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As the new year unfolds, OnePlus introduces its latest lineup with the launch of the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R in India. These new models come equipped with advanced hardware and a fresh design, maintaining competitive pricing in a crowded smartphone market. After two weeks of hands-on experience with the OnePlus 13R, it appears to offer a compelling option for those seeking a mid-range flagship.
Pricing for the OnePlus 13R starts at Rs. 42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, while the 16GB + 512GB model retails for Rs. 49,999. The device is available in two colors: Astral Trail and Nebula Noir. Our review unit is the Astral Trail variant in its top configuration.
OnePlus 13R Design: Premium and Flat
Dimensions: 161.7 x 75.8 x 8 mm
Weight: 206g
Colors: Astral Trail and Nebula Noir
IP Rating: IP65
The OnePlus 13R sports a new design characterized by a flat frame and display. It retains the brand’s signature left-aligned circular rear camera module, though this time it’s more integrated into the design, not jutting out from the side. The device feels premium, featuring a glass back with a textured matte finish reminiscent of star trails.
Its aluminum frame, while stylish, can be a bit slippery, though it’s not prone to fingerprints. Included in the box is a silicone case for added grip. The right side houses the volume and power buttons, while the iconic alert slider graces the left side, maintaining continuity with previous models. The bottom edge accommodates a SIM tray for dual SIMs, a loudspeaker, dual microphones, and a USB Type-C port, while an IR blaster sits at the top line.
The overall feel is excellent in hand, with a notable IP65 rating offering protection against dust and water, an enhancement from its predecessor.
OnePlus 13R Display: Quality of Life Upgrades
Size and Type: 6.78 inches LTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1.5K resolution
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Protection: Gorilla Glass 7i
The OnePlus 13R boasts a flat LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display, maintaining a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution. Users can expect vibrant colors and high brightness levels, reaching up to 4,500 nits in peak conditions. This ensures excellent visibility under direct sunlight, and the display supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 10-bit color depth for enhanced media consumption.
Improved screen-to-body ratio is apparent with slimmer bezels, while the punch-hole design accommodates the selfie camera. An optical fingerprint scanner is embedded within the display, providing quick and reliable access.
OnePlus 13R Software: Clean with a Touch of AI
OS: Android 15
UI: OxygenOS 15
Latest Security Patch: December 5, 2024
Running on the latest Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, the OnePlus 13R enhances the user experience with minimal bloatware and smooth animations. A few essential apps are pre-installed, but they do not hinder the overall performance. Notably, this software iteration is reported to be 40% lighter than its predecessors, maximizing available storage.
AI features include enhancements in the Photos app, alongside useful utilities for multitasking. OnePlus promises four years of OS updates and an impressive six years of security updates, prioritizing longevity.
OnePlus 13R Performance: Buttery Smooth
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12/16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256/512GB UFS 4.0
The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, assuring robust performance for both everyday tasks and demanding applications. During testing, the OnePlus 13R excelled in benchmarks without exhibiting lag in performance. Notably, the device remained cool even during intense gaming sessions, attributed to an efficient heat dissipation system.
Gaming experiences, including titles like BGMI and Genshin Impact, were seamless, supported by dual loudspeakers that deliver a satisfactory audio experience.
OnePlus 13R Cameras: Better than Before
Main Rear: 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto: 50-megapixel Samsung S5KJN5, 2x Optical Zoom, f/2.0
Ultrawide: 8-megapixel, f/2.2, 112 degree FoV
Front: 16-megapixel, f/2.4, Fixed focus
The camera system on the OnePlus 13R has seen significant improvements, notably the removal of the low-resolution macro sensor in favor of a telephoto lens. The primary sensor captures crisp images filled with detail and accurate colors, especially in bright conditions. The new telephoto lens effectively allows for quality 2x optical zoom shots.
While the ultrawide camera performs decently, it tends to oversaturate colors compared to the other sensors. Low-light performance, particularly with the primary camera, remains commendable; however, the ultrawide and telephoto lenses struggle somewhat in dim environments.
OnePlus 13R Battery: Massive in All Ways
Capacity: 6,000mAh
Charging Speed: 80W
Charger: 80W (Included)
The device houses a 6,000mAh battery constructed from advanced Silicon-Carbon technology, proving to be robust and enduring. Performance in daily tasks often exceeded seven hours of active screen time, with significant reserves at the day’s end. Its battery life endurance was further highlighted during an HD video loop test.
Charging is fast, with the included 80W SuperVOOC charger capable of reaching a full charge in approximately 90 minutes, making it convenient for users requiring quick power-ups.
OnePlus 13R Verdict
The OnePlus 13R offers impressive value, boasting upgrades in its camera system, battery longevity, build quality, and longevity in software support, making it a notable successor to the 12R. Competitors like the Oppo Reno 13 Pro and Xiaomi 14 may offer specific advantages, but the OnePlus 13R presents a well-rounded package that is difficult to overlook for consumers seeking a powerful mid-range device.
Source
www.gadgets360.com