OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R: Speed and Refinement Detailed

In my month-long experience with the OnePlus 13 and 13R, I've found these devices to stand out during both light and intensive use periods, such as the bustling 2024 holiday season and CES 2025. These Android phones incorporate a well-rounded suite of features that place them in strong contention amongst their peers. The OnePlus 13 offers almost all the characteristics expected in a top-tier smartphone today.

Priced at $900 for the OnePlus 13's basic version with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, it presents a slightly more affordable option compared to competitors. In contrast, the OnePlus 13R is available for $600, carrying reduced specifications and missing a few premium features found in the 13. Key enhancements in this series revolve around subtle refinements: enhanced software smoothness, improved battery longevity, brighter screens, and increased water resistance make these phones appealing options, particularly if battery life is a key concern.

Design and Display Differences

OnePlus 13 (left) and OnePlus 13R (right)

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

While the OnePlus 13 and 13R share a similar aesthetic, subtle dimensional differences exist—the flagship model featuring a 6.82-inch display compared to the 6.78-inch screen on the 13R. The prominent discrepancy is the OnePlus 13's Hasselblad branding and its curvier display edges, unlike the flatter edges of the 13R, which offer a more grasp-friendly design.

The Two phones offer distinct finishes: the OnePlus 13 presents a marble-like pattern, while the 13R opts for a brushed look. However, neither compares to the visually stunning emerald and ice blue options from last year's models. This year, a "Midnight Ocean" variant for the OnePlus 13 adds a luxury vibe with its microfiber vegan leather, though I could not test this version.

Water resistance sees a noteworthy upgrade on the higher-end device, matching competitor standards with an IP68 and IP69 rating, allowing for underwater submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and resistance to heavy rainfall. The display uses Ceramic Guard, OnePlus’ rendition of a tougher glass technology, claiming greater strength than the Gorilla Glass Victus found on many devices today. Nevertheless, caution is advised; screen protectors are still a necessity.

The OnePlus 13R, while not as robust, supports an IP65 rating—adequate for rain resistance but likely not enough for full immersion mishaps. It debuts Corning's Gorilla Glass 7i, a mid-range glass option, offering slightly better durability than expected for its price range. On the hardware side, the inclusion of the OnePlus Alert Slider remains a practical feature many users may long for in other brands, despite its pronounced camera bump.