If the OnePlus 11 was reliable enough to rely on, and the OnePlus 12 is almost settled, what about the OnePlus 13? After three weeks of using the OnePlus 13 as my daily device, I'm starting to question why I chose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as my best device of 2024?
The OnePlus 13 is the next-generation OnePlus flagship device that is now fully owned by Oppo. It can be said that it is the new OnePlus device that has been reworked by Oppo. Does this mean that OnePlus, which has never settled, is finally settling? This is the full review article.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
SCREEN 6.82” LTPO 4.1, OLED, 120Hz ProXDR,
3168 x 1440 QHD+, 4500 nits
HDR10+, Dolby Vision,
Ceramic Guard
CPU Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
2x 4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L
6x 3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M
Adreno 830 GPU
MEMORY 16GB RAM LPDDR5X + 12GB Virtual RAM
STORAGE 512GB UFS 4.0
REAR CAMERA 50MP Sony LYT-808 (Wide Angle), ƒ/1.6, OIS
50MP Sony LYT-600 (Telephoto), ƒ/2.65, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom, 120x Digital Zoom
50MP S5KJN5 (Ultra Wide Angle), ƒ/2.05, EIS
Hasselblad
FRONT CAMERA 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.5
AUDIO Stereo, Dolby Atmos
OReality Audio
BIOMETRY Under-screen fingerprint scanner
Ultrasonic
OPERATING SYSTEM Oxygen OS 15, Android 15
Updated 4+6 Years
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 5.4 (LDAC, LHDC5.0)
PROTECTION IP68 & IP69
BATTERY 6,000mAh (2x 3K mAh)
100W SuperVOOC Wired
50W AirVOOC Wireless
PRICE RM4,399 16/512 GB
Midnight Ocean (Leather, 210g)
Arctic Dawn/Black Eclipse (Glass, 213g)
At first glance, the OnePlus 13 looks the same as the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12, but there are a few minor differences. It now uses a flat design around the device and is a first for OnePlus in this category of devices in addition to the screen is no longer curved. The most noticeable thing is the absence of the black hole camera bump design element that bends directly to the side of the device is no longer used.
The camera bump is now on the inside of the glass circle. For those with OCD, it will look a little awkward because the perfect circle is not in the middle of the device. This is probably to differentiate OnePlus from Oppo devices that put the camera bump in the middle. Speaking of Oppo, the OnePlus 13 that I tested was in Midnight Ocean color with a leather finish. It reminded me of the Oppo Find X7 Ultra that arrived at our Labs in 2024.
Overall, the flat design on the side with very nice buttons to press is a smart decision. The slide switch is also easy to use but unfortunately, the OnePlus 13 does not have additional physical buttons such as for camera controls or action buttons. The OnePlus 13 is also very comfortable in the hand, to the point that I don't like using any protective cases. The last time I felt excited to hold a OnePlus device like this was when using the OnePlus 7/7T series.
For the first time, the OnePlus 13 supports IP68 and IP69 waterproof protection. One for depth in water and the other for water spray pressure resistance. Then with fast wireless charging support maintained, this device has indirectly become the most complete flagship device this year.
The most powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and the fourth device in Malaysia with it, then the 50MP Hasselblad camera with optical zoom telephoto support, and not forgetting the LTPO 4.1 OLED ProXDR 120Hz screen support produced by BOE which promises no light saber problems with green blades as if a Jedi warrior appeared.
USER EXPERIENCE
The OnePlus 13 is not only matched with great specifications, but the new software is also trying to captivate loyal fans. With the screen getting better, OnePlus also offers Oxygen OS 15 based on Android 15 with Google Gemini generative AI and the all-new AndesGPT. Oxygen OS this time is not the same as ColorOS or realme UI, because it has been modified to be lighter and more efficient.
SCREEN
The screen size is still the same as the OnePlus 12, which is 6.82" OLED LTPO 4.1. It supports a more responsive 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, supports QHD+ resolution, brightness up to 4,500 nits and has Dolby Vision support. OnePlus also uses its own protective glass Ceramic Guard which guarantees scratch and easy cracking problems.
Throughout my use, the OnePlus 13 screen is indeed at the same level as Samsung's high-end flagship devices. In terms of bright and deep colors, very clear details, well-controlled brightness, and very responsive. In 3 weeks of use, not a single lag problem occurred.
Watching movies and various types of videos is also very satisfying. From the Netflix, Max, Disney+ and YouTube platforms – all are enjoyable. In terms of the interface, the screen is also very helpful and becomes adaptive intelligently such as when you need to feel fast and when you need to feel extra fast.
OXYGEN OS 15 + NEW GEN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Oxygen OS 15 is OnePlus's brand new operating system. Many remember that since OnePlus 11, Oxygen OS has become similar to ColorOS. Then realme UI also became ColorOS. In fact, after OnePlus became a sub-brand of Oppo – the Oxygen OS development codes were absorbed into ColorOS and realme UI. The previous OnePlus development team has proven that their optimization code is very powerful and efficient compared to the ColorOS code itself.
With the new Trinity Engine system core, virtual memory up to 12GB of RAM, the use of the new Flux theme system and optimization with AI – Oxygen OS 15 will also have a smooth and fast experience that cannot be felt on competing devices. The very fast and consistent animation transitions that have been felt only on iPhones can now be felt on Android devices through OnePlus 13.
Oxygen OS 15 also has no excessive bloat applications, two OnePlus applications, namely OnePlus Store and OnePlus Community, can be removed. Then the majority of other applications can also be removed or directly disabled in the system without disrupting storage and memory management.
Using OnePlus 13 makes me wonder about Google, which develops Android itself and has its own luxury flagship devices. Why can't stock Android feel this fast? Sorry, I'm actually expressing my dissatisfaction with buying the Pixel 9 Pro XL which is RM2K more expensive than this new OnePlus.
The combination of OnePlus 13 and Oxygen OS 15 is certainly the right move to try to win back the hearts of old loyal fans who may have long been disappointed and switched to competitors. What else is OnePlus' strategy for 2025? Of course, generative AI.
AI Speak
An AI feature that can read and summarize the content displayed on the screen.
AI Summary
The AI feature generates text transcripts from voice recordings and summarizes them in simple text.
AI Writer
AI features that can help users write such as spell check, edit notes, change formats and more.
AI Editor
The same AI editing features in the Find X8 series and Reno13 series;
AI Detail Boost that can enhance details.
AI Eraser to erase unwanted objects in photos.
AI Unblur to reduce human blur in images.
AI Reflection Eraser that can remove reflections in mirrors.
Ask AI
A built-in feature in OnePlus Shelf powered by AI, like the new Siri - you can ask questions about the device and directly access system settings.
Currently powered by Gemini, in the future it will fully use AndesGPT.
Gemini and AndesGPT
Google Gemini is still the main model for generative AI, again processing from within the device. In the future, OnePlus will fully use AndesGPT with Google's model limited to Gemini chatbot only.
Circle to Search
Another Google AI feature that cannot be forgotten. The best technology of 2024 by our editor-in-chief, Mr. Effi – a very helpful search feature and no hallucinatory search results that confuse users.
BENCHMARKS, PERFORMANCE AND GAMING
At first I was a bit disappointed that after 2-3 benchmark tests were done, the scores received seemed low. What is surprising, after many tests and continued to play several games – OnePlus 13 also still did not heat up or lag. I immediately thought of the Trinity Engine system and the new memory management of Oxygen OS which will keep the device fast even with heavy tasks. After all, benchmark scores are just numbers and real-world usage is more realistic.
AnTuTu 3D
Snapdragon 8 Elite – 2,274,481
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 – 2,312,243
Apple A18 Pro – 1,720,751
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – 2,200,000
Apple A17 Pro – 1,542,050
Tensor G4 – 1,016,712
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – 1,852,552
Geekbench 6
Snapdragon 8 Elite – 2,826/8,519
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 – 1,923/7,102
Apple A18 Pro – 3359 / 8129
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – 2329/7526
Apple A17 Pro – 2793/6925
Tensor G4 – 1916/4644
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – 2071/5032
Geekbench AI
Snapdragon 8 Elite – 1,935/1,924/1,854
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 – 1,992/1,999/2,917
Apple A18 Pro – 4516 / 7744 / 6204
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – 1704 / 1829/ 2773
Apple A17 Pro – 3705 / 6515 / 5696
Tensor G4 – 2058 / 2017 / 3129
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – N/A
3DMark Wild Life Extreme
Snapdragon 8 Elite – 6,257
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 – 6,008
Apple A18 Pro – 4560
Apple A18 – 3698
Apple A17 Pro – 3746
Tensor G4 – 2567
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – 4717
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 – 4067
This benchmark score is slightly lower than the vivo X200 Pro, but close to the Oppo Find X8 Pro. Unfortunately, the cheaper devices, the realme GT7 Pro and iQOO 13, have the most consistently fast overall performance.
For mobile gaming experience, I tested Call of Duty Mobile, Marvel SNAP and Squid Game Unleash. Each one did not cause any heating issues or lag after 1 hour of play. At the same time, several important apps that I use every day were locked in the background. Over three weeks of use and after one system update, it was indeed the fastest device I used from 2024 to 2025.
CAMERA
OnePlus has found the best color science for their camera, namely Hasselblad Camera for Mobile. It has the same color profile as the flagship Oppo Find X and is slightly brighter than the colors on the premium Reno series. What makes the OnePlus device’s camera experience more interesting than the vivo X Zeiss and Xiaomi X Leica is that OnePlus focuses only on software while competitors focus on lens technology.
There are pros and cons here. Good is the color optimization that will remain consistent. Portrait mode, macro mode, night mode, HDR mode and other modes will also remain beautiful. However, weaknesses such as glare entering the lens if not with good lens technology - removing glare effects with algorithms may look increasingly unrealistic.
Above are samples of selfies, portraits, night mode, and images with a lot of color. The color profile has remained consistent since OnePlus 11. Focusing capabilities, image processing speed and AI features are all great. It's just a shame, in terms of detail preservation and neater portrait capabilities, it's no longer visible. This is because competitors are doing the best iteration as evidenced by the vivo X200 Pro which is no longer in the world of fantasy because in the real world - imagination is higher.
Other image samples like the above, clearly show that the strength of OnePlus 13 this time is in human images. It's a bit disappointing when the camera capabilities of realme GT7 Pro and iQOO 13 look neater and more satisfying. OnePlus 13 seems to require users to have a little technical knowledge to get the most optimal camera experience.
Video
For video capabilities, OnePlus remains with the best EIS and OIS capabilities. Maybe not on par with Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy – but it is better than vivo. Good colors and focus, no artifacts and most importantly uncompressed quality when edited or shared to various places.
AUDIO, TELEPHONY, 5G, GPS
The stereo speakers used support Dolby Atmos and OReality Audio with spatial audio support. It is one of the best OnePlus speakers, deep enough, clear vocals, and balanced and loud sound levels. It is very interesting to see OnePlus phone speakers that can be used all the time without relying on audio accessories.
The quality of phone calls on the device is not a problem and is pleasant because there is AI technology to ensure that voice calls remain clear. 5G and WiFi connections are seen as less perfect than OnePlus 12. WiFi often disconnects and mobile data connections are often slow. GPS use is however very fast, even faster than Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
BATTERY AND CHARGING
The use of a 6000mAh dual-cell battery with support for 100W SuperVOOC fast charging and 50W AirVOOC fast wireless charging is the best choice. The device's battery can last for up to 9 hours of SOT for 18 hours of use. Then, use for 8 hours can get SOT around 6-7 hours.
Wired charging can charge to full in about 30 minutes, while wirelessly is around 45 minutes. Oxygen OS 15 also includes several AI features to protect battery health such as fast charging control and displaying battery health percentage.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
1x OnePlus 13
1x SIM Pin
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Safety and manual set
According to OnePlus, due to European government directives that want products to be more environmentally friendly, no charger and protective case are included in the box.
CONCLUSION
OnePlus has long disappointed fans but since the OnePlus 11, they have tried to attract old loyal users. Now with the OnePlus 13, it is Oppo's best reworking. Offering the most perfect Oxygen OS, no bloatware, no performance bottlenecks and offering useful flagship device features such as IP69 protection, wireless charging, flat design with a flat screen and a premium body.
However, when Oppo positions OnePlus as an alternative device for performance compared to the Find X8 series and the selling price of RM4,399 it is a little difficult to convince old fans. Especially when the Find X8 at a cheaper price offers more mature camera usage. Then the iQOO 13 and realme GT7 Pro with a selling price of almost RM1000 cheaper – people may not care so much about the fat apps.
Anyway, I understand if this is a new start for OnePlus. The new strategy that Oppo has planned for OnePlus will make this brand more radiant by being independent and breathing its own oxygen.
PROS
A charming and premium flat design.
A flat screen with a much appreciated micro-curve.
The new Oxygen OS 15 is charming.
The terrible performance remains palpable.
IP69 protection and wireless charging are the best bonus features.
Long-lasting battery with fast charging.
A Hasselblad camera that can still be relied on.
CONS
A strange-looking camera bump arrangement.
Oxygen OS supports only 4+5 years of updates.
The selling price is still high compared to competitors.
The camera capabilities are not as good as cheaper competitors.