Are you searching for a powerful smartphone without the hefty price tag? The newly released OnePlus 13R and the 2023 iPhone 15 offer compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. While comparing a flagship-level mid-ranger like the OnePlus 13R to a $699 iPhone 15 might seem unusual, the 13R punches well above its weight class. This in-depth comparison will analyze each phone’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is the right fit.
OnePlus 13R vs. iPhone 15: Specs Compared
| Feature | OnePlus 13R | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.36 x 2.98 x 0.32 inches | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 7.27 ounces | 6.02 ounces |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2780 x 1264 pixels, 1-120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 x 1179 pixels, 60Hz Refresh Rate |
| OS | Android 15, OxygenOS 15 | iOS 18 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 12GB, 16GB | 6GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (wide), 8MP (ultrawide), 50MP (telephoto) | 48MP (primary), 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Water Resistance | IP65 | IP68 |
| Battery | 6,000mAh, up to 80W fast charging | 3,349mAh, up to 20W fast charging |
| Video Playback | Up to 24 hours | 16 to 20 hours |
| Charging Time (50%) | Up to 20 minutes | Up to 30 minutes |
| Colors | Black Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn | Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Black |
| Price (Starting) | $599.99 | $699 |
Design and Display: Modern Curves vs. Classic Elegance
The OnePlus 13R standing upright, showing the back of the phone.
The OnePlus 13R and iPhone 15 embody distinct design philosophies. The 13R boasts a sleek, curved glass back, providing a premium feel and enhanced grip. Its circular camera module adds a touch of modern flair. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate delivers incredibly smooth scrolling and responsive gaming.
Green iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 retains Apple’s signature minimalist design with flat edges and premium materials. Its smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display offers higher pixel density for sharper visuals. While vibrant and bright, the iPhone 15’s 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to the 13R’s fluidity. The Dynamic Island, replacing the traditional notch, offers interactive notifications and adds a unique touch. Ultimately, the best design depends on individual preferences for size and aesthetics.
Performance: Snapdragon Power vs. A16 Bionic
Close-up of the rear camera on the OnePlus 13R.
Both phones utilize slightly older chipsets. The OnePlus 13R packs a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and handling demanding games with ease. The iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip delivers excellent performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks and augmented reality applications. Benchmarks show the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 edging out the A16 in CPU and gaming, while the A16 boasts better battery efficiency. This category is a tie, with each phone excelling in different areas.
Camera Comparison: Triple Lens vs. Enhanced Dual Lens
Someone holding the OnePlus 13R with its screen turned on.
The OnePlus 13R features a triple rear camera setup: a 50MP primary lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The iPhone 15 sports a 48MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Its larger sensor enables impressive 2x optical zoom without a dedicated telephoto lens. Both phones deliver satisfactory image quality, but other smartphones in their respective lineups offer more advanced camera systems.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Champion vs. Quick Top-Up
Green iPhone 15 showing home screen.
The OnePlus 13R’s massive 6,000mAh battery significantly outlasts the iPhone 15’s 3,349mAh battery. Expect up to two days of use on a single charge with the 13R. While its 80W fast charging is impressive, it’s a step down from its predecessor. The iPhone 15 offers decent battery life, lasting a full day with typical usage. Its 20W fast charging is considerably slower than the 13R’s.
Software and Support: Android Flexibility vs. iOS Simplicity
Someone holding the OnePlus 13R, showing the back of the phone.
The OnePlus 13R runs on OxygenOS, based on Android 15, offering extensive customization options. The iPhone 15 runs on iOS 18, prioritizing user-friendliness and privacy. OnePlus promises four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, while Apple typically supports iPhones for around five years. Both offer comparable long-term software support. The choice depends on whether you prefer Android’s flexibility or iOS’s streamlined experience.
Price and Availability: Value Champion vs. Premium Price
The OnePlus 13R starts at $599.99 for the 256GB model, making it an exceptional value proposition. The iPhone 15 starts at $699 for the 128GB model, potentially feeling restrictive for storage-heavy users. The OnePlus 13R clearly wins on price.
The Verdict: Which Phone Should You Choose?
While the OnePlus 13R offers impressive specs and value, the iPhone 15’s integration with the Apple ecosystem remains a compelling draw for existing Apple users. The OnePlus 13R represents a better value given its superior display, performance, battery life, and lower price. However, the iPhone 15 might be preferable for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
