OnePlus has long been synonymous with the term "flagship killer," delivering high-end smartphones at prices that undercut premium competitors like Samsung, Apple, and Google. With the release of the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R in 2025, the question remains: does OnePlus still deserve its iconic title? In this SEO-optimized review, we dive into the features, performance, and value of the latest OnePlus phones to see if they live up to the legacy.
A Brief History of OnePlus as the Flagship Killer
Since its debut in 2014 with the OnePlus One, the brand has built a loyal following by offering top-tier specs at budget-friendly prices. Over the years, OnePlus has evolved, moving from a niche startup to a major player under Oppo’s umbrella. However, with rising prices and increased competition, some wonder if OnePlus can still claim the "flagship killer" crown. Let’s explore the OnePlus 13 and 13R to find out.
OnePlus 13: A True Flagship Contender
The OnePlus 13, released in January 2025, is the brand’s most advanced smartphone yet, boasting features that rival the best from Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
Design and Build
- Premium Aesthetics: The OnePlus 13 introduces a sleek Midnight Ocean vegan leather finish, paired with a flat, curveless 6.8-inch QHD+ OLED display. The design feels modern and premium, with a lightweight aluminum frame and a Hasselblad-branded camera module.
- Durability: For the first time, OnePlus offers IP69 certification, surpassing the IP68 ratings of competitors. This makes the OnePlus 13 one of the most durable smartphones available, capable of withstanding dust and high-pressure water.
- Ergonomics: The slightly curved glass and eco-leather back make it comfortable to hold, though some users may prefer a case for added grip.
Performance
- Snapdragon 8 Elite: Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13 delivers exceptional performance, outpacing many rivals in CPU and GPU benchmarks. It handles demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking with ease.
- RAM and Storage: With options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus 13 ensures smooth operation and future-proofing.
Display
- Stunning Visuals: The 6.8-inch OLED display is one of the brightest on the market, reaching up to 4,500 nits (per DisplayMate). Its 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming while optimizing battery life.
- Aqua Touch 2.0: This innovative feature allows the screen to function flawlessly even with wet hands, a practical addition for real-world use.
Camera System
- Hasselblad-Tuned Cameras: The OnePlus 13 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor, a 50MP telephoto with 2x zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. It excels in selfies, portraits, and action shots, though it may not match the versatility of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- AI Enhancements: Computational photography improves zoom and low-light performance, delivering sharp, vibrant images. However, some shots show aggressive processing.
Battery and Charging
- Massive Battery: The 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery lasts up to two days on a single charge, outperforming many competitors.
- Fast Charging: With 80W wired and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging, the OnePlus 13 reaches a full charge in just 43 minutes, far surpassing Apple and Samsung’s offerings.
Software
- OxygenOS 15: Built on Android, OxygenOS 15 offers a clean, bloat-free experience with advanced multitasking and AI tools. However, it only provides four years of OS updates, lagging behind Samsung and Google’s seven-year commitment.
Pricing
Starting at $849.99 for the 12GB/256GB model and $949.99 for the 16GB/512GB variant, the OnePlus 13 undercuts premium flagships while delivering comparable performance.
OnePlus 13R: The Budget Flagship Killer
For those seeking value without sacrificing performance, the OnePlus 13R is a compelling option. Launched alongside the OnePlus 13, it targets the mid-range market with flagship-level specs.
Key Features
- Display: A 6.78-inch ProXDR AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2800 x 1260 resolution delivers vibrant, smooth visuals.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (the same as 2024’s flagships), the 13R offers near-flagship performance at a lower price point.
- Camera: The 50MP main sensor and 50MP telephoto lens perform well in good lighting, though the 8MP ultrawide is less impressive.
- Battery: A 6,000mAh battery with 80W wired charging ensures all-day use and quick top-ups.
- Price: Starting at $490.49, the OnePlus 13R offers incredible value, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment.
Drawbacks
- The ultrawide camera and video stabilization could be better.
- AI features are limited compared to Samsung and Google.
- No wireless charging, unlike the OnePlus 13.
How Does OnePlus Compare to the Competition?
OnePlus has historically positioned itself as a more affordable alternative to Apple and Samsung. The OnePlus 13 and 13R continue this tradition, but with some caveats:
- Versus Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The OnePlus 13 offers similar performance and battery life at a lower price ($849.99 vs. $1,300). However, Samsung’s superior software support and more versatile camera system give it an edge for photography enthusiasts.
- Versus iPhone 16 Pro Max: The OnePlus 13’s faster charging and larger battery outshine Apple’s flagship, but iOS’s ecosystem and longer software updates appeal to Apple loyalists.
- Versus Google Pixel 9 Pro: Google’s AI-driven features and camera prowess make it a strong competitor, but the OnePlus 13’s raw performance and display quality hold their own.
Is OnePlus Still the Flagship Killer?
The OnePlus 13 is a near-perfect flagship, combining top-tier performance, a stunning display, and exceptional battery life at a price that undercuts the competition. Its IP69 rating, wireless charging, and improved cameras address past criticisms, making it a true contender against premium flagships. However, its shorter software support and slightly less versatile camera system prevent it from fully dethroning Samsung or Google.
The OnePlus 13R, meanwhile, embodies the "flagship killer" ethos more closely. With flagship-level performance, a vibrant display, and a budget-friendly price, it’s a standout in the mid-range market, though it lacks some premium features like wireless charging.
Challenges Facing OnePlus
Despite its strengths, OnePlus faces hurdles:
- Market Strategy: The loss of carrier deals, like with T-Mobile, limits accessibility in the U.S., where many consumers prefer financing through carriers.
- Brand Perception: Issues like the "green line" display problem in older models have hurt OnePlus’s reputation in markets like India.
- Competition: With brands like Xiaomi and Realme offering similar value, OnePlus must innovate to maintain its edge.
Should You Buy the OnePlus 13 or 13R?
- Choose the OnePlus 13 if: You want a premium flagship with top-tier performance, a gorgeous display, and excellent battery life at a lower price than Samsung or Apple.
- Choose the OnePlus 13R if: You’re on a budget but still want near-flagship performance, a great display, and reliable battery life.
- Look Elsewhere if: You prioritize long-term software updates or need the absolute best camera system.
The OnePlus 13 and 13R prove that OnePlus hasn’t lost its knack for delivering high-value smartphones. While the OnePlus 13 competes head-to-head with premium flagships, the 13R carries the "flagship killer" torch with its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. Though challenges like limited software support and market strategy remain, OnePlus continues to offer compelling alternatives to pricier competitors. So, is OnePlus still the flagship killer? With the 13R, absolutely. With the 13, it’s more of a flagship contender—but one that’s hard to beat for the price.