The OnePlus 13R is the latest entrant in the competitive mid-premium smartphone segment, boasting flagship-grade performance, a versatile camera setup, and cutting-edge display technology. With its robust build quality, impressive battery life, and user-friendly OxygenOS software, the 13R aims to cater to tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
In this detailed review, our experts, Vigneshwar and Siva Bharani, delve into every aspect of the device to provide an insightful and comprehensive assessment. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a reliable daily driver, this review will help you determine if the OnePlus 13R is the right fit for you.
Design and Build
The OnePlus 13R exudes sophistication, crafted with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 7i on both the front and back. This premium build ensures durability and protection against everyday wear and tear. The flat-edge design enhances grip, reducing accidental touches—a functional and aesthetic upgrade from its predecessors. Weighing 206 grams, the device strikes a balance between portability and a premium feel. Adding to its ruggedness, the IP65 rating provides substantial resistance to dust and water, ensuring reliability in varied environments. Symmetrical bezels enhance its aesthetic appeal, giving it a clean and modern look.
Vigneshwar: “The OnePlus 13R—it’s finally here! Shall we start with its design?”
Sivabharani: “Absolutely! The aluminum frame paired with Gorilla Glass 7i on both sides gives it a premium feel. It’s robust yet sleek. The flat-edge design is a game-changer, don’t you think?”
Vigneshwar: “Definitely. It’s more comfortable to grip and eliminates accidental touches.”
Sivabharani: “At 206 grams, it’s just the right weight to feel premium without being cumbersome. And those symmetrical bezels—a clean, modern look that makes it stand out. By the way, the flat edges make it easy to hold and comfortable for prolonged use.”
Vigneshwar: “The back panel also has a distinct look, but without a cover, people might confuse it for other brands. I also noticed that this flat design minimizes the chance of mistouches.”
Sivabharani: “True. And compared to curved displays, this flat display makes it much easier to apply a screen guard or tempered glass.”
Vigneshwar: “But does it retain the sleekness of the curved displays? I’ve noticed curved displays feel more premium to some users.”
Sivabharani: “They do, but curved displays can sometimes cause mistouches and are harder to protect with screen guards. This flat design strikes a great balance between premium looks and usability.”
The OnePlus 13R excels in design and build quality, striking the perfect balance between premium aesthetics and practicality. With its aluminum frame, the device offers durability and style. The flat-edge design improves grip and usability, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display on the OnePlus 13R is nothing short of stunning. With a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels and 8T LTPO technology, it delivers a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, balancing buttery-smooth performance with energy efficiency. HDR10+ support and an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits make it ideal for vibrant media consumption and outdoor visibility, though the reflective outer glass can be a minor inconvenience under bright sunlight. The minimal bezels contribute to an immersive viewing experience.
Vigneshwar: “Moving on to the display, this 6.78-inch AMOLED panel—what are your thoughts?”
Sivabharani: “It’s fantastic! The resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels, combined with 8T LTPO technology, allows for an adaptive refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. It’s super smooth whether you’re scrolling or gaming.”
Vigneshwar: “The HDR10+ support and peak brightness of 4500 nits make it one of the brightest displays we’ve seen. Perfect for outdoor use, though the reflective glass can sometimes be an issue.”
Sivabharani: “True. But overall, the colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and it’s a delight for streaming and gaming enthusiasts alike. Plus, the adaptive dimming features ensure usability in both bright and dark environments. Even the peak brightness, while rarely maxed out, ensures great visibility in most situations.”
Vigneshwar: “The Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection also gives it added durability. And the symmetrical bezels enhance the overall aesthetic, creating an almost bezel-less look.”
Sivabharani: “One more thing—the panel’s 2160Hz PWM dimming feature is great for reducing eye strain during prolonged usage. It’s a subtle but welcome addition for those who spend long hours on their devices.”
The display of the OnePlus 13R stands out with its vibrant colors, dynamic refresh rate, and excellent brightness levels. With advanced technologies like 8T LTPO, HDR10+ support, and 2160Hz PWM dimming, it caters to both media enthusiasts and gamers, ensuring a top-tier viewing experience.
Performance
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the OnePlus 13R offers unparalleled performance in its segment. This 4nm processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensures lightning-fast app launches and seamless multitasking. Even demanding games like Genshin Impact run effortlessly, thanks to the advanced cooling system that prevents overheating during extended sessions. However, the USB 2.0 limitation on the Type-C port may disappoint users who frequently transfer large files.
Vigneshwar: “Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the star of the show. What’s your take?”
Sivabharani: “It’s a beast! With up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, multitasking is a breeze. High-end games like Genshin Impact run smoothly, and the advanced cooling system keeps overheating at bay.”
Vigneshwar: “Benchmarks back this up too. It’s one of the top-performing processors in its segment. Though, the USB 2.0 limitation on the Type-C port might irk some users.”
Sivabharani: “True, especially for those transferring large files frequently. But for everyday use, it’s more than adequate. The weight distribution of the device also adds to the comfort during prolonged use. And despite its powerful internals, the device remains remarkably cool even under heavy usage.”
Vigneshwar: “What about the stereo speakers? How do they perform during gaming or streaming?”
Sivabharani: “The stereo speakers deliver clear audio with decent bass. It’s great for casual gaming or streaming videos. The haptics are also tuned well for immersive gaming experiences.”
Vigneshwar: “What about storage speeds? Any bottlenecks there?”
Sivabharani: “Not at all. With UFS 4.0, read and write speeds are blazing fast. Opening apps and saving large files feels instantaneous.”
The OnePlus 13R delivers flagship-level performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, efficient cooling system, and high-speed UFS 4.0 storage. Combined with excellent audio and haptics, it offers a seamless and immersive experience for gamers and multitaskers alike.
Camera
The triple-camera setup on the OnePlus 13R offers versatility and high-quality imaging. The 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor excels in low-light conditions, delivering sharp, vibrant images with impressive dynamic range. Complementing this is an 8MP ultra-wide lens, perfect for group shots and landscapes, though it falls short in sharpness compared to the primary sensor. The 50MP telephoto lens performs well up to 4x zoom but struggles at higher magnifications. Video capabilities include 4K recording at 60fps with OIS and EIS, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage. The 16MP front camera rounds out the setup, catering to selfies and video calls with excellent clarity.
Vigneshwar: “Let’s talk cameras. The triple-camera setup sounds promising.”
Sivabharani: “The 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary sensor is a gem, especially in low-light conditions. It delivers sharp, vibrant images. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is decent but lacks the sharpness of the main sensor.”
Vigneshwar: “And the 50MP telephoto lens? It’s solid for up to 4x zoom but struggles beyond that. Still, 4K 60fps video recording with OIS and EIS ensures stable, high-quality footage.”
Sivabharani: “Exactly. And the 16MP front-facing camera is no slouch either, perfect for selfies and video calls. Overall, a strong contender in its price range. However, the ultra-wide lens lacks sharpness, and dynamic range could be improved.”
Vigneshwar: “Did you notice any post-processing issues? Sometimes aggressive algorithms can affect the quality.”
Sivabharani: “Thankfully, it’s balanced here. The images don’t look over-sharpened or oversaturated. The telephoto lens performs admirably for portraits and close-ups, but at extreme zoom levels, quality dips slightly.”
Vigneshwar: “What about stabilization while recording? Does it work well in dynamic environments?”
Sivabharani: “For the most part, yes. The OIS and EIS combination handles typical movements like walking or light biking well, but rapid jerks can challenge it slightly.”
The OnePlus 13R’s camera system impresses with its versatile triple-camera setup, excelling in low-light photography and video stabilization. While the ultra-wide lens could use some improvement, the primary and telephoto sensors deliver consistent results, making it a strong option for photography enthusiasts. Here are some camera samples.
Battery
With a massive, 6000mAh battery, the OnePlus 13R is built for endurance. This robust battery, paired with an adaptive refresh rate display and efficient chipset, ensures a full day of heavy usage. Charging is equally impressive, with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging technology enabling a 50% charge in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the device supports intelligent power management features to maximize battery life.
Vigneshwar: “The battery life is one of its strong points, right?”
Sivabharani: “Absolutely. The 6000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use. And the 80W SuperVOOC fast charging is incredible—50% in just 15 minutes!”
Vigneshwar: “Perfect for users who are always on the go. Minimal downtime, maximum efficiency. And the charger is thoughtfully optimized to prevent excessive heating.”
Sivabharani: “The charging speed is consistent even with heavier apps running in the background. It’s a solid performer for battery longevity.”
The OnePlus 13R’s battery life and charging capabilities are exceptional, making it an ideal choice for power users. The 6000mAh battery ensures all-day performance, while 80W fast charging minimizes downtime, delivering convenience and reliability.
Software
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 13, the OnePlus 13R provides a clean, intuitive user experience. Key features include an alert slider, haptic feedback, and support for dual SIMs and 5G. OxygenOS promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity. However, a music playback bug on the 16GB variant may require attention from OnePlus.
Vigneshwar: “OxygenOS 15—a fan favorite. How does it fare here?”
Sivabharani: “It’s as smooth and clean as ever. Not much bloatware except for a few apps like Facebook, Netflix and LinkedIn that can be uninstalled, intuitive navigation, and the alert slider is always a welcome addition. Plus, four years of Android updates and six years of security patches—that’s impressive longevity.”
Vigneshwar: “Agreed. The inclusion of dual SIM support, 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, and even an infrared sensor adds versatility. Though, the music playback bug on the 16GB variant is worth noting.”
Sivabharani: “Minor hiccups aside, it’s one of the most refined software experiences in this price segment. The haptics, too, are integrated seamlessly across the UI.”
Vigneshwar: “What about the customization options? Can users personalize their experience?”
Sivabharani: “Absolutely. OxygenOS 15 offers plenty of customization, from themes to gestures. It’s versatile enough to cater to all types of users.”
OxygenOS 15 delivers a polished and customizable software experience, with long-term update promises and clean navigation. Despite minor bugs, it remains a standout feature of the OnePlus 13R, adding immense value for both casual and advanced users.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus 13R is priced at ₹42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant and ₹49,999 for the 16GB + 512GB model. It will be available through multiple channels, including OnePlus.in, Amazon, and retail stores January 13th. Launch offers include bank discounts, no-cost EMIs, and exchange bonuses, enhancing its value proposition.
The competitive pricing and attractive launch offers make the OnePlus 13R an enticing option for those seeking premium features without a flagship price tag. Its availability across multiple channels ensures easy accessibility.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13R stands out as a well-rounded device that caters to a broad spectrum of users, blending performance and practicality seamlessly. Its premium aluminum build, protected by Gorilla Glass 7i and an IP65 rating, ensures durability alongside sleek aesthetics. The stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 8T LTPO technology delivers vivid colors and smooth refresh rates, making it a delight for gamers and media enthusiasts. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the device offers lightning-fast multitasking and gaming performance while maintaining cool temperatures with advanced thermal management. The versatile triple-camera system excels in low-light conditions and stable video recording, complemented by the 16MP front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls.
On the software side, OxygenOS 15 enhances the user experience with its smooth interface and customization options, backed by a promise of four years of updates and six years of security patches. Although minor issues like the USB 2.0 limitation and slight shortcomings in the ultra-wide camera exist, they hardly detract from the device’s overall excellence.
With a massive, 6000mAh battery and 80W fast charging, it is ideal for power users seeking minimal downtime. Priced competitively starting at ₹42,999, coupled with attractive launch offers, the OnePlus 13R offers exceptional value for money. It is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-performing, feature-packed smartphone without compromising affordability.
