The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R were introduced in India recently, featuring the latest technology and a refreshed design. OnePlus has successfully maintained a highly competitive pricing strategy. The OnePlus 13R is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an impressive 6,000 mAh battery, and a triple rear camera setup. The pricing for the OnePlus 13R starts at Rs. 42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB storage variant, while the 16GB + 512GB model is available for Rs. 49,999. It comes in two color options: Astral Trail and Nebula Noir. We received the Astral Trail variant for review in its highest configuration. After using the device for a week, we share our insights on its performance.
Design and display:
In terms of design, the smartphone offers a decent aesthetic appeal with a well-balanced and modern look. Its overall appearance stands out, providing a sleek and stylish finish that gives it an edge over competitors. The build quality feels premium, and the attention to detail in design enhances its visual appeal, making it an attractive choice for users seeking both functionality and style.
The 13R features Gorilla Glass 7i on both the front and rear surfaces. Located at the bottom, the SIM card tray supports dual SIM cards and is accompanied by a loudspeaker, dual microphones, and a USB Type-C port. Additionally, a third microphone is situated at the top, alongside another speaker and the IR blaster.
The OnePlus 13R now features a flat display with a newer LTPO 4.1 AMOLED panel, delivering an enhanced visual experience. While the core specifications remain unchanged, it still offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a sharp 1.5K resolution, a 19.8:9 aspect ratio, and support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 10-bit color depth. With 100% Display P3 coverage, colors appear vibrant and true to life. The display is excellent for daily use, providing a seamless and immersive experience whether gaming or streaming OTT content. The combination of high refresh rate and rich color accuracy makes it a pleasure to use for any kind of media consumption.
Performance and battery:
is claimed to be 40% lighter, providing more storage for apps and data. OxygenOS 15 also introduces AI-powered features in the Photos app, including AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Eraser, and AI Reflection Eraser. Additionally, users get Google’s Circle to Search, Google Gemini, AI Assistant for Notes, PassScan in Google Wallet, and Magic Compose for text rewriting. While AI Detail Boost and AI Unblur deliver mixed results, features like AI Eraser, Reflection Eraser, Magic Compose, and the AI Assistant for Notes prove to be quite useful.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. Gaming performance is excellent, with no noticeable frame drops while playing BGMI, Genshin Impact, or Call of Duty Mobile. Features like frame rate interpolation and touch optimization enhance the gaming experience, making it more immersive.
This year, OnePlus has upgraded the battery capacity to 6,000mAh, an improvement over the 5,500mAh cell in the OnePlus 12R. In a web browsing test over cellular, the phone lasted an impressive 18 hours before running out of power. Even with the refresh rate fluctuating, the OnePlus 13R outperforms many other midrange phones in battery life, making it a reliable choice for long hours of use.
Camera:
The OnePlus 13R features a versatile triple rear camera setup, headlined by a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with a 1/1.56-inch size and OIS support for sharp and stable shots. Complementing this is a 50-megapixel S5KJN5 telephoto lens with 2X optical zoom, allowing for detailed close-up shots, along with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera for capturing expansive landscapes. On the front, a 16-megapixel sensor ensures high-quality selfies and clear video calls. The camera system performs exceptionally well across various
Conclusion:
The OnePlus 13R stands out as one of the best smartphones in its price segment in India, offering a perfect blend of performance, design, and battery life. With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, big display, and impressive camera setup, it delivers a flagship-like experience at a competitive price. The upgraded 6,000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, while OxygenOS 15 introduces AI-powered features that enhance productivity and user experience. Whether for gaming, photography, or everyday tasks, the OnePlus 13R proves to be a well-rounded device, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for premium features without breaking the bank.