OnePlus 13R is all about raw power giving excellent performance in terms of battery backup and fast charging. The display is stunning and has a polished design and user experience. The camera is a bit above average, making it an overall good choice for a smartphone. Improvements could be made to improve the function of the alert slider, increase the software update support duration, and add some balance among the differently ranged camera sensors. However, the OnePlus 13R is a fantastic sub-flagship device, and some of the finest competitors offer high-end smartphones in the year 2025.
Here comes the OnePlus 13R, as it has to be pretty clear in its objectives to raise the bar for mid-range smartphones. Sitting just below the top-end OnePlus 13, the 13R delivers impressive flagship-specifications without pecking a hole into your pocket. It isn’t just about cutting prices; that’s when the intelligent compromises and meaningful upgrades come in.
For high-end specifications like the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a pretty impressive 6,000mAh battery, all dipped in sleek aluminum and Gorilla Glass 7i building, it comes. Also included are users-friendly features like enhanced water resistance and AI-powered optimizations in OxygenOS 15. Addressed to the crowd starting at $599.99 USD, this phone looks to be an attractive option for anyone trying to squeeze the most value out of performance.
The real question, though, is whether it works well in crucial areas like the camera, display, and daily usability. Let’s go through all the aspects of the OnePlus 13R and see if it’s worth your dollars.
| Network | Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | |
| CDMA 800 | ||
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 – International | |
| HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 – India | ||
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 – International | |
| 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 – India | ||
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA – International | |
| 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA – India | ||
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (CA), 5G |
| Launch | Announced | 2025, January 07 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, January 14 |
OnePlus 13R Price and availability
The OnePlus 13R has arrived, managing to maintain its price at $599 for the 256GB version, just as the OnePlus 12R did before it. However, the absence of a 128GB variant in the 13R lineup means there’s no lower price option this time around—the least you can spend is still $599.
Across the pond in the U.K., it’s a different story: the OnePlus 13R comes in at £679, which is a £40 increase over the previous model.
In the U.S. market, the $599 price point positions the OnePlus 13R nicely between the $499 Pixel 8a and the $649 Galaxy S24 FE. With the regular OnePlus 13 flagship starting at $899, choosing the midrange 13R offers substantial savings.
You can pre-order the OnePlus 13R directly from the manufacturer now, ahead of its launch on January 14. When it officially hits the shelves in the U.S., you’ll have options to purchase it from Best Buy as well as directly from OnePlus, with Amazon joining the fray later on.
OnePlus 13R Design
| Body | Dimensions | 161.7 x 75.8 x 8 mm (6.37 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), aluminum frame, glass back | |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | |
| IP65, waterproof and dustproof |
The OnePlus 13R has a similar aesthetic to the OnePlus 13, although you won’t see the Hasselblad branding near the circular camera setup on the back. This is one area where OnePlus has cut back on features for the 13R, but let’s delve deeper as we continue this review.
This phone boasts an aluminum frame and is shielded by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i, making it resistant to scratches and general wear. It also has an IP64 rating, which means it can withstand splashes but isn’t designed for submersion or high-pressure water exposure like the OnePlus 13. While I can’t provide a definitive statement on its durability based on my brief time with the device, it certainly has a premium feel that belies its more budget-friendly price.
Read another post: Oppo Reno 13 Pro Review: Exploring the Design and Features
With its 6.78-inch display, the OnePlus 13R is significantly larger than the 6.1-inch Pixel 8a. It compares more closely to the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, another device that takes cues from its flagship counterparts and offers them in a more accessible package. Those with smaller hands might find it challenging to use the 13R one-handed, but at 7.3 ounces, it’s still quite portable.
OnePlus allows you to choose between two color options: the silver Astral Trail and the black Nebula Noir. My review unit was the silver option, which, while not as vibrant as I typically prefer, features a nice touch with the subtle concentric circles embossed on the back.
For unlocking the device, the 13R primarily uses an optical under-display fingerprint sensor, and there’s also a Face Unlock feature available. I found the fingerprint sensor to be responsive and reliable enough to serve as my main method of unlocking the phone, though it’s a step down from the ultrasonic sensor found on the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13R Display
| Display | Type | LTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) | |
| Resolution | 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density) | |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | |
| Ultra HDR image support |
The OnePlus 13R features a striking 6.78-inch ProXDR display that echoes the impressive panel of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R. Both screens boast a sharp resolution of 2780 x 1264, an adaptive refresh rate that effortlessly transitions from 1Hz to 120Hz, and a peak brightness claim of 4,500 nits. While you likely won’t reach that peak brightness in everyday use, I had no trouble enjoying an episode of “The Muppet Show” on Disney Plus, even in direct sunlight, with the brightness setting only three-quarters of the way up.
However, our lab tests reveal that the actual brightness figures fall significantly short of OnePlus’s claims. With HDR activated, the OnePlus 13R reached a maximum of 746 nits, while the Pixel 8a managed an impressive 1,329 nits under similar conditions. The Galaxy S24 FE also offers more accurate color representation than either the OnePlus or Google models.
Despite these numbers, the real-world experience can tell a different story. When testing both the OnePlus 13R and Pixel 8a side by side in bright sunlight, I adjusted the brightness slider to about 25% on both devices. Surprisingly, I found it easier to see the details on the OnePlus 13R’s display, suggesting that it shouldn’t be written off as too dim, even with those low lab readings.
| Details | OnePlus 13R | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE |
| Screen size | 6.78 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| sRGB % | 171.6 (Vivid); 121.9 (Natural) | 126.5 (Adaptive); 108.9 (Natural) | 140.6 (Vivid); 120.5 (Natural) |
| DCI-P3 % | 121.6 (Vivid); 86.3 (Natural) | 89.6 (Adaptive); 77.2 (Natural) | 99.6 (Vivid); 85.3 (Natural) |
| Delta-E | 0.3 (Vivid), 0.21 (Natural) | 0.24 (Adaptive); 0.29 (Natural) | 0.23 (Vivid); 0.20 (Natural) |
While watching the Thunderbolts trailer, I was struck by the vibrant color handling of the OnePlus 13R, which clearly distinguished the magenta of the Red Guardian’s stretching sedan from the deeper crimson of his uniform. The lab results back this up, showing that the OnePlus 13R showcases an impressive 171.6% of the sRGB spectrum in its default Vivid mode and 121.6% of the more demanding DCI-P3 color gamut. For comparison, the Pixel 8a holds scores of 126.5% for sRGB and 80.6% for DCI-P3 in its adaptive mode.
Color accuracy can vary significantly based on the selected display setting. In Vivid mode, the OnePlus 13R records a Delta-E score of 0.3, slightly less accurate than the Pixel 8a’s 0.24. However, switching to Natural mode enhances the OnePlus 13R’s color accuracy to a score of 0.21, compared to the Pixel 8a’s 0.29. (A lower score indicates greater color accuracy.)
OnePlus 13R Performance
| Platform | OS | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) | |
| GPU | Adreno 750 |
The OnePlus 13R is powered by last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, which places it just outside the top-tier flagship phones of 2025. If you’re searching for the top-performing phone from OnePlus, you’ll want to look at the OnePlus 13, as it features the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
That said, the OnePlus 13R still holds its ground admirably. Until a couple of months ago, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was the best mobile platform available and is the heart of several high-performing phones from the previous year. With 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage backing the chipset, this configuration is quite impressive for its price. Additionally, a keen focus on cooling ensures that the 13R stays comfortable no matter the activity.
Similar to the OnePlus 12R, the 13R employs a Dual Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber cooling system, but this version is 9% larger. It also features an under-display temperature sensor that tracks heat levels and helps mitigate overheating during gaming sessions.
OnePlus has integrated several software enhancements aimed at boosting performance as well. The OnePlus CPU Scheduler, while not the most glamorous name, is intended to optimize gaming performance in supported titles like BGMI and Genshin Impact.
The CPU Scheduler works alongside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 by creating separate fast and slow lanes for various tasks, which helps to lighten the CPU load for supported games by around 10%. Notably, Genshin Impact has shown a 3% drop in power consumption during tests.
Also See: Poco X7 Pro review: Iron Man Edition Price
While real-world testing can be tricky, I found the OnePlus 13R to be an excellent gaming device. It stayed pleasantly cool throughout gaming sessions, even during extended playtime, and it handled most games at maximum settings without any hiccups throughout my review.
Test Data
| OnePlus 13R review | OnePlus 13 review | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Mark – Wild Life | 4985 | 6647 | 2829 |
| Geekbench 6 multi core | 6357 | 9493 | 6853 |
| Geekbench 6 single core | 2185 | 3123 | 2229 |
| GFXBench – Aztec Ruins | 60 fps | 60 fps | 63 fps |
| GFXBench – Car Chase | 60 fps | 60 fps | 65 fps |
For those considering a more budget-friendly gaming phone, the Poco F6 Pro is an option, but the OnePlus 13R excels overall, catering well to both gaming and daily usage.
Our standard benchmarking tests revealed that the OnePlus 13R performs on par, if not better, than other Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices, including some leading flagships from 2024. For detailed comparative insights, see the graphs below.
| Memory | Card slot | No |
|---|---|---|
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | |
| UFS 4.0 |
OnePlus 13R Cameras Review
The OnePlus 13R comes in at a starting price of $599, a figure justified in part by OnePlus’s decision to enhance the rear camera system. This update specifically targets the primary and ultrawide lenses.
While the OnePlus 12R featured a dedicated macro lens, the new model replaces it with a 50MP telephoto lens. This addition seems geared towards achieving stunning portrait photography, as the camera defaults to a 2x zoom in Portrait mode within the Camera app. Additionally, the telephoto lens allows for 2x optical zoom on any subject, and OnePlus’s advanced algorithms enhance shots up to 4x, effectively minimizing noise that typically arises with close-up shots.
OnePlus 13R, 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage
Dual-SIM, Unlocked Android Smartphone
- Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 55W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging
- Advanced Hasselblad Camera System, 2025
Aside from these upgrades, the core camera specifications have not changed significantly from the OnePlus 12R. It still boasts a 50MP sensor in the main camera; however, OnePlus claims it now utilizes a Sony LYT-700, which is designed to capture more light compared to the sensor in the OnePlus 12. Completing the rear camera setup is an 8MP ultrawide lens.
So, do these updates make a real impact? I compared the OnePlus 13R’s camera capabilities with those of the Google Pixel 8a, which is currently our top pick for the best midrange camera phone.
| Main Camera | Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), 1/2.75″, 0.64µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
This image of a beautifully adorned bench showcases the distinct styles of camera phones. The OnePlus 13R shines in its vibrant color rendition, often resulting in images that are more vivid than the original scene. In contrast, the Pixel 8a opts for a more neutral palette, producing shots that feel more authentic.
Interestingly, in this instance, the OnePlus’s bold color approach enhances the appeal of the photo. I appreciate how it makes the deep blue of the building pop, while in the Pixel 8a, that hue seems to blend into the background. The lighter blue of the bench in the OnePlus 13R image, while perhaps not as true-to-life as in the Pixel 8a, definitely enhances the readability of the text.
| Selfie camera | Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1″, 1.0µm |
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
The photo of the candelabra aloe plant truly shines with the OnePlus 13R, bringing those vibrant reddish-orange flowers to life against the lush green backdrop. In contrast, the Pixel 8a takes a different approach, highlighting the green fronds of the aloe, which unfortunately makes the orange bloom appear somewhat blurred. Additionally, the overall ambiance is more subdued, especially when compared to the lively and bright imagery captured by the OnePlus 13R.
What do you do when the lighting isn’t quite right? My daughter and I ventured into the redwoods as dusk set in, and the sunlight filtering through the trees was minimal. I snapped a shot of her next to a fallen redwood, and while both phones captured decent images, I found the Pixel 8a to excel in detail—like the distinct rings of the tree.
The OnePlus 13R presents a richer tone, giving my daughter’s skin a more lifelike appearance compared to the Pixel 8a. However, since the tree is the main subject, the Pixel 8a shines in showcasing more intricate details that the OnePlus 13R seems to overlook.
Switching to the zoom lens, a 2x shot of a monument in the redwood park highlights a quirk of the OnePlus 13R’s color tuning. The moss on the rock and the fern to the side certainly pop more in its photo, but this vibrancy often comes at the cost of clarity—while you can easily read the text on the plaque in the Pixel 8a shot, the details fade a bit in the OnePlus 13R image.
On the other hand, OnePlus has clearly nailed their algorithms for zooming beyond 2x. A 4x zoom of an intricate dragon carving comes out crisp and sharply defined, with the scales on the dragon’s neck clearly visible and colors balanced beautifully. The Pixel 8a, despite lacking a dedicated zoom lens, manages to keep things in focus but struggles in bright sunlight, resulting in an image that appears somewhat washed out.
| Sound | Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| Comms | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band (6e is market specific) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 | |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) | |
| NFC | Yes | |
| Infrared port | Yes | |
| Radio | No | |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
OnePlus 13R Software and AI
The OnePlus 13R operates on Android 15, enhanced by OxygenOS, which provides a mostly streamlined and customizable user experience despite some pre-loaded OnePlus applications.
OxygenOS 15 features a refreshed interface that includes an updated Shelf, new widgets, and a handy option called Share with iPhone, allowing for quick file transfers to iPhone users. While the setup can be a bit tricky at first, it worked well in my experience.
The device also brings in the Open Canvas multi-tasking software, found on other OnePlus devices, which is designed to boost productivity. Overall, the interface maintains a pleasant look and feel.
Regarding AI capabilities, various features are integrated into both the operating system and applications. Users can access Google Gemini effortlessly from the lock screen, and the camera editing tools include AI Eraser, AI Unblur, AI Detail Boost, and AI Reflection Eraser.
I tried AI Unblur a couple of times, and it performed surprisingly well, while AI Eraser also showed decent functionality. However, I didn’t notice a significant improvement with AI Detail Boost, potentially because I was using high-quality images for testing, rather than lower-resolution ones.
Unlike Apple and Samsung, which offer tools like Image Playground and Sketch to Image, OnePlus provides Circle to Search for retrieving relevant results and PassScan for easily adding boarding passes to Google Wallet.
Additionally, there’s AI Notes for summarizing and organizing text, Magic Compose for rewriting messages, and Intelligent Search to enable natural language searches across your entire archive.
While some AI features might seem somewhat unnecessary, the most pressing concern with the software is the lack of long-term update commitments. The OnePlus 13R comes with four years of software updates and six years of security patches, but compared to Samsung and Google’s commitment of seven years for OS updates, four years feels lacking.
| Features | Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
|---|---|---|
| Circle to Search |
OnePlus 13R Battery life
| Battery | Type | Si/C 6000 mAh |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, 50% in 20 min, 100% in 52/54 min |
The OnePlus 13R excels in battery life. Seriously, it’s impressive. With a massive 6,000mAh battery, streaming Netflix or gaming hardly affects it—we’re talking minimal percentage drops even after an hour of use.
You can easily stretch it to a full day, and in lighter usage scenarios, it might even last two days. After several days of using the camera, gaming, binge-watching, and juggling everyday tasks like emails and messages, I consistently ended up with over 40% remaining at the end of the day.
Fast charging is also a highlight, with OnePlus advertising that you can go from 1-100% in just 52 minutes when using the smart rapid charging mode powered by 80W SuperVOOC. However, to reach those impressive speeds, you’ll need a compatible OnePlus or Oppo adapter, which is not included in the box—so keep that in mind when considering the overall cost if you need to purchase one separately.
Test Data
| OnePlus 13R review | Xiaomi 14T Pro Review | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour video playback (Netflix, HDR) | 6 % | 6 % | 6 % |
| 15-min recharge (no charger included) | 18 % | – | 29 % |
| 30 minute gaming (light) | 3 % | 6 % | 7 % |
| 30-min recharge (no charger included) | 34 % | – | 59 % |
| Time from 0-100% charge | 90 min | 23 min | 71 min |
| Time from 0-50% charge | 44 Min | 9 Min | 26 Min |
I didn’t reach the 52-minute mark myself; the quickest I managed with a non-OnePlus 96W charger was 90 minutes, but that charger was the most powerful one I had available. Even so, that’s still quite quick, and the OnePlus 13R remained cool during the charging process.
One thing to note is that there’s no wireless charging option. While it might not be a deal breaker for everyone, it’s definitely worth considering. If wireless charging is a necessity for you alongside similar performance, the Xiaomi 14T Pro could be a good alternative.
| Misc | Colors | Astral Trail, Nebula Noir |
|---|---|---|
| Models | CPH2645 | |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) | |
| Price | $ 899.99 |
OnePlus 13R Performance
| Tests | Performance | AnTuTu: 2109299 (v10) GeekBench: 6803 (v6) 3DMark: 4979 (Wild Life Extreme) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1223 nits max brightness (measured) | |
| Loudspeaker | -23.4 LUFS (Very good) | |
| Battery (new) | Active use score 15:09h |
OnePlus mobiles are really renowned for their performance prowess, and 13R happens to be one of them. It’s been the presence of last year’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which makes it highly swift and responsive. With continuous benchmarking, the phone has exhibited phenomenal performance, and there was not a single instance of lag or stutter- while performing any kind of task, from everyday to heavy-duty.
| Benchmarks | OnePlus 13R | iQOO 12 | Xiaomi 14 | Oppo Reno 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 | 19,14,550 | 19,83,471 | 19,73,937 | 13,73,029 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 15,043 | 13,320 | N/A | 12,032 |
| Geekbench 6 (Single) | 2,112 | 2,225 | 2,210 | 1,372 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multi) | 4,943 | 6,726 | 6,808 | 4,163 |
| GFXB T-rex | 60 | 143 | 121 | 93 |
| GFXB Manhattan 3.1 | 60 | 143 | 121 | 120 |
| GFXB Car Chase | 60 | 127 | N/A | 120 |
| 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | N/A | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | N/A | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life | Maxed Out | Maxed Out | N/A | Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life Unlimited | 19,178 | Maxed Out | N/A | 11,518 |
In terms of heat management, it seems that the 13R remains cooler, with considerations of very low elevation but along the line of review. Mainly thanks to the backend built-in 9,925mm square vapor chamber, heat is dissipated well enough even when the phone is engaging in intense gaming sessions. Tested games such as BGMI at maximum settings were handled by the device quite comfortably. To this, Genshin Impact was also noted for its lack of lagging, making this device a superb bet for gaming enthusiasts.
True, the phone comes with dual speakers that can produce surprisingly high sound, along with nice bass, much to enhance the overall audio experience. Earpiece and microphone quality during calls was also reliable, which ensures clarity in communication
OnePlus 13R Review: Summary
The OnePlus 13R continues the brand’s approach of offering many premium features found in its flagship models, but at a notably lower price. The one downside this year is that the pricing isn’t as aggressive as last year’s model.
However, let’s take a look at what’s new with the 13R. The previous OnePlus 12R didn’t include a telephoto lens, but it’s been added to this model. Coupled with improvements in photo processing, this phone positions itself as a strong contender against the Pixel 8a. Plus, it keeps the stellar performance and impressive battery life that made the 12R such a fantastic buy.
While the enhanced AI features on the OnePlus 13R still need refinement, those who prioritize advanced AI capabilities will likely want to explore the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S24 FE, which offer more sophisticated options. However, if your main focus is on camera quality, performance, and display, the OnePlus 13R provides an excellent mix of these features at a considerable savings compared to flagship models.
