This review article is from Tomson. Original article link:：Oneplus 13 review
With the latest generation, OnePlus delivers a deliberate and confident evolution of its flagship phone — one that’s been challenging the competition for years. It features one of the best displays on the market, the most powerful chipset available, a top-tier battery, and further refined cameras — all without a dramatic increase in price. This time around, OnePlus comes dangerously close to building the perfect smartphone.
Founded in 2013, OnePlus remains firmly rooted within the BBK Electronics family, alongside sibling brands like Oppo, Vivo, and Realme. While the company originally carved out its identity with enthusiast-grade phones offering top-tier performance at competitive prices, recent years have seen OnePlus step confidently into the premium segment. Still, its core philosophy — "Never Settle" — remains intact. It continues to pursue a balance between innovation, performance, user experience, and value. And with the OnePlus 13, that mission feels more fully realized than ever before.
* When ordering Onplus 13, Gshopper gifts a free original Oneplus 100W EU charger
What’s in the Box
This year again, OnePlus sticks to its signature minimalist packaging — a bold red box with the company logo and subtle black accents. Inside, you’ll find the phone itself, a 100W SUPERVOOC charger, a USB-C cable, and the standard SIM eject tool. In select regions like China and India, the box also includes a protective case, whereas markets like Europe are left without one.
While OnePlus is beginning to follow the broader industry trend of removing chargers from the box — a shift pioneered by larger manufacturers years ago — some retailers (like Gshopper) still bundle the original 100W charger and USB cable. It’s a welcome move many users continue to appreciate.
Specifications and Feautures
Display: 6.82” AMOLED LTPO 4.0, 1440x3168 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits peak brightness
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
Memory: 12/16/24 GB LPDDR5X RAM
Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB UFS 4.0
Cameras: Rear: 50 MP (f/1.6, 23mm wide), 50 MP (f/2.6, 73mm periscope telephoto), 50 MP (f/2.0, 15mm ultrawide, 120˚) Front: 32 MP
Battery: 5500 mAh, 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging
Operating System: Android 15 with OxygenOS 15
Dimensions: 162.9 × 76.5 × 8.5–8.9 mm
Weight: 212 g
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB 3.2
Water & Dust Resistance: IP68
Other: IR blaster, under-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the OnePlus 13 is strikingly attractive. With clean lines, a flat display, and a refined rear finish available in either matte glass or vegan leather (depending on the variant), the phone balances modern aesthetics with a premium feel. What’s even more impressive is that, despite the larger display and upgraded battery, the chassis remains slim and well-balanced. It feels solid yet comfortable in the hand — a rarity among large-format phones.
The circular camera module makes a return, this time more cohesively integrated into the back and framed with a metallic ring that adds a subtle touch of luxury. The device is available in three color options: black, pearl white, and sky blue. OnePlus has also kept the physical alert slider — a feature many brands have abandoned but longtime users still appreciate.
The entire body is IP68 certified, meaning it’s fully dustproof and can withstand submersion in water — a clear upgrade from last year’s IP65 rating.
Display
While AMOLED displays have become standard across modern smartphones, the OnePlus 13 offers one of the finest panels currently available. Its 6.82-inch LTPO display features a QHD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring exceptionally smooth performance across all use cases. Brightness levels are industry-leading — reaching up to 4500 nits in HDR content — which makes the screen easily readable even under direct sunlight.
OnePlus has further refined its color calibration algorithms, delivering more natural and accurate tones. The display supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and holds TÜV Rheinland certification for reduced blue light exposure. All the expected eye comfort features are present, including night mode, adaptive color temperature based on ambient light, and customizable color profiles.
The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering top-tier resistance against scratches and drops. With its flatter design — though still slightly curved along the edges — the OnePlus 13 significantly reduces accidental touches, addressing a common complaint from users of its predecessor.
Performance and everyday experience
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite” is an absolute powerhouse, handling everything from 4K video editing and high-end gaming to heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat. In benchmarks like AnTuTu, it surpasses 2 million points, placing it firmly among the top-performing mobile processors available today.
In day-to-day usage, the OnePlus 13 impresses with its responsiveness — thanks not only to the chip but also to the streamlined OxygenOS 15 and ultra-fast UFS 4.0 storage. The system feels snappy, transitions are smooth, and apps launch instantly without hesitation.
Thermal management has also been upgraded. The phone now runs cooler than its predecessor, thanks to a multi-layer cooling system that includes a vapor chamber. Even during extended gaming sessions, the temperature remains comfortable and the performance consistent.
Audio and Haptics Quality
The stereo speakers on the OnePlus 13 deliver spatial audio with Dolby Atmos support and impressive clarity across the frequency range. Volume is high without introducing distortion. The bass is noticeably deeper than last year’s model, mids are rich, and highs are restrained yet smooth. Overall, the audio performance is on par with the best phones on the market.
The haptic motor has also seen an upgrade—though it's worth emphasizing that even the previous generation featured one of the best vibration systems available. The new haptics offer more precise and tactile feedback that can be felt with every tap. Typing on the screen produces a subtle mechanical-like response, and in gaming, the vibrations complement the audio experience. It's one of those "hidden" details that significantly enhance the overall user experience, even if it often goes unmentioned.
Battery and Charging
The OnePlus 13 introduces a larger 6000 mAh battery, offering even greater endurance than its predecessor. Under typical use—moderate browsing, photography, social media, and occasional gaming—the phone easily lasts up to two days on a single charge. Even with heavy use, it comfortably powers through a full day without anxiety, something that’s increasingly rare.
Where the phone truly stands out is in its charging speed. Staying true to its roots, OnePlus includes 100 W wired charging, taking the battery from 0 to 100% in under 27 minutes. Wireless charging remains competitive as well, with support for 50 W speeds—placing the device among the fastest-charging phones currently available. Equally important is the improvement in thermal management during charging. The phone now stays comfortably cool, avoiding any noticeable heat buildup. This is a welcome upgrade in terms of both safety and day-to-day convenience.
Photography and Video
For the first time in the brand’s history, the OnePlus 13 features a triple camera setup where all three sensors are equally capable, when talking about 50 MP resolution. The main camera uses Sony’s premium LYT-808 sensor with a larger surface area and a bright f/1.6 aperture, enabling better light capture and significantly improved low-light performance. It’s complemented by a 120° ultra-wide camera and a dedicated periscope-style telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom without loss of quality. Together, they form a well-balanced and consistent camera system that places OnePlus among the most serious contenders in mobile photography.
A major highlight this year is the consistent quality across all three lenses — gone are the days of noticeable drops in resolution or image quality on the secondary sensors, a common criticism of previous models.
Alongside the hardware, OnePlus continues its collaboration with Hasselblad to refine image processing. This includes color calibration, simulation of classic Hasselblad portrait focal lengths (23 mm, 47 mm, and 70 mm), enhanced HDR algorithms, and AI-driven scene detection to optimize contrast, lighting, and white balance. These aren’t just marketing terms — in practice, the results are evident in more accurate skin tones, natural contrast, and better retention of detail in both highlights and shadows.
The OnePlus 13 also features advanced image stabilization through a combination of OIS and EIS and supports high-end video recording, up to 8K at 24 fps or 4K at up to 120 fps. Both the main and telephoto lenses also support Dolby Vision recording, allowing for a broader dynamic range and improved light handling in challenging environments.
All three rear cameras are capable of shooting 4K at 60 fps, a rare and welcome feature in this category. The 32 MP front-facing camera supports 4K at 30 fps, but it lacks autofocus — relying instead on a fixed-focus lens, which can be limiting for vlogging or video calls where the subject may move slightly out of the optimal focal plane.
From a user perspective, the camera system feels responsive and intelligent, with fast scene recognition and seamless switching between modes. Night mode is triggered automatically under low-light conditions, without delay or the need for manual activation. The algorithms manage to balance bright and dark areas of the frame while maintaining realistic contrast without overprocessing — avoiding the artificial look that plagues many competing devices.
Whether shooting landscapes, portraits, architecture, or nighttime city scenes, the OnePlus 13 delivers consistent, reliable performance, supported by strong technical foundations and refined software. It represents the brand’s most advanced step forward in mobile photography to date.
Daylight Photography
The main camera of the OnePlus 13, equipped with a 50 MP sensor, delivers photos rich in detail, with realistic color reproduction and an impressively wide dynamic range. Unlike some competitors that tend to oversaturate images, OnePlus maintains a balanced, natural look. The image processing algorithm accurately detects different types of scenes — from green landscapes to portraits and urban settings — and adjusts them without compromising the natural tone.
In good lighting, sharpness is excellent across the entire frame, with even the edges retaining clarity and minimal degradation. Autofocus is particularly praiseworthy — it locks onto subjects almost instantly, even when they’re in motion.
Under artificial lighting, images may occasionally take on a warmer, yellowish tone — something that top-tier competitors handle with slightly more neutral balance. However, in daylight conditions, the OnePlus 13 performs on par with the best in class. Image processing is, of course, subjective to personal taste, but the results here will satisfy both enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Low-Light and Night Photography
In low-light or nighttime scenarios, the OnePlus 13 continues the brand’s steady improvement in image quality. The night mode activates automatically and applies multi-layered image processing. In real-world use, this means photos retain a significant amount of detail, even in dark shadow areas, while highlights remain well-controlled and not overexposed.
The f/1.6 aperture contributes to improved light sensitivity, while AI effectively detects light sources to prevent glare or blown-out highlights. The sensor itself performs well in dim environments, enabling the camera to capture bright, sharp images even without long exposure times.
Zoom Quality
The periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom builds on the strengths of its predecessor. The OnePlus 12 already delivered outstanding results at 3x, and this year’s model continues the trend. Image quality at 3x zoom remains excellent — sharpness is high, and color consistency with the main sensor is well maintained. Up to 10x zoom, photos are still quite usable, though details naturally begin to soften beyond that point.
Electronic image stabilization does a commendable job in keeping shots sharp, even when shooting handheld. OnePlus 13 also offers 30x and even 120x digital zoom — though the latter is more of a novelty than a practical tool. While objects at 120x may still be distinguishable, facial features and finer details are lost, which — in some cases — might actually be a privacy advantage.
Macro photography, meanwhile, is a bit less impressive, with reduced sharpness and color fidelity compared to the main camera.
There are also occasional issues with autofocus when using the telephoto lens on fast-moving subjects.
Portrait Mode
Portrait mode is one of the most refined aspects of the entire camera system. Thanks to OnePlus’ collaboration with Hasselblad, the OnePlus 13 offers three simulated focal lengths: 23mm, 47mm, and 70mm. Portraits shot at 70mm provide a pleasingly compressed perspective and a more natural separation between subject and background.
The background blur (bokeh) is smooth and soft, while subject edges remain well-defined — even finer details like hair or facial contours are preserved without looking artificially softened. The mode performs reliably both during the day and at night, and handles more complex lighting conditions with ease.
Ultra-Wide Photography
The 48 MP ultra-wide camera delivers strong results, especially in good lighting conditions. With a 114-degree field of view, it captures expansive scenes without introducing noticeable edge distortion—OnePlus seems to have implemented effective correction algorithms here.
Captured images show solid contrast, realistic color reproduction, and consistent sharpness across the frame. The inclusion of autofocus allows for macro photography from as close as 3 cm, which is a great bonus for shooting objects, food, or fine details up close.
However, ultra-wide shots can occasionally feel a bit over-processed, which slightly detracts from their natural appearance.
Selfies
The front-facing 32 MP camera performs reliably in nearly all conditions. The HDR algorithm does a good job of balancing facial lighting and background exposure, even when the primary light source is behind the user. There's also a digital retouching feature that allows users to adjust skin smoothness, brightness, face shape, and more. The color temperature tends to lean slightly cooler, giving selfies a more "professional" aesthetic.
Portrait mode on the front camera uses depth-sensing algorithms to cleanly separate the subject from the background. Edge detection around elements like hair and beards can occasionally be a bit harsh or imprecise. AI processing, especially in zoomed portrait selfies, lacks consistency. Overall, it's evident—both in resolution and fine detail—that the front camera doesn't match the quality of the rear sensors.
Video
The OnePlus 13 continues its strong performance in video capture, though it doesn’t quite set a new benchmark in this category. The main camera supports 4K recording at 60 frames per second—standard in this segment—and also offers Dolby Vision and HDR support. All three rear cameras are capable of shooting in 4K60, which is a welcome addition, as it removes the need to switch lenses when maintaining high resolution.
Stabilization is excellent, combining both optical and electronic methods to keep footage steady, even while moving. Color reproduction remains consistent, and sharpness holds up well, even in lower light conditions. Audio capture is clear and spacious enough for everyday recording needs.
That said, the OnePlus 13 does miss out on a few features offered by its rivals. There’s no 4K recording at 120 fps, which limits flexibility for professionals or those working with slow-motion content. Focus inconsistencies are occasionally noticeable when using the telephoto lens, especially with distant moving subjects. While the camera app provides a solid video mode with useful options, advanced users might miss manual controls over parameters like ISO, shutter speed, and color profiles.
The 32 MP front-facing camera can record in 4K at 30 fps, but it lacks autofocus. This means maintaining the correct distance from the lens is more important, and minor shifts can affect sharpness. Despite its high resolution and decent dynamic range, selfie videos don’t quite match the output of competitors that offer more advanced image processing and front camera features.
Overall, the OnePlus 13 delivers very good video performance that will satisfy most users who want high-quality footage without needing to tweak settings. Still, it falls just short of the top-tier competition—like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max—when it comes to professional-grade tools and reliable performance in demanding scenarios.
Camera Interface
The camera interface on the OnePlus 13 remains intuitive, straightforward, and quick to navigate. It presents a clean layout where essential options are always within reach—0.6x, 1x, 3x, 6x, and up to 120x digital zoom. Shooting modes are separated into Photo, Portrait, Video, and Pro, while additional modes like Panorama, Night, Slow Motion, Long Exposure, and Time-Lapse are tucked under the “More” section.
What stands out is the ease of customization within each mode. In Pro mode, advanced users can manually adjust ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus—providing precise control over the image. Meanwhile, casual users benefit from quick-access features like retouching, filters, and HDR, all accessible with a simple swipe.
At the top of the screen, shortcuts allow for quick toggling of Flash, Exposure Settings, Action Mode, and Google Lens. Tapping the three-bar menu opens further customization options, including photo aspect ratios (1:1 / 4:3 / 16:9 / Full), timer settings, HDR mode, and interval shooting. The full Settings menu reveals an extensive range of controls for even deeper personalization.
Overall, the interface strikes a commendable balance—simple enough for beginners, but rich in options for photography enthusiasts.
Android and OxygenOS Interface
The OnePlus 13 runs the latest Android 15 paired with OxygenOS 15, one of the cleanest and fastest Android skins currently available. Unlike some competing interfaces that lean heavily on elaborate animations and pre-installed bloatware, OxygenOS maintains its commitment to speed, responsiveness, and clarity.
A key highlight of this year's version is the improved parallel processing system, which enables quicker app loading and seamless multitasking. Animations are remarkably smooth, and opening settings or launching larger applications is noticeably faster than on most competitors. The system itself takes up about 20% less storage than the previous version, freeing up roughly 5 GB for user data and apps.
Multitasking also sees a welcome upgrade with features like Open Canvas, which allows two apps to be used side by side more intuitively—especially helpful for productivity tasks and copy-pasting between windows. The UI design remains minimal and refined, with subtle animations and a clean layout for notifications and quick settings.
Usability enhancements like Glove Mode improve touchscreen responsiveness in cold weather, while Aqua Touch 2.0 ensures reliable input even on a wet screen. An integrated IR blaster turns the phone into a universal remote—handy for controlling home appliances.
On the AI front, OnePlus introduces tools like AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Eraser, and AI Notes, which can summarize and translate notes automatically. Google Gemini and Circle-to-Search are also supported, along with wireless file sharing between Android and iOS devices. Haptic feedback remains best-in-class, with precise and satisfyingly strong vibrations.
OxygenOS 15 delivers not only a fluid user experience but also solid long-term support: OnePlus promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches. This is a system built for speed, simplicity, and longevity—offering one of the most polished and efficient Android experiences on the market.
What We Liked
With the OnePlus 13, the company has managed to cut down on compromises without inflating the price tag. In nearly every aspect, this is a true flagship device. The display ranks among the best available, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite Edition) is currently the most powerful chip on the market, and the battery life surpasses almost all competitors. On top of that, it supports both fast wired (100W) and wireless (50W) charging.
- Outstanding display
- The most powerful chipset currently available
- Fast 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Excellent all-around camera performance
- Impressive 3x zoom capabilities
- Improved haptics and sound quality
- Clean, minimal, and responsive user interface
- IP68-rated water and dust resistance
The camera performance is strong—very strong, though not quite best-in-class—and OnePlus continues to lead in haptics, with a tactile experience that most rivals can’t match. The audio output is excellent, and the phone is rounded out by Android 15 and the OxygenOS 15 interface, which remains one of the cleanest and most responsive takes on Android available.
What Could Be Better
No phone is flawless, but the OnePlus 13 gets remarkably close. The minor issues we noted are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most users. While its camera system is very capable, it still doesn’t quite surpass the very best from Huawei, Honor, Samsung, Xiaomi, or Apple. That said, the OnePlus 13 is closer to those flagships than ever before—and in many ways, on par depending on personal preferences.
- Gradual price increases (though still very competitive
- Less focus on AI-driven features compared to Samsung and Google
- Camera performance falls just short of the top tier
OnePlus also remains relatively conservative with AI integration. While Samsung and Google lead in this area, that could be a drawback—or a positive—depending on your view. Price-wise, OnePlus still undercuts its direct competitors by several hundred euros, but it too is slowly moving upward. Fortunately, the price increases remain far more moderate than those of the competition.
The Best “Flagship” at a Reasonable Price
The OnePlus 13 is not just a successor to the successful OnePlus 12—it’s a mature, refined device that confirms the brand’s evolution in every key area.
This new model retains everything users praised in its predecessor while addressing most of its shortcomings. The result is a smartphone that can confidently stand alongside the very best in the market—yet comes at a noticeably lower price. You’re getting premium build quality, an elegant design, one of the best displays available, top-tier battery life, blazing-fast charging, and flagship-level performance. OnePlus has also made major strides in photography in recent years, and the OnePlus 13 now ranks among the top-tier camera phones. It’s not quite at the very top—but it’s closer than ever.
For those looking for a balanced flagship phone that excels in nearly every area—with only a slight gap behind the absolute leaders in mobile photography—the OnePlus 13 is easily one of the most compelling purchases of 2025. It’s also the daily driver of choice here, and for good reason.
