The OnePlus 13 is a captivating smartphone, attracting attention not just from OnePlus enthusiasts, but also users of other Android devices and even iPhones. With its refined design, unique Midnight Ocean blue color, vegan leather finish, impressive camera system, and outstanding battery life, the OnePlus 13 appears to tick all the right boxes. But is it a significant enough leap forward for OnePlus 11 owners to justify an upgrade? Let’s compare the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 11 to see if it’s time to make the switch.
OnePlus 13 vs. OnePlus 11: Specifications Compared
| Feature | OnePlus 13 | OnePlus 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.53 mm |
| Weight | 210g | 205g |
| Display | 6.8-inch 1440p OLED, 1-120Hz | 6.7-inch 1440p OLED, 1-120Hz |
| Resolution | 3168 x 1440 | 3216 x 1440 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (China only) | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (China only) |
| MicroSD Slot | No | No |
| Tap-to-Pay | Google Wallet | Google Wallet |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB, 24GB (China only) | 8GB, 12GB, 16GB |
| Software | Android 15, OxygenOS 15 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13 (upgradeable) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto | 50MP, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 16MP |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint | In-display fingerprint |
| Water Resistance | IP69/IP68 | IP64 |
| Battery | 6,000mAh, 100W wired (80W US), 50W wireless | 5,000mAh, 100W wired (80W US) |
| Network | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 | 5G, Wi-Fi 7 |
| Colors | Midnight Ocean, Black Eclipse, Arctic Dawn | Titan Black, Eternal Green |
Design and Durability: A Refined Aesthetic
A person holding the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus has always been known for its distinctive designs. The OnePlus 13 refines the circular camera array, embracing a flatter aesthetic with subtle curves at the screen edges. The new Midnight Ocean color with a vegan leather finish adds a touch of luxury.
The OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 boasts IP69/IP68 water and dust resistance, a substantial upgrade from the IP64 rating of the OnePlus 11. This enhanced durability is a welcome addition.
The OnePlus 11 on a log, showing the rear panel.
The button placement has also been revised, moving the volume rocker to the right side below the power button, while the alert slider now resides alone on the left.
The blue OnePlus 13 in a pool of water.
Display: Brighter and More Responsive
The OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 offers a slightly larger 6.8-inch display with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, significantly brighter than the OnePlus 11’s 1,300 nits. It also features 2,160Hz PWM dimming for reduced eye strain and improved Aqua Touch technology for better responsiveness in wet conditions.
Playing Asphalt 9: Legends on the OnePlus 11.
Performance and AI: Powering the Future
A person holding the OnePlus 13 showing the screen.
The OnePlus 13’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip provides a performance boost, particularly for gaming and AI tasks. While the OnePlus 11’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still capable, the 8 Elite offers enhancements for demanding games and AI-powered features like improved computational photography.
The OnePlus 11
Battery and Charging: Extended Power and Fast Refueling
The OnePlus 13 on charge.
The OnePlus 13’s 6,000mAh battery and power-efficient processor deliver impressive battery life, potentially lasting up to two days on a single charge. It also supports 80W wired charging (100W internationally) and up to 50W wireless charging with an AirVOOC charger, a feature missing from the OnePlus 11.
The AirVOOC wireless charger attached to the OnePlus 13.
Camera: A Photographic Powerhouse
A person holding the OnePlus 13.
The OnePlus 13’s triple 50MP camera system, including a 3x optical zoom telephoto lens and a 120-degree ultrawide lens, delivers exceptional image quality. While the OnePlus 11’s camera is still decent, the OnePlus 13 offers a significant upgrade.
The OnePlus 11 on some leaves, showing the camera.
Software and Updates: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The OxygenOS 15 screen on the OnePlus 12.
Both phones run OxygenOS 15 with Android 15, giving them access to similar AI features. However, the OnePlus 13 has a longer software update lifecycle, ensuring it stays up-to-date for longer.
A person using the Chrome browser on the OnePlus 13.
Should You Upgrade?
A person taking the OnePlus 13 out of a pocket.
The OnePlus 13 offers compelling upgrades over the OnePlus 11, especially in the camera, performance, battery life, and software support departments. If you value these improvements, the OnePlus 13 is a worthy upgrade. However, if your OnePlus 11 is still meeting your needs, you might consider waiting for the next generation.
