OnePlus made the proper telephone and everybody’s ignoring it

I’m utilizing my OnePlus 13 once more, and each time I’m going again to it for an replace, I’m amazed at how glorious it’s. Yearly, I’ve the identical routine. I’ll evaluate the most recent OnePlus flagship, however after that’s over, I run again into the nice and cozy embrace of a Samsung Galaxy gadget — not this 12 months. I’ve spent extra time with my OnePlus 13 than I’ve with my Galaxy S25 Extremely, and for good purpose.

I believed OnePlus had an opportunity to realize some traction within the US, capitalizing on the lackluster Galaxy S25 Extremely. Sadly, that hasn’t materialized. I don’t blame the corporate’s {hardware}, and it’s not the buyer’s fault. OnePlus didn’t have a method for sustained success in America, and it reveals. The OnePlus 13 is the most effective smartphone you don’t care about, and I hoped for a lot extra.

OnePlus nailed the design

Attractive show in a horny package deal

As quickly as I choose up the OnePlus 13, I discover the eye to element. OnePlus engineers labored to realize a 50/50 weight steadiness for the gadget, which makes a noticeable distinction once you maintain it. Not everyone seems to be a fan of eco-leather on smartphones, however I really like the feel it provides to the again of my OnePlus 13. In fact, in the event you desire a glass end, you will get the Arctic Daybreak or Black Eclipse colorways. OnePlus additionally added an IP69 score, so I’m assured rocking my OnePlus 13 with out a case.

Whereas I wouldn’t purchase a OnePlus gadget due to OxygenOS, it’s not a purpose I’d keep away from the telephone.

I want OnePlus used the anti-reflective show layer discovered on the Galaxy S25 Extremely. Nonetheless, the OnePlus 13 encompasses a beautiful 6.82-inch QHD+ show that refreshes at 120Hz. You’ll by no means want to check the total 4,500 nits of most brightness, however I don’t have any points viewing my OnePlus 13 open air. I additionally love how OnePlus dealt with the curved show. The two.5D glass feels unbelievable towards your fingertips, and you’ll simply swipe from the aspect of the show. I hate curved panels, however the OnePlus 13 is the proper steadiness.

All of the specs you’d count on in a 2025 flagship

OnePlus didn’t skimp

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is all the things I hoped for. It provides the OnePlus 13 excellent efficiency, with strong energy effectivity and restricted heating points. I don’t fairly know what I want all that energy for but, nevertheless it’s comforting to understand it’s there each time builders give us extra intensive cell apps. It’s additionally helpful for futureproofing, as I’m assured the OnePlus 13 will run easily for years. Simply to ensure, the corporate outfitted the OnePlus 13 with both 12 or 16GB of RAM, the latter possibility not out there on the Galaxy S25 Extremely.

I can’t focus on the OnePlus 13 with out mentioning its battery. I get two days of utilization from its 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. It has excellent battery efficiency. It’s possible you’ll not assume that something over a day is critical, nevertheless it’s unbelievable to know that if I neglect to plug in my telephone at night time or one thing occurs, I can go your entire subsequent day with out breaking a sweat. After I do must recharge, I get to make the most of the telephone’s 80W wired charging, with 100W out there with a particular adapter. It additionally options 50W wi-fi charging, which is quicker than Samsung’s wired charging on the Galaxy S25 Extremely.

Whereas I wouldn’t purchase a OnePlus gadget due to OxygenOS, it’s not a purpose I’d keep away from the telephone. OxygenOS has been in a funk since Android 12, however I’m happy to report that OxygenOS 15 is working effectively on each telephones I’ve had it on. OnePlus circled its software program, despite the fact that it took a number of years — higher late than by no means.

Incredible worth at a flagship stage

If solely OnePlus put the trouble in

It’s apparent that OnePlus fitted its newest flagship with the facility and efficiency you’d count on, however its price ticket will get again to the corporate’s roots. I really like that the bottom OnePlus 13 presently prices $850, with the 16GB variant priced at $950. It’s what initially made me excited concerning the OnePlus 13 as a authentic competitor to the Galaxy S25 Extremely this 12 months. Why pay virtually $400 extra when OnePlus gives a barely better-spec’d different for much less cash? Sadly, the corporate’s technique in North America isn’t as glorious as its {hardware}.

I used to be disenchanted when OnePlus misplaced its T-Cell service deal. Whether or not lovers prefer it or not, tens of hundreds of thousands of People purchase their telephones by way of a service annually, most of them on some form of finance plan by way of their month-to-month invoice. It’s handy, and it’s a approach for folks to get $1,300 flagship smartphones with out ever actually feeling that ache out of pocket. If OnePlus doesn’t have entry to that, it’ll proceed to be relegated to also-ran standing. I really like what OnePlus did with its newest gadgets, however I give Motorola a greater likelihood of competing towards Samsung and Google as a result of it’s on service retailer cabinets.

I don’t perceive the shortage of conviction

I want the T-Cell service deal had been more moderen. OnePlus was in a clumsy section with the OnePlus 10 Professional, and its software program wasn’t able to compete. I believe if there have been a do-over, OnePlus would fare significantly better with the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R working OxygenOS 15. Individuals are starved for alternate options, particularly on the flagship stage. I perceive OnePlus focuses on different markets, however I can nonetheless dream that the corporate will finally give the American market extra consideration.