The OnePlus 13R has been making waves as a balanced budget flagship device. Dubbed as a "flagship killer" by enthusiasts, this smartphone seeks to deliver top-tier features without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s dive into the details to understand if the OnePlus 13R lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
OnePlus continues its tradition of a premium unboxing experience. The packaging includes:
The device itself.
A transparent protective case.
An 80W charger (downgraded from 100W on its predecessor).
A red Type-A to Type-C charging cable.
SIM ejector tool.
Minimal documentation.
The shift to using paper-based packaging over plastic reflects OnePlus’s commitment to environmental sustainability, a move that deserves applause.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the OnePlus 13R feels solid and premium. Despite its large 6.78-inch display, it’s compact enough for a comfortable in-hand feel. The flat glass back (confirmed to be glass despite feeling like plastic) is a deviation from the curved display design of the OnePlus 12R. This flat design may polarize opinions, but it’s practical and contributes to the sturdy build.
Key design highlights include:
Flat sides: Replacing the curved edges from the previous generation.
Weight: Approximately 200 grams, balanced for its 6,000mAh battery.
Alert Slider: A signature OnePlus feature, retained in this model.
Ports and Buttons:
Bottom: SIM tray, microphone, Type-C port, and speaker grille.
Right: Power button.
Top: IR blaster, noise-canceling microphone, and additional speaker grille.
Left: Volume rockers.
While the design feels understated, it’s practical and exudes a minimalist charm.
Display Performance
The OnePlus 13R boasts a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display with:
1600 nits peak brightness: Excellent for outdoor usage.
HDR10+ support: Ensures vivid colors and immersive visuals.
2160Hz PWM dimming: Reduces eye strain during extended use.
The flat display offers excellent viewing angles and sharp visuals, making it a delight for gaming and media consumption. Bezels are minimal, enhancing the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Performance and Gaming
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus 13R delivers flagship-grade performance. In benchmark tests, it scored between 1.8 and 2 million on AnTuTu, placing it among the top performers in its price bracket.
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate:
Consistent 120 FPS gameplay: Smooth performance in titles like BGMI and Genshin Impact.
Enhanced cooling: Keeps the device from overheating during extended sessions.
LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage: Faster read/write speeds and multitasking capabilities.
Although not a dedicated gaming phone, the OnePlus 13R’s flat display and balanced ergonomics make it a great choice for gamers.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 13R packs a massive 6,000mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor. While it supports 80W charging (a downgrade from 100W), it’s still impressively fast.
Key highlights:
Full charge in under an hour.
No wireless charging support.
Power efficiency improvements due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
In real-world usage, the phone offers excellent screen-on-time, even with heavy usage.
OxygenOS and Software Updates
The OnePlus 13R runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 14, promising:
4 years of major Android updates.
6 years of security patches.
OxygenOS remains one of the most fluid and user-friendly Android skins. However, the inclusion of some third-party apps detracts from the otherwise clean experience.
Camera Performance
The OnePlus 13R’s camera setup marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. The device features:
50MP Primary Sensor: Captures detailed and vibrant shots.
8MP Ultra-wide Lens: Offers a 112-degree field of view.
2MP Macro Lens: Ideal for close-up photography.
16MP Front Camera: Good for selfies, though skin tones may occasionally appear inconsistent.
Key camera features include:
Portrait mode with 2x optical zoom.
Improved dynamic range and color accuracy.
AI-based enhancements like AI Unblur and Reflection Eraser.
While the cameras are excellent for the price, they fall slightly short compared to some competitors in terms of 4K video recording across all lenses.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The OnePlus 13R doesn’t skimp on connectivity. It supports:
Wi-Fi 7.
95 5G bands.
Bluetooth 5.4.
Key camera features include:
Optical fingerprint sensor: Fast and reliable.
IP65 rating: Offers basic dust and water resistance.
Stereo speakers: Great for multimedia consumption.
Verdict: Is the OnePlus 13R Worth It?
The OnePlus 13R delivers a near-flagship experience at a fraction of the cost. Priced around ₹45,000, it’s an excellent choice for:
Power users seeking top-tier performance.
Gamers who value smooth gameplay.
Budget-conscious buyers looking for a balanced flagship experience.
While the camera could have been slightly better and wireless charging is absent, these are minor trade-offs considering the price. The OnePlus 13R successfully bridges the gap between affordability and flagship performance, making it a strong contender in its segment.
Pros:
Stellar performance.
Impressive battery life.
Premium build and design.
Fluid OxygenOS experience.
Pros:
Average secondary cameras.
No wireless charging.
Limited water resistance.