OnePlus has unveiled its latest flagship, the OnePlus 13, in China, ahead of a global launch. This new device boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a massive battery, enhanced screen protection, increased RAM, and an impressive camera system. While pricing for the global market is yet to be announced, OnePlus’s history suggests it will likely undercut Samsung’s flagship offerings. But can the OnePlus 13 truly compete with the industry heavyweight, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? Let’s compare these two titans to see how they stack up.
Official OnePlus 13 product render in blue.
OnePlus 13 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Specifications
| Feature | OnePlus 13 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm | 162.6 × 79.0 × 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 210 grams | 233 grams |
| Display | 6.8-inch 1440p OLED, 1-120Hz, Crystal Shield Super-Ceramic Glass | 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Corning Gorilla Armor |
| OS | OxygenOS (based on Android) | OneUI (based on Android) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB, 24GB | 12GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 2x zoom | 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP 5x periscope telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 12MP |
| Water Resistance | IP68, IP69 | IP68 |
| Battery | 6,000mAh, 100W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless charging | 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Colors | White Dawn, Blue Moments, Obsidian Black | Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, Titanium Blue, Titanium Green, Titanium Orange |
| Price | TBA | From $1,300 |
Design and Display
The OnePlus 13 is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Building on the OnePlus 12’s comfortable in-hand feel, the 13 is expected to be even more ergonomic. The OnePlus 13 boasts both IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering superior water and dust resistance compared to the S24 Ultra’s IP68 rating.
Both phones offer unique design elements. The OnePlus 13 features the signature alert slider, while the S24 Ultra includes the integrated S Pen. Both features enhance usability in different ways.
Galaxy S24 Ultra display.
Both devices sport a 6.8-inch display. The OnePlus 13 utilizes Crystal Shield Super-Ceramic Glass for enhanced protection, while the S24 Ultra features Corning Gorilla Armor. The S24 Ultra’s display is praised for its low reflectivity, which improves outdoor visibility. Both phones offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. The OnePlus 13 also includes Rain Touch 2.0, improving touchscreen responsiveness in wet conditions.
Winner: Tie
Performance
The OnePlus 13 is powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising significant performance gains in CPU, GPU, and AI processing. It comes with up to a staggering 24GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Early benchmarks suggest impressive performance improvements over the previous generation.
Side by side comparison of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offers smooth and reliable performance in everyday use. It comes with 12GB of RAM and the same storage options as the OnePlus 13. However, the OnePlus 13’s superior processor and higher RAM configuration give it a likely edge in performance.
Winner: OnePlus 13
Battery and Charging
The OnePlus 13 is the clear winner in this category. Its massive 6,000mAh battery, combined with 100W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging, sets a high bar.
The blue OnePlus 13 in a pool of water.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the S24 Ultra offers all-day battery life, the OnePlus 13 is expected to provide even longer endurance.
Winner: OnePlus 13
Cameras
The OnePlus 13 boasts a triple 50MP camera system, including a primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a 3x telephoto lens. Continuing its partnership with Hasselblad, the OnePlus 13 benefits from Hasselblad color tuning for improved image quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a more versatile quad-camera setup with a 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. While the primary and periscope cameras on the S24 Ultra excel, the other lenses have room for improvement.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Software and Updates
The OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, providing the latest Android features and security updates. The Galaxy S24 Ultra currently runs OneUI 6.1 based on Android 14, with the Android 15 update expected in the future.
Wallpaper on OxygenOS 15.
However, Samsung offers significantly longer software support, promising seven years of OS and security updates compared to OnePlus’s four major Android updates and five years of security updates.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Price and Availability
The OnePlus 13 launches first in China, with a global release anticipated in early 2025. Pricing is yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be more affordable than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The OnePlus 13 is available in White Dawn, Blue Moments, and Obsidian Black.
Official OnePlus 13 product renders showing rear panel colors.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at $1,300 but can now be found at discounted prices.
Which One to Buy?
The OnePlus 13 and the Galaxy S24 Ultra cater to different needs and budgets. The OnePlus 13 offers impressive specifications and features at a presumably lower price point. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, while more expensive, provides a premium experience, longer software support, and a versatile camera system. The ultimate choice depends on individual priorities and budget. Real-world performance and the final pricing of the OnePlus 13 will play a crucial role in the final decision.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
