With the recent launch of the OnePlus 13R in India, the high mid-range smartphone segment has become more competitive than ever. The OnePlus 13R promises flagship-level performance, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a 6,000mAh battery, and impressive AI-driven features—all under ₹45,000. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 8a, known for its stellar camera capabilities and Google’s AI prowess, is priced at ₹52,999. But which device offers better value for your money? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Price Comparison
- OnePlus 13R: Launched at ₹42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant.
- Google Pixel 8a: Launched at ₹52,999, making it ₹10,000 more expensive than the OnePlus 13R for the base model.
With a significant price gap, the OnePlus 13R offers a more budget-friendly option while still delivering premium features.
Design and Build Quality
- OnePlus 13R:
Features a glass body and aluminium frame with curved edges, lending it a premium feel. It is equipped with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. - Google Pixel 8a:
Comes with a unique camera bar design and a matte rear panel with an aluminium frame. It offers better water resistance with an IP57 rating, though the OnePlus 13R provides slightly more durability overall.
Verdict: While both devices have excellent build quality, the OnePlus 13R’s premium glass design and higher dust resistance rating give it a slight edge.
Display
- OnePlus 13R:
Boasts a 6.77-inch ProXDR LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 4,500 nits peak brightness. - Google Pixel 8a:
Features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2,000 nits peak brightness.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s larger, brighter display with ProXDR technology makes it a superior choice for media consumption and gaming.
Performance and Battery
- OnePlus 13R:
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB internal storage, ensuring top-tier performance in multitasking, gaming, and heavy applications. It packs a 6,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, allowing a full charge in under 25 minutes. - Google Pixel 8a:
Equipped with the Google Tensor G3 chip, paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. It houses a 4,700mAh battery with 27W fast charging.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s superior processor, larger battery, and faster charging make it the better performer, especially for power users.
Camera
- OnePlus 13R:
Features a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-700), a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. - Google Pixel 8a:
Offers a dual-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide camera.
While the Pixel 8a is known for its exceptional image processing and AI-driven photography, the OnePlus 13R’s versatile triple-camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens offers more flexibility in different shooting scenarios.
Verdict: If you prioritize computational photography, the Pixel 8a is a strong contender. However, for users seeking a versatile camera setup with zoom capabilities, the OnePlus 13R is the better option.