The OnePlus 13R, announced in January 2025 and expected to be released in mid-January, continues the company’s tradition of delivering flagship-level performance with a few premium features while maintaining competitive pricing. The phone offers cutting-edge technology, especially in the display, performance, and camera departments, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts and regular users. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this device stand out:
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions & Weight:
With 161.7 x 75.8 x 8 mm and a weight of 206 g, the OnePlus 13R sits comfortably in the hand, though it may feel slightly hefty for those used to lighter devices. However, the solid build makes up for the weight, providing a premium feel that doesn’t compromise durability.
Materials:
The front of the OnePlus 13R is made with Gorilla Glass 7i (which should offer enhanced durability), paired with a sleek aluminium frame and glass back. This combination results in an elegant yet resilient design, giving the phone a high-end look and feel.
Water and Dust Resistance:
With an IP65 rating, the OnePlus 13R is dustproof and water-resistant, making it more durable for everyday use. Though it may not survive complete immersion, the device can handle accidental splashes or light rain.
SIM Slot Configuration:
Supporting dual Nano-SIM and eSIM capabilities, the OnePlus 13R provides flexibility for users with multiple carriers. This also ensures better support for global travellers.
Display
Type and Size:
The OnePlus 13R features a 6.78-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display, offering vibrant colours and an ultra-smooth experience thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate. With a 1B colour panel and HDR10+ support, the display is excellent for media consumption, gaming, and browsing. The addition of Dolby Vision and Ultra HDR image support further enhances the visual experience, providing vivid and accurate colours.
Brightness:
The display is incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight. The 1600 nits HBM (High Brightness Mode) ensures that you get an immersive experience even when you’re outdoors.
Resolution:
The 1264 x 2780 pixels resolution, offering a pixel density of around 450 ppi, ensures sharp and detailed images, making it an excellent device for multimedia enthusiasts who enjoy watching movies or playing games.
Protection:
The Gorilla Glass 7i protection further adds to the device’s durability, helping it withstand scratches and minor impacts.
Performance
Chipset:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (built on a 4nm process), the OnePlus 13R delivers exceptional processing power. With an octa-core CPU (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) and Adreno 750 GPU, it can handle demanding tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and video editing, with ease.
RAM and Storage:
With 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, or the higher-end option of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, the OnePlus 13R is equipped to handle everything from gaming to productivity apps without stutter. The UFS 4.0 storage ensures fast read/write speeds, enhancing app launch times and file transfers.
Software:
The device runs Android 15 out of the box with OxygenOS 15, offering a clean and smooth software experience free from unnecessary bloatware. OnePlus’s commitment to up to 4 major Android updates ensures that the device will remain relevant for several years.
Camera System
Main Camera Setup:
- The OnePlus 13R comes with a versatile triple-camera setup:
- 50 MP (wide): An f/1.8 aperture can capture sharp, detailed photos in various lighting conditions. The multi-directional PDAF and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) ensure better stability for stills and videos.
- 50 MP (telephoto): This camera provides 2x optical zoom, letting you zoom in without compromising image quality. The f/2.0 aperture and PDAF will ensure clarity and precision at greater zoom levels.
- 8 MP (ultrawide): With a 112Ëš field of view, this camera captures expansive landscapes or group shots, making it an excellent tool for wide-angle photography.
Video Capabilities:
The OnePlus 13R can shoot 4K video at 30/60 fps and 1080p video at 30/60/120/240 fps, making it an excellent device for capturing high-quality videos. The gyro-EIS and OIS help keep your videos stable, even in motion.
Selfie Camera:
The 16 MP selfie camera has an f/2.4 aperture on the front, offering clear and sharp selfies. Video recording is supported at 1080p 30fps, with gyro-EIS for stability.
Audio
Stereo Speakers:
The OnePlus 13R features stereo speakers, providing a rich and immersive audio experience for media consumption. While there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, the device supports high-quality wireless audio via Bluetooth 5.4, including aptX HD and LHDC 5 for enhanced audio streaming.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity:
The device boasts a 6000 mAh battery, which should comfortably last a full day of usage under normal conditions. Thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and AMOLED display, users should experience excellent endurance.
Charging Speed:
The OnePlus 13R supports 80W wired charging, allowing you to charge the device from 0 to 50% in just 20 minutes and fully charge it in 52-54 minutes. This is incredibly fast compared to many other flagship smartphones, making it an appealing choice for users needing quick top-ups.
Connectivity
5G and Wi-Fi:
With support for 5G, including multiple bands, users can expect fast internet speeds in regions with 5G coverage. Wi-Fi 6e/7 support ensures that the device is ready for the latest standards in wireless connectivity.
NFC & Infrared Port:
Including NFC allows for quick pairing with other devices or contactless payments. At the same time, the infrared port offers compatibility with smart home devices, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare on modern smartphones.
Miscellaneous Features
Fingerprint Sensor:
The under-display optical fingerprint sensor offers quick and secure device unlocking.
Colour Options:
The OnePlus 13R will be available in two attractive colours: Astral Trail and Nebula Noir, both of which reflect the premium build quality of the device.
Pricing:
Priced at $899.99, the OnePlus 13R sits in the competitive mid-to-high-end flagship range. Given the powerful specifications, it offers excellent value for money compared to other devices in this price range.
Verdict:
The OnePlus 13R impresses with its stellar display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and versatile camera system, all while offering long-lasting battery life and super-fast charging. Its premium build, water resistance, and feature-packed offering make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top-tier smartphone in 2025. While the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage might be deal-breakers for some, the UFS 4.0 storage and 80W charging are strong selling points that offer an overall high-value proposition.
If you’re looking for a reliable, future-proof smartphone with flagship-level features at a reasonable price, the OnePlus 13R is worth considering.
Want to know more? Here is the Official website of the OnePlus.
