This is what impressed me and what did not

There was a time when OnePlus gadgets have been referred to as “flagship killers.” The corporate packed top-tier specs into its telephones at almost half the worth of different flagship gadgets. However through the years, issues have modified. OnePlus has transitioned to creating premium flagship telephones, like the newest OnePlus 13, whereas nonetheless catering to the flagship killer section via its R collection, providing final yr’s flagship chipset and high-end options at a extra reasonably priced value.

The truth is, the OnePlus 12R was our prime advice for the greatest mid-range Android smartphone final yr. Now, the OnePlus 13R has arrived. It has been almost two weeks since OnePlus formally launched the gadget, and I’ve spent the previous 4 weeks testing it out myself. After utilizing it for a few month, this is what I like (and what I do not) in regards to the OnePlus 13R.

OnePlus 13R’s design is not thrilling, however the show certainly is

This may simply be the most effective show within the section

I’ve examined loads of mid-range Android smartphones over the previous yr. From the Google Pixel 8a to the Vivo V40 Professional, however by no means have I picked up a tool and instantly thought, ‘wow, this show feels nice,’ till I received my palms on the OnePlus 13R. It isn’t simply because OnePlus did not skimp on the show — in any case, it is a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO 4.1 panel with excessive brightness and Dolby Imaginative and prescient help — nevertheless it’s the bezels that make the most important distinction.

Once I tried the Pixel 8a final yr, considered one of my greatest complaints was how ‘low-cost’ the show felt, with thick bezels and subpar coloration replica. The OnePlus 13R, however, is the exact opposite.

The truth is, the OnePlus 13R sits on the opposite finish of the spectrum, making me marvel why extra flagship gadgets do not feel this good. The show is flat, because of the up to date design (extra on that beneath), however what actually stands out are the ultra-thin, uniform bezels and wonderful coloration replica. The one gripe I’ve is that the fingerprint sensor sits slightly too low for my liking, however that is actually nitpicking at this level.

Nevertheless, what’s not so nice in regards to the OnePlus 13R — and one thing that is constantly bothered me throughout my time utilizing it as my every day driver — is the design and construct. Similar to the OnePlus 12R took inspiration from that yr’s flagship, the OnePlus 12, the OnePlus 13R additionally attracts closely from the OnePlus 13, however not essentially in a great way.

OnePlus has opted for flat edges and rounded corners on the OnePlus 13R, however for a cellphone this huge, it always digs into my palms, leaving an uncomfortable, nearly shoving-like feeling. The included silicone case does assist considerably, however as soon as I take it off, that uncomfortable feeling returns.

This concern turns into particularly noticeable throughout lengthy gaming periods. Whereas OnePlus has finished its greatest with rounded corners, should you’re planning to seize this gadget, retaining a case on it could be your greatest guess.

The OnePlus 13R feels something however mid-range

It delivers a flagship-like expertise with out the worth

OnePlus’ method has developed through the years. Similar to the previous few generations, the corporate is utilizing final yr’s flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, for the OnePlus 13R, whereas reserving the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite for the OnePlus 13. However after utilizing each telephones aspect by aspect, I could not discover a single second the place I may inform the distinction in efficiency between the 2.

It looks like we have reached a degree (or truthfully, we hit it a couple of years in the past) the place generational chipset upgrades do not feel all that generational anymore — and the OnePlus 13R is a first-rate instance of that. Not as soon as did I expertise lag, hiccups, or slowdowns throughout my total time utilizing it. I performed a number of video games, together with EA Sports activities FC Cellular and Netflix’s Squid Sport: Unleashed, at max graphics settings, and the cellphone dealt with all of it with out breaking a sweat.

I do know — I am echoing what our in-house reviewer Stephen Radochia talked about in his OnePlus 13R assessment: it makes you overlook you are utilizing a mid-range gadget. However I am bringing it up once more as a result of it is truly true. Whereas different mid-range gadgets may begin displaying their age over time, it looks like OnePlus has packed sufficient energy into the OnePlus 13R that it would simply outlast even some flagship telephones.

Why is nobody speaking about OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS has grown right into a feature-packed and dependable OS

One of many major explanation why individuals hesitate to select OnePlus gadgets over Samsung or Google is the software program. Many nonetheless affiliate OxygenOS with the standard Chinese language Android skins — laggy, cluttered, and filled with stutters. Whereas that notion stays considerably true, particularly since OxygenOS 15 is predicated on Oppo’s ColorOS, that notion would not maintain up with the OnePlus 13R.

OxygenOS 15 has developed into a way more dependable and feature-packed working system.

There are such a lot of considerate options and customization choices in OxygenOS 15 that I genuinely miss when switching to telephones just like the Pixel 8a. The flexibility to alter icon packs with out switching the default launcher, customise swipe-down gestures, or tweak the always-on show to my liking — these are stuff you simply do not get with many mid-range Android telephones.

The truth that OnePlus sticks with Google’s default apps makes the expertise really feel much more acquainted. Plus, OnePlus has lastly stepped up its AI recreation this time. Just about all of the AI options you’d really want — like picture modifying instruments within the Photographs app, productiveness instruments comparable to AI Author and AI Abstract within the Good Sidebar, and even Circle to Search — are all right here on the OnePlus 13R.

The little issues that make a giant distinction

OnePlus 13R packs options you will not discover on different mid-range telephones

I’ve used loads of mid-range telephones over the previous yr, and battery life (and particularly quick charging) is often an space the place compromises are made. Both the battery is just too small, or the cellphone lacks correct quick charging help. However that is not the case with the OnePlus 13R.

I constantly received greater than a full day of use earlier than needing to cost, and as at all times, charging stays considered one of OnePlus’ greatest strengths. The OnePlus 13R comes with an 80W charger proper within the field, which is able to taking its huge 6,000 mAh battery from 0-100% in below an hour. Even some new flagship telephones with smaller batteries cannot match this expertise — sure, I am you, Samsung Galaxy S25.

The OnePlus 13R is not the proper mid-ranger, nevertheless it’s shut

That does not imply the OnePlus 13R is with out its flaws. There are nonetheless areas the place the corporate may enhance — just like the digicam efficiency, which could be a hit and miss (take a look at our assessment for extra particulars), and the general design, which is not the most ergonomic. The absence of a strong IP score and wi-fi charging are additionally issues OnePlus may have finished higher.

That mentioned, should you requested me proper now whether or not upcoming mid-range telephones just like the Google Pixel 9a may beat the OnePlus 13R, I would say it appears unlikely. The OnePlus 13R may simply have secured its spot as my default advice for the most effective mid-range cellphone of 2025.