OnePlus 13 Review: A Flagship Contender with Exceptional Battery Life and Performance

The OnePlus 13 has entered the scene, aiming to solidify its place in the competitive smartphone market. With its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, impressive battery life, and versatile camera setup, this phone is an exciting option for those seeking a high-performance device. However, it’s not without its flaws. Let’s dive into the details to see if the OnePlus 13 is worth its £899 price tag.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life with a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery.
• Top-tier performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
• Stunning 6.82-inch AMOLED display with LTPO 4.1 technology.
• Versatile triple-camera system with three 50MP sensors.

Cons:

• Issues with camera focus and halo effects in certain shooting scenarios.
• More bloatware compared to some competitors.
• Limited AI capabilities compared to brands like Google and Samsung.

Key Features

• Price: £899
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
• Camera: Triple 50MP setup (main, ultrawide, 3x telephoto)
• Battery: 6000mAh with 100W SuperVOOC charging
• Display: 6.82-inch AMOLED with 1440 x 3168 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

Design: A Blend of Style and Practicality

The OnePlus 13 features a premium design with a vegan leather finish, especially in the Midnight Ocean color variant. This material not only feels luxurious but also improves grip, making it less likely to slip off surfaces. The phone’s curved edges further enhance its ergonomics, ensuring a comfortable hold despite its large size.

It’s also built to withstand the elements, boasting IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance. However, the off-centered camera island and slightly uneven display bezels may not appeal to everyone.

Display: Bright, Sharp, and Customizable

The 6.82-inch AMOLED panel delivers a top-notch viewing experience, offering a peak brightness of 4500 nits and a resolution of 1440 x 3168. With LTPO 4.1 technology, the display dynamically adjusts its refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals while conserving battery life.

Out of the box, the phone defaults to 1080p resolution to save energy, but even at this setting, the display remains sharp and vibrant. For those who prefer more vivid colors, the software allows granular customization of white balance and color temperature.

Camera: Versatility with Room for Improvement

The OnePlus 13 is equipped with a triple 50MP camera setup, including a main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a 3x telephoto lens. This versatile system allows for a range of photography styles, from wide landscapes to detailed zoom shots.

However, the camera isn’t without its drawbacks. Issues with focus, particularly in zoom and macro modes, can lead to blurry or inconsistent results. Additionally, a “halo effect” sometimes appears around subjects in high-contrast lighting conditions. While the phone performs well in low-light scenarios, its overall camera experience falls short of competitors like the Google Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Performance: A Powerhouse with the Snapdragon 8 Elite

With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13 is one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. It even outperforms Apple’s A18 Pro in some benchmarks, making it an excellent choice for gaming and multitasking. Here’s a look at its benchmark performance:

• Geekbench 6 (Single Core): 3123
• Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 9493
• 3D Mark Wild Life: 6647

Even during intensive tasks like gaming or stress testing, the phone maintains consistent performance without overheating.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Fast-Charging

The 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery is a standout feature, delivering exceptional longevity. Even with heavy usage that includes gaming, video streaming, and social media browsing, the phone easily lasts a full day. Casual users might even stretch it to two days on a single charge.

Charging is equally impressive, thanks to 100W SuperVOOC technology. However, it’s worth noting that the charger is not included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. You can find a compatible charger on Amazon here.

Software: Customizable but Lacking in AI

Running OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13 offers a highly customizable user interface. Users can tweak everything from icon shapes to always-on display settings. However, the phone’s AI capabilities are limited compared to competitors. For instance, its photo editing tools are less effective than Google’s, and its Intelligent Search feature lacks integration with cloud services.

Should You Buy the OnePlus 13?

Buy it if:

• You want a phone with exceptional battery life and fast charging.
• You value top-tier performance for gaming or multitasking.
• You’re looking for a well-rounded flagship alternative to Samsung or Google.

Skip it if:

• You prioritize flawless camera performance.
• You dislike bloatware or prefer a cleaner software experience.
• You want advanced AI features for photography or productivity.

Final Thoughts

The OnePlus 13 is a solid flagship phone that excels in performance, battery life, and display quality. While its camera system is versatile, the inconsistencies in focus and processing may frustrate photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the lack of a charger in the box and limited AI features are minor drawbacks.

For those seeking a powerful, long-lasting smartphone with a customizable interface, the OnePlus 13 is a compelling choice. However, if camera performance is your top priority, you might want to consider alternatives like the Google Pixel 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Where to Buy

• OnePlus 13: Buy on Amazon
• 100W SuperVOOC Charger: Buy on Amazon

With its impressive battery life, powerful chipset, and stunning display, the OnePlus 13 is a strong contender in the flagship market. Whether it’s the right phone for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.