The number 13 carries a certain stigma. From skyscrapers skipping the 13th floor to the London Eye replacing its 13th pod, this number has been deemed unlucky for centuries. Yet, OnePlus has boldly embraced the number with its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13. Does this signify a misguided tempting of fate, or has OnePlus crafted a device that will finally redeem the number 13?
A person holding the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.9mm (Midnight Ocean) 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.5mm (Arctic Dawn/Black Eclipse) |
| Weight | 210g (Midnight Ocean), 213g (Arctic Dawn/Black Eclipse) |
| Display | 6.82-inch, 1440 x 3168, 1-120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits (typ)/4500 nits (peak) |
| Durability | IP68, IP69 |
| Colors | Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse, Midnight Ocean |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB |
| Software | Android 15, OxygenOS 15 |
| Updates | 4 years OS updates, 6 years security updates |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main (f/1.6, 23mm, OIS+EIS) 50MP wide-angle (f/2.05, 15mm, EIS) 50MP telephoto (f/2.65, 73mm, OIS+EIS, 3x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.45) |
| Battery | 6000mAh |
| Charging | 80W SuperVOOC wired, 50W AirVOOC wireless |
| Price | $900 (12GB/256GB), $1000 (16GB/512GB) |
OnePlus 13: Design and Build
The Midnight Ocean variant of the OnePlus 13, featured in this review, is simply stunning. The vegan microfiber back feels softer than vegan leather, with a subtle leather-like pattern adding a touch of character. It’s warm, grippy, and comfortable against the skin. Alternative color options, Arctic Dawn and Black Eclipse, feature different back materials.
Three OnePlus 13 smartphones next to each other, showing all three colors.
OnePlus has opted for Crystal Shield Ultra Ceramic Glass instead of Corning’s Gorilla Glass for screen protection. While my review unit’s screen protector suffered a minor tear after an accidental drop, the display itself remained unscathed, demonstrating impressive durability. The phone boasts IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, ensuring protection even against high-pressure water jets.
Internally, OnePlus has implemented 13 antennas for enhanced connectivity and a new cooling system with two layers of graphite and 14 temperature sensors to manage the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s thermal performance.
The OnePlus 13
The quad-curve glass and polished metal chassis create a nearly bezel-less display, giving the OnePlus 13 a premium, modern aesthetic. The phone’s 210g weight is well-distributed, and its 8.9mm thickness (8.5mm for other colors) strikes a perfect balance between comfort and portability. The new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, positioned high on the screen, is incredibly responsive and reliable.
The convenient Alert Slider, though no longer unique to OnePlus, remains a welcome addition. The haptic feedback throughout the system is also noteworthy.
The side of the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13: Display Deep Dive
The OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch display boasts impressive specifications, earning it an A++ rating from DisplayMate. With a 510ppi density, 2160Hz PWM dimming, 4500 nit peak brightness, and a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the screen delivers vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. It also features a glove mode and the latest Aqua Touch technology for wet finger usage.
A person holding the OnePlus 13 showing the screen.
A unique feature allows the screen to run two refresh rates simultaneously, potentially optimizing battery life. However, its practical usefulness remains questionable. While generally stunning, the screen’s sensitivity can be an issue, occasionally misinterpreting accidental touches as intentional inputs. Upward swipes can also be unpredictable, sometimes minimizing apps into floating windows instead of opening the app overview.
A video playing on the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13: Software and AI Capabilities
The OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, with a promise of four years of OS updates and six years of security updates. OxygenOS 15 boasts smooth animations and transitions, though the difference compared to other flagship software experiences may be subtle.
A person using the Chrome browser on the OnePlus 13.
One notable issue is inconsistent notification delivery. Delayed notifications from apps like Threads and WhatsApp occurred during my testing. OxygenOS 15’s Dynamic Cloud, similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, provides non-intrusive live information like music playback and AI activity.
The Dynamic Cloud feature in OxygenOS 15 on the OnePlus 13.
The AI features, including contextual search, AI replies, summaries, and AI Notes, offer familiar functionality. While the Recorder app’s AI-generated summaries and transcripts are functional, they weren’t particularly helpful during my testing. OxygenOS 15 also offers various useful non-AI features, such as three-finger split-screen gestures, floating windows, a kids mode, Quick Launch, and Zen Mode.
OnePlus 13: Camera Performance
The OnePlus 13’s triple 50MP rear camera system consists of a Sony LYT808 primary sensor, a wide-angle lens, and a Sony LYT600 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom using a compact “triple prism” design. The camera module sits almost flush with the rear panel, contributing to the phone’s sleek profile. The camera app promotes a 6x hybrid zoom, combining optical and digital zoom capabilities.
The OnePlus 13
A photo taken with the OnePlus 13
The camera consistently produces punchy, detailed, and visually appealing photos in various lighting conditions, particularly impressing in low-light scenarios. The 6x hybrid zoom performs admirably, with minimal digital artifacts noticeable only upon close inspection. Consistency between the primary and wide-angle cameras is also commendable. However, zoom performance in low light can be inconsistent, with software processing sometimes resulting in unnatural-looking images.
A photo taken with the OnePlus 13.
A photo taken with the OnePlus 13.
While Hasselblad’s involvement is limited to branding, XPan mode, and a few filters, the core camera experience is excellent, delivering fantastic results with minimal effort. Additional modes like burst mode, action mode for video, and Smart Scene modes offer specialized functionality for specific scenarios.
OnePlus 13: Performance and Benchmarks
The OnePlus 13 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, coupled with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite has raised concerns regarding heat generation, the OnePlus 13 manages thermals effectively during general use and light gaming.
A person playing a game on the OnePlus 13.
| Smartphone | Geekbench 6 CPU Single | Geekbench 6 CPU Multi | Geekbench 6 GPU |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 13 | 3016 | 9218 | 17607 |
| Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro | 3073 | 9855 | 19403 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | 2333 | 7129 | 15903 |
Even under stress testing, the OnePlus 13 performs admirably, with the metal frame getting warm but the back remaining relatively cool. While benchmarks suggest the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro might be slightly better optimized for intense gaming, the OnePlus 13 delivers a smooth and lag-free experience in everyday use.
| Smartphone | 3DMark Solar Bay | 3DMark Solar Bay Stress Test (best) | Battery drain during stress test |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 13 | 11714 | 11774 | 17% |
| Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro | 9406 | 10009 | 13% |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 8674 | 8308 | 9% |
Call quality is excellent, and both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity have been flawless throughout the review period.
OnePlus 13: Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 13’s 6000mAh dual-cell battery provides exceptional longevity. Video playback and gaming sessions consume minimal power, and with light usage, the phone can easily last two or even three days on a single charge. Even with heavier use, the battery consistently provided ample screen-on time.
The OnePlus 13 on charge.
Disappointingly, OnePlus does not include a SuperVOOC charger in the box. While third-party chargers can be used, the proprietary 100W SuperVOOC charger is required for the advertised ultrafast charging speeds (0-100% in 36 minutes). The 50W AirVOOC wireless charger offers a convenient alternative, taking around 50 minutes for a full charge.
The AirVOOC wireless charger attached to the OnePlus 13.
The new compact AirVOOC wireless charger has a peculiar design. The elevated fan in the center causes the phone to wobble during charging, making it difficult to use the screen comfortably.
OnePlus 13: Case and Wireless Charging Quirk
Owners of the Arctic Dawn variant with official Sandstone, Aramid Fiber, or Wood Grain cases will find a plastic insert included. This insert is designed to be placed between the case and the phone’s back panel to improve wireless charging performance. This solution is somewhat cumbersome and raises questions about the case design.
The OnePlus 13 with its Sandstone case.
OnePlus 13: Price, Availability, and Competition
The OnePlus 13 is available from January 7, priced at $900 for the 12GB/256GB model and $1,000 for the 16GB/512GB variant. The absence of a 1TB storage option is a minor drawback, especially considering competitors like Google, Samsung, and Apple offer this configuration.
The OnePlus 13
While the OnePlus 13 competes directly with other premium smartphones in its price range, the OnePlus 13R offers a more affordable alternative with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The Google Pixel 9 also presents a compelling option in a similar price bracket.
OnePlus 13: Final Verdict
The OnePlus 13 is a truly exceptional smartphone. Its impressive camera, smooth performance, striking design, comfortable build, and long battery life make it a joy to use. Features like the improved fingerprint sensor, tactile haptics, and the Alert Slider further enhance the overall experience.
The back of the OnePlus 13.
While the overly sensitive screen and occasional notification inconsistencies are minor shortcomings, they don’t significantly detract from the phone’s overall excellence. The OnePlus 13 stands alongside the Google Pixel 9 Pro as a highly recommended flagship smartphone, setting a high bar for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25.
OnePlus has defied superstition with the number 13, crafting a device that embodies flagship excellence. It’s a phone that will undoubtedly make its owners feel very lucky indeed.
