1 app (by about 80 %), letting the second app peak from the highest or backside. If you must change, merely faucet the opposite app to start out utilizing it! Whereas it could not sound like an enormous 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 solution 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 through the Sensible Sidebar. AI Reply additionally gives well-written contextual replies, however just for choose apps.

Seeing how far OnePlus has gotten because the OnePlus 12 is fascinating. You additionally have to needless to say Google’s Gemini Stay and Assistant can be found on this telephone, which mainly fills the void left behind by the shortage of OnePlus’ personal devoted digital assistant. In lots of points, I believe it is a good initiative. Nonetheless, customers have to learn via the effective print and pay attention to the place their private knowledge 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 8 Elite, 4.32GHz, 3nm
• RAM – 12/16/24GB (LPDDR5X)
• Storage – 256/512/1TB (UFS 4.0)

The OnePlus 13 presents 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 working artificial benchmarks, the handset performs as anticipated, managing barely decrease scores than its rivals primarily due to its high-resolution QHD+ show, as might be seen from the desk beneath.

The gaming efficiency is spectacular. The telephone managed to stay to a stable 60 fps whereas taking part in Genshin Impression at its highest preset at 60 fps. Nonetheless, I used to be a bit shocked to see no MEMC or Adaptive Body Booster help for a similar title, because it was obtainable on the Oppo Discover X8 collection.

Oppo’s BeaconLink, a characteristic launched with the OnePlus Nord 4 and the Reno 12 Pro, can also be obtainable on the OnePlus 13. Nonetheless, I couldn’t check it out as I didn’t have a second appropriate gadget.

OnePlus 13 Cameras: New doesn’t imply higher

• Major 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 so much much less house in comparison with a daily 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 presents 3X optical zoom however in a lighter and extra compact bundle due to its triprism format. 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 main digital camera samples (faucet photos to broaden)

The first digital camera produces sharp pictures with good color copy. It manages to take care of a superb steadiness of distinction and delivers good dynamic vary in difficult capturing eventualities. Low-light capturing can also be dealt with effectively, offering ample dynamic vary and exhibiting good element in the dead of night and brilliant areas of a picture. The 2X zoom choice, a crop from the first digital camera, stays the identical as earlier than, with photos which have decrease high quality irrespective of the lighting situation.

The brand new trisprism digital camera performs effectively at 3X (high) and 6X (backside) magnification (faucet photos to broaden)

The 3X triprism telephoto digital camera is sort of the sharpshooter. In actual fact, even the lossless 6X magnification photos it produces are wonderful when it comes to element. Whereas its capabilities are commendable in low gentle, the pictures aren’t as sharp as these produced by the previous OnePlus 12’s 64-megapixel digital camera, as might be seen within the two samples beneath.

The 6x lossless telephoto picture captured by the OnePlus 12 (backside) seems so much sharper and detailed in comparison with the OnePlus 13’s picture (high) (faucet to broaden photos)

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 unbelievable near-focusing functionality (1 foot from the topic) of the older telephoto digital camera. The OnePlus 13’s digital camera system can also be very fast to change to a cropped view from the first digital camera (at 3X) everytime you get nearer than 3-4 toes 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 broaden)

The ultrawide digital camera is a pleasant improve to the earlier mannequin. It retains the barrel distortion below management whereas sustaining sufficient element. This additionally applies to low-light capturing, which produces clear photos with little noise.

When it comes to color processing, each digital camera appears to need to do its personal factor, as might be seen from the collage above. Nonetheless, shot-to-shot consistency when utilizing the identical digital camera is sweet and reliable. If you must get extra correct colors, it is best to change to OnePlus’ Grasp mode.

AI Zoom OFF (High), AI Zoom ON (backside) (faucet photos to broaden)

As for Zoom, similar 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 broaden)

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 comfortable.

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 continues to be commendable in comparison with different choices at this worth level. 4K 60 fps presents the highest quality potential with diminished noise, good stabilisation and a gentle framerate. On the identical 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 well one of many quickest wi-fi charging options obtainable in India. And is method quicker than the same old Qi or Qi 2 speeds obtainable for many Android smartphones. In actual fact, it may 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 quarter-hour. The wired SUPERVOOC 100W charger managed a 55% cost in quarter-hour and accomplished the charging course of (totally charged) in 41 minutes.

As for battery life, the OnePlus 13 lasted 26 hours and a pair of minutes in our video battery loop take a look at. Whereas utilization patterns fluctuate from individual to individual, the telephone simply lasted me a day and a half with informal use (calls, social media apps, e-mail and workplace apps) and somewhat over a day with heavy use (gaming and digital camera), which is fairly spectacular.

OnePlus 13 Verdict

OnePlus seems to be in search of a recent begin, and the OnePlus 13 represents a big development. It is acquired a ton of upgrades in each division, together with AI methods 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 section. It’s potential to search out many smartphones (just like the Realme GT 7 Pro and iQoo 13) that provide comparable efficiency at a lower cost, however none can match the digital camera prowess of the OnePlus 13 at this worth level.

These inquisitive about a smaller kind issue can provide the Oppo Find X8 a glance, because it, is full of enough firepower however falls quick 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 in search of a extra complete digital camera expertise. Add to this the brand new design choices, magnetic equipment, quick charging, massive battery upgrades and OnePlus’ prolonged guarantee program, and it is exhausting to look elsewhere.