It has been a while since I’ve been genuinely excited about a phone. Among all the usual contenders—Samsung, Google, Apple—the OnePlus 13 has completely surprised me. In fact, after using it daily since November last year, I can confidently say it’s currently better than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Keeping it under wraps during this time hasn’t been easy. If you’ve been paying attention to my videos, you might have spotted it sneaking into the background or blurred out in my gym selfies. But now, the wait is over, and I can finally share my thoughts on a phone that has seriously impressed me.
The OnePlus 13 isn’t perfect—no phone is—but it’s easily one of the best devices I’ve used in a long time. Let’s dive in.
Specifications: Packed With Power
The OnePlus 13 boasts some impressive specs:
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (45% improvements in speed and efficiency, plus enhanced AI capabilities).
- Storage & RAM: Options for 256GB/12GB or 512GB/16GB.
- Camera System: 5th Generation Hasselblad setup with triple 50MP rear cameras.
- Battery: 6000mAh Next-gen battery with ultra-fast charging.
- Display: 6.8” Quad HD 120Hz LTPO 4.1 screen, offering 510 PPI and a peak brightness of 4500 nits.
- Build: IP68 & IP69 protection, available in Midnight Ocean (vegan leather), Arctic Dawn (glass finish), and Black Eclipse (rosewood grain).
- Software: OxygenOS 15 with OnePlus AI, offering 4 years of software updates and 6 years of security updates.
This phone ticks nearly every box—powerful hardware, stunning display, fantastic cameras, and reliable software support.
Design: Sleek, Lightweight, and Comfortable
The first thing I noticed about the OnePlus 13 was how sleek and lightweight it felt. At just 8.5mm thin and weighing 210g, it’s incredibly comfortable to hold—even with a case. Unlike many bulky flagship models, it doesn’t feel cumbersome in your hand.
The rounded edges add to the comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods without the sharp edges digging into your palm. Even after a few accidental drops, the phone held up remarkably well. Its lightweight build means less impact when it hits the ground—a reassuring feature.
The Quad HD 120Hz ProXDR display is another standout feature. With 4500 nits peak brightness, the screen remains crystal clear even under direct sunlight. Whether I was snapping photos in Dubai or doom-scrolling in a hot tub, the display performed flawlessly.
The IP69 protection is a first for smartphones, offering resistance against high-pressure, high-temperature liquid for up to 30 seconds. While it’s not recommended for extreme conditions like swimming pools or hot tubs, the added protection is a welcome bonus.
Performance: Blazing Fast with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the OnePlus 13 is exceptionally fast and efficient. With 45% improved performance and efficiency, it handles everything with ease, from app launches to multitasking.
For those who love a snappier experience, enabling developer options to reduce animation speeds to 0.5x makes this phone feel even faster.
OnePlus’s software optimisation ensures the phone remains responsive, even during demanding tasks. Although I don’t typically rely on benchmark tests, my real-world experience confirms the OnePlus 13’s flawless performance.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Fast-Charging
The OnePlus 13’s 6000mAh battery is a game-changer. With its new Silicon NanoStack technology, it offers higher energy density in a smaller size.
In daily use, the battery easily lasted over six hours of screen-on time, leaving plenty of capacity at the end of the day. Standby time is equally impressive—you can go days without charging if you’re a light user.
When you do need to recharge, 100W wired fast charging takes the battery from 0 to 100% in just 36 minutes. There’s also 50W wireless charging with the OnePlus AirVOOC charger. While wired charging remains the fastest option, wireless charging is still a convenient alternative.
For those concerned about battery longevity, OnePlus includes features like Smart Charging to optimise charging cycles and reduce wear over time.
Cameras: Hasselblad Excellence
The triple 50MP camera system delivers incredible photo and video quality. The main, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto lenses work together seamlessly, offering excellent results in various conditions.
During my trip to Dubai, I captured stunning sunset shots and low-light photos of an owl, with the camera nailing the focus on the owl’s eye. The UltraSteady mode also impressed me, stabilising video footage in bumpy situations.
However, the system isn’t without flaws. I noticed some colour consistency issues when switching between lenses during video recording, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While it’s a minor issue, it’s something OnePlus had specifically highlighted as improved in their briefings.
Software: OxygenOS 15
OxygenOS 15 delivers a polished experience, blending productivity and convenience. Features like global search, three-finger swipe screenshots, and intuitive gestures make navigation a breeze.
That said, there are a few quirks. For example, tapping on app icons during a search sometimes opens a menu instead of the app itself—an annoyance for users like me who prefer searching over having icons cluttering the home screen.
Other Features: Innovation at its Core
The OnePlus 13 also includes several standout features:
- MagSafe Compatibility: Official cases support MagSafe accessories like chargers and wallets.
- BeaconLink: A Bluetooth-based walkie-talkie mode for off-grid communication.
- IP69 Protection: Unmatched durability for high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Final Thoughts: A Refreshing Flagship
The OnePlus 13 has been a joy to use. Its combination of sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features makes it a standout in a market that often feels stagnant.
With competition heating up from brands like Oppo, Honor, and Vivo, Samsung and Apple need to innovate to keep up. If the OnePlus 13 is a sign of things to come, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for smartphones.
For now, I’m holding onto the OnePlus 13—it’s simply that good. Stay tuned for more updates as new flagships roll out, and as always, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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