The OnePlus 13 has already emerged as a strong contender for the “Phone of the Year” title, even though it’s early in the year. Despite the potential releases from other companies like Samsung and Apple, this smartphone stands out due to its impressive features, including enhanced security with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, IP69 rating, and a 6,000mAh Silicon NanoStack battery. It’s one of the first phones in North America to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, boosting performance, efficiency, and AI workloads, making it a top choice for Android enthusiasts.
In my hands-on testing, the OnePlus 13 easily outshined my iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in several ways. Its design immediately impressed me with the slim, curved glass and modern aesthetic, making my four-month-old iPhone feel outdated in comparison. The standout Midnight Ocean color with a vegan-leather back not only gives it a distinctive look but also feels more comfortable to hold than previous glass designs. Though not as grippy as real leather, it brings a premium touch to the device.
A key feature of the OnePlus 13 is its approach to wireless charging. While it lacks a built-in Qi2 charging coil for MagSafe compatibility, OnePlus has implemented magnetic guides within its protective cases, allowing users to enjoy Qi2 accessories with the phone while it’s in a case. This is a practical solution but, ideally, future models would eliminate the need for this workaround. Despite this, it shows OnePlus’s commitment to improving the user experience with wireless charging.
Water and dust resistance, a long-standing weak point for OnePlus, has been addressed with the IP69 rating in the OnePlus 13. This means the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, as well as humidity changes. This certification allows the phone to endure extreme environments, such as being left in a washing machine or exposed to boiling liquids, making it a much more durable device than previous models. It feels like a bold flex, but it’s a feature that will be appreciated when users need it most.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip offers solid performance for everyday tasks, including multitasking and photography. The device handles productivity apps with ease, and the smooth animations in OxygenOS 15 provide a seamless experience. However, the chip does face limitations in more graphics-heavy tasks, where it shows some stuttering and throttling due to heat buildup. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for casual use, it’s something to keep in mind for users who push their devices harder with extended gaming or video editing sessions.
The OnePlus 13’s camera setup, consisting of a 50MP wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens, performs well for most users. It captures vibrant, detailed images with slightly oversaturated colors, making it ideal for those who prefer sharp, eye-catching shots. However, the phone’s reliance on computational photography for long-distance shots can result in artificial smoothing, detracting from the natural look of the photo. Despite this, when the software works as intended, it produces impressive results that highlight previously unnoticed details, making it a reliable option for photography enthusiasts.