The OnePlus 13 has finally arrived, and it’s already sparking comparisons with its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. For those contemplating an upgrade, here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what’s improved, and whether the OnePlus 13 lives up to the hype.
Price: A Strategic Bump
The OnePlus 13 comes with a slight price increase compared to the OnePlus 12, reflecting its enhanced hardware and features. While the OnePlus 12 debuted at approximately $699, the OnePlus 13 starts at $749, depending on the variant. Despite the higher price, the added value in terms of performance and design justifies the extra cost for many users.
Design and Build: Refinement in Simplicity
OnePlus has refined the design with the 13, opting for a sleeker and more premium finish. The device is slightly slimmer, and its bezels are almost non-existent, offering a more immersive display. The new color options also set it apart from the OnePlus 12, which, while stylish, felt less innovative in its aesthetics.
Display: Brighter and Smoother
The OnePlus 12 already boasted an impressive AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the OnePlus 13 takes it up a notch. The new model features a brighter LTPO 3.0 AMOLED panel with improved color accuracy and an adaptive refresh rate that enhances both gaming and video streaming experiences.
Performance: The Snapdragon Leap
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a leap from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the OnePlus 12. This upgrade delivers faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved energy efficiency. The new cooling system ensures sustained performance even during intensive gaming sessions.
Camera: Pushing Boundaries
The camera setup is where OnePlus 13 truly shines. While the OnePlus 12 had a capable triple-camera system, the OnePlus 13 introduces a new 1-inch primary sensor, delivering sharper images, better low-light performance, and enhanced dynamic range. The telephoto and ultrawide sensors have also been upgraded, making it a versatile choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery and Charging: Efficiency Wins
The OnePlus 13 features a slightly larger 5,200mAh battery compared to the 5,000mAh in the OnePlus 12. Coupled with improved software optimization, this results in longer battery life. Fast charging remains a hallmark, with both models supporting 100W wired charging, but the 13 offers improved 50W wireless charging.
Software: OxygenOS Evolution
Both devices run OxygenOS, but the OnePlus 13 launches with the latest iteration, offering smoother animations, enhanced privacy features, and deeper integration with the hardware. OnePlus promises longer software support for the 13, giving it an edge in longevity.