OnePlus 13R
The OnePlus 13R builds on its predecessor’s strengths while addressing its shortcomings. This new value flagship has the same processor as last year’s flagship, the OnePlus 12, along with an improved camera setup, a bigger battery and a fresh design. But is that enough to make a dent in its segment? Here’s what you need to know about the OnePlus 13R.
The OnePlus 13R has a flatter look and feel. At 8mm, it’s thinner than before, but with stronger sides, you’re unlikely to notice much of a difference. While the OnePlus 13 definitely offers a superior feel in the hand, it also comes with a premium price tag. In terms of competition, the Vivo V40 Pro offers better ergonomics in the same price range.
Although it may not be the most comfortable phone to hold, the OnePlus 13R has a stronger design. It features a medium-sized aluminum frame, a matte finish, and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. The smartphone is available in Nebula Noir and Astral Trail color variants. I have the Astral Trail model and recommend using it without a case – the engraved rings on the glass look elegant.
OnePlus 13R display
The screen remains unchanged from its predecessor in terms of size and resolution. You get a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support for HDR content, and a maximum brightness of 1600 nits. It is easily readable under bright sunlight and gives a vivid appearance. You will enjoy the content consumption experience.
The screen gets the same AuqaTouch 2.0 technology from the OnePlus 13. It improves usability when the screen has water droplets on it—a handy feature for when you need to use it in the rain or near a pool. It lies under the protection of Gorilla Glass 7i.
The OnePlus 13R is a powerhouse, prioritizing performance and efficiency. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the same chip found in flagship devices like the OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Oppo Find X7 Ultra. The performance benefits allow you to run demanding games like The influence of Genshin AND BGMI with minimal stuttering and fluid experience. It is easily the most powerful phone in this segment.
It’s paired with 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage and 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM. Running on OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13R offers a smooth and lag-free everyday experience. Like the OnePlus 13, the company has pledged to provide four years of software updates and six years of security patches on this phone.
OnePlus 13R camera module
The OnePlus 13R has an improved camera setup. It is led by a 50 MP Sony LYT-700 main camera. You also get a much-improved 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and an 8MP ultra-wide camera.
In daylight, the camera system performs very well and delivers clear and detailed images with beautiful colors. Low-light performance is good, though the ultra-wide struggles in less-than-bright conditions. While I would have liked a 3x optical zoom, the new telephoto lens offers better detail, sharper output, and more natural-looking bokeh in portrait shots compared to its predecessor.
The OnePlus 13R has a larger 6000 mAh battery. While it doesn’t feature the latest silicon carbon technology, it easily lasts a full day of use. You’re unlikely to have battery anxiety here, but if you do, the phone can charge quickly. It supports 80W wired charging, taking the battery from 20% to 100% in just 50 minutes. However, wireless charging is not supported.
OnePlus 13R: Price, Availability and Initial Thoughts
OnePlus 13R
At INR 42,999, the OnePlus 13R is the most powerful phone in its segment. While its cameras may fall short compared to the Vivo V40 Pro, the OnePlus 13R outperforms its competitors in almost every other department. In India, there is also a 16GB + 512GB variant available for INR 49,999.
In the US, the OnePlus 13R comes in a single variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $599. Despite the $100 price hike, the device seems to retain its value-for-money appeal. With a big, bright screen, a good set of cameras and an all-day battery, the OnePlus 13R offers an impressive package for its price.
