The OnePlus R series has always been about delivering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price. Last year’s OnePlus 12R set a high bar, offering incredible value for its $500 price tag. Now, the OnePlus 13R aims to continue that legacy. With refinements to the design, key spec upgrades, and a significant camera overhaul, the 13R looks promising. However, some compromises have been made. Is the OnePlus 13R a worthy successor, and does it still offer good value at its $600 price point? Let’s delve in and find out.
OnePlus 13R vs. 12R: Specifications Compared
| Feature | OnePlus 13R | OnePlus 12R |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.72 x 75.77 x 8.02mm | 163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8mm |
| Weight | 206g | 207g |
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2780 x 1264, 1-120Hz, 1600 nits, 4500 nits peak | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2780 x 1264, 1-120Hz, 1600 nits, 4500 nits peak |
| Durability | IP65, Gorilla Glass 7i | IP64, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (Main), 50MP (Telephoto, 2x), 8MP (Ultrawide) | 50MP (Main), 8MP (Ultrawide), 2MP (Macro) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB UFS 4.0 | 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | 5,500mAh |
| Charging | 55W Wired | 80W Wired |
| Software | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) | OxygenOS 14 (Android 14) |
| OS Updates | 4 years | 3 years |
| Security Updates | 6 years | 4 years |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
| Price | $600 | Starting at $500 |
Someone holding the OnePlus 13R, showing the back of the phone.
Design Evolution: From Curves to Flat Edges
Following the current trend, the OnePlus 13R adopts a flat-edged design, mirroring its premium counterpart. The flat edges, flatter display, and independent camera ring contribute to a refined and understated aesthetic. This marks a departure from the integrated camera ring design of previous models, signaling a more mature design language.
Both colors of the OnePlus 13R next to each other.
This year, OnePlus offers the 13R in Nebula Noir (black) and Astral Trail (whitish), both featuring a matte glass finish. While the black offers a classic look, the Astral Trail variant incorporates a subtle spiral pattern emanating from the camera module. This marks a shift from the vibrant colors of the 12R, such as Iron Gray and Cool Blue, and the special edition Genshin Impact variant.
Flowy Emerald OnePlus 12 (left) and a Genshin Impact Edition OnePlus 12R.
While the matte glass finish minimizes fingerprints, the overall design feels more subdued. The build quality remains excellent, with solid construction and tactile buttons. Durability also gets a boost with an IP65 rating and Gorilla Glass 7i, compared to the IP64 rating and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the 12R.
Display: Still a Standout Feature
The OnePlus 13R inherits the impressive 6.78-inch AMOLED display from its predecessor. With a sharp resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 4500 nits, the display remains a highlight.
The OnePlus 13R with its screen on and showing the lock screen.
The significant change here is the transition to a flat display. This eliminates the accidental touches that sometimes plagued the curved display of the 12R.
OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition.
Performance: A Generational Leap
The OnePlus 13R boasts the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the 12R. While the Gen 2 offered excellent performance, the Gen 3 provides a noticeable improvement in benchmarks and overall responsiveness.
A Pokemon game running on the OnePlus 13R.
Both phones excel in thermal management, remaining cool even under heavy load. The 13R comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, compared to the 12R’s configurations of 8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB.
Battery and Charging: A Trade-off
The OnePlus 13R packs a larger 6,000mAh battery, up from the 5,500mAh battery in the 12R. This, combined with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s efficiency, results in impressive battery life, easily lasting two days with moderate use.
Cameras: A Significant Upgrade
The OnePlus 13R’s camera system receives a substantial upgrade. The 12R’s dual-camera setup (50MP main and 8MP ultrawide) is replaced with a triple-camera system on the 13R. The addition of a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom significantly enhances the phone’s photographic capabilities.
Software and Special Features
The OnePlus 13R ships with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 and offers four years of OS updates and six years of security updates, a significant improvement over the 12R’s update policy. OxygenOS 15 introduces new AI features, such as support for Google Gemini and Intelligent Search. Both phones feature an IR blaster, a rarity in modern smartphones.
Price and Availability: Weighing the Value Proposition
The OnePlus 13R is priced at $600, a $100 increase over the 12R’s launch price. However, considering the 13R’s upgrades in camera, processor, battery, and software support, the price increase seems justified. The 12R remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers, especially with its reduced price of $300 for the 8GB/128GB model and $400 for the 12GB/256GB version.
Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade
The OnePlus 13R builds upon the 12R’s strengths while addressing some of its shortcomings. The enhanced camera system, longer battery life, faster processor, and extended software support make it a compelling upgrade. While the slower charging speed might be a drawback for some, the overall package makes the OnePlus 13R an excellent value proposition. The 12R remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers, but if you’re looking for the best possible experience in this price range, the OnePlus 13R is the clear winner.
