OnePlus 13R Review: The Value-For-Money Flagship

A new year brings the latest OnePlus number series, introducing a strong contender in the value-for-money flagship arena. The OnePlus 13R continues the journey of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R, by offering an attractive price coupled with impressive flagship-level attributes. The question now is whether this model represents a mere incremental update or a significant enhancement of OnePlus’s mid-range offerings. After a month of practical usage, the final judgement has been reached.

Design: Sharp, Sleek, and Familiar

The design ethos of OnePlus is refined in the 13R, showcasing a flat frame and display while preserving the iconic circular camera arrangement. The notable change is that the camera module is no longer embedded into the side frame, resulting in a sleeker overall appearance.

Upon holding the 13R, the premium craftsmanship is evident – it has an aluminium frame with a matte finish that signifies elegance, although it can be somewhat slick. Thankfully, it does not attract fingerprints, and OnePlus conveniently includes a sturdy silicone case in the packaging. The reviewed Astral Trail variant features a textured matte glass back that artistically imitates star trails, creating a subtle yet distinctive character.

The button configuration remains consistent, with volume and power buttons located on the right side alongside the cherished Alert Slider on the left. The SIM tray, Type-C port, and speaker sit at the bottom, while the top accommodates a secondary microphone, an IR blaster, and an additional speaker. With an IP65 rating, the device is prepared to withstand minor splashes but is not designed for full submersion.

Display: Incremental Upgrades, Same Stunning Quality

In terms of specifications, the 6.78-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display retains much of what the 12R offered – a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Dolby Vision compatibility. The enhancement comes in the form of slimmer bezels that improve the screen-to-body ratio.

The display provides vibrant yet true-to-life colours, with peak brightness reaching 4,500 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. Scrolling is buttery smooth, aided by LTPO technology that adjusts the refresh rate dynamically. The addition of Aqua Touch 2.0 and Glove Mode ensures usability across various conditions.

The optical under-display fingerprint scanner remains a highlight, delivering swift and dependable unlocking. Engaging with media, gaming, or simple browsing on this screen is truly immersive.

Software: OxygenOS 15 Introduces AI Features

Running on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, the OnePlus 13R offers a near-stock user experience complemented by several OnePlus enhancements. OxygenOS has evolved impressively, featuring smooth animations and minimal bloatware. Some pre-installed applications such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Netflix can be easily uninstalled.

Among the new AI-driven capabilities are AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Eraser, and Reflection Eraser within the Photos application. While some features may vary in effectiveness, AI Eraser and Reflection Eraser prove useful for eliminating unwanted aspects from photos.

Another innovative feature is the “Share with iPhone” option, simplifying the process of transferring files between iOS and Android, a convenience appreciated by OnePlus users. The Open Canvas function facilitates enhanced multitasking, though it shines best on larger displays.

OnePlus ensures longevity with a commitment to four years of operating system updates and six years of security patches.

Performance: Smooth and Cool Under Load

Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the OnePlus 13R yields exceptional performance. Everyday tasks, switching between applications, and gaming are completed with ease, and the phone maintains composure even under prolonged usage.

Gaming capabilities stand out prominently. Titles such as BGMI and Genshin Impact perform smoothly at maximum settings, with no apparent lag. The sophisticated 9,925mm² vapour chamber cooling system effectively regulates temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

The stereo speakers produce loud, well-balanced audio with a subtle bass. Call quality is solid, supported by dual microphones that ensure clear voice capture.

Cameras: Smarter Choices, Better Results

In a welcome move, the OnePlus 13R removes the unnecessary 2MP macro lens in exchange for a more functional 50MP telephoto camera featuring 2x optical zoom. The camera specifications are as follows:

• 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-700, f/1.8, OIS)
• 50MP telephoto (Samsung S5KJN5, f/2.0, 2x optical zoom)
• 8MP ultrawide (112° FoV, f/2.2)
• 16MP front camera (f/2.4)

Capturing photos in daylight with the main sensor yields sharp images characterised by excellent colour accuracy, strong dynamic range, and impressive detail preservation. The telephoto lens produces crisp 2x zoom shots with colours that align closely with the primary sensor.

While the ultrawide lens performs adequately, it exhibits slight colour discrepancies and distortion but remains serviceable. Night mode has improved low-light performance, effectively retaining details with minimal noise, although the ultrawide and telephoto sensors still face challenges in dim conditions.

The selfie camera performs well in bright settings but may introduce noise in lower light. Video recording capabilities peak at 4K 60fps, providing effective stabilisation in Ultra Steady mode (1080p), but it is not as strong in 4K.

Battery Life: Power That Lasts

One of the significant enhancements is the 6,000mAh battery, an upgrade from the 5,500mAh offered by the 12R. Remarkably, the phone retains a slim profile that is comfortable to hold.

Battery performance is impressive:

• 7-8 hours of screen-on time under heavy usage.
• 32 hours and 16 minutes in the HD video loop test.

Charging speeds stay consistent with 80W SuperVOOC technology, bringing the battery to full capacity in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. A quick 30-minute charge achieves about 40% battery life, sufficient for a full day of moderate usage.

Verdict: A Worthy Successor? Certainly.

The OnePlus 13R enhances an already successful formula, addressing prior shortcomings like the outdated macro camera while introducing beneficial upgrades. With a more robust battery, enhanced cameras, an impressive display, and top-tier performance, it confidently ranks among the elite in the mid-range flagship segment.

At Rs. 42,999 (12GB + 256GB) and Rs. 49,999 (16GB + 512GB), it competes effectively with other models while providing a near-flagship experience. Although current 12R owners may not see an urgent need to upgrade, those using older OnePlus devices or switching from different mid-range options will find this an outstanding choice.