With the worldwide debut of the OnePlus 13, the Shenzhen-based brand is stepping up to define what a flagship smartphone should deliver in 2025.
Let’s begin with some good news: the iconic OnePlus alert slider remains intact. This physical switch lets you easily toggle between mute, vibrate, and ring modes without needing to glance at your phone. The alert slider is one of OnePlus’ hallmark features, alongside its dedication to ultra-fast charging and delivering top-tier specifications at a competitive price point.
So, how does the OnePlus 13 aim to tackle the demands of 2025?
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OnePlus 13 Battery Performance and Charging Capabilities
OnePlus has consistently been a pioneer in delivering fast charging and reliable battery performance, and the OnePlus 13 continues this tradition. The device houses an impressive 6,000 mAh battery, a notable achievement considering its slim design and robust camera setup. Its dual-cell configuration enables faster and more efficient charging.
With the included SuperVOOC wired charging technology, the OnePlus 13 supports 100W power delivery, allowing the battery to reach 100% in just 35–40 minutes.
Wireless charging is also a key feature, offering up to 50W using OnePlus’ custom AIRVOOC system. For optimal results, users need OnePlus’ magnetic case, ensuring the phone aligns correctly on the charger. However, the OnePlus 13 is also compatible with Qi wireless chargers, making it versatile for a range of charging solutions.
It’s worth noting that these fast-charging options come at an additional cost, as OnePlus no longer includes a charger in the box, following a trend adopted by many smartphone manufacturers.
OnePlus 13 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite
At the heart of the OnePlus 13 lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, the latest flagship processor that sets a new standard for performance. This top-tier chipset outperforms competitors like Samsung’s Exynos 2400 and Google’s Tensor G4, leading the way in both single-core and multi-core benchmark tests.
The OnePlus 13 is among the first devices to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, giving it an early advantage over rival smartphones. However, as the chipset will likely power most flagships by mid-year, OnePlus has gone a step further to ensure its device stands out.
OnePlus offers the option of 16 GB of RAM, providing an edge over other devices that typically offer 12 GB. With the increasing demands of on-device AI applications, this additional memory ensures the OnePlus 13 remains future-proof and capable of handling intensive tasks.
In practical use, the OnePlus 13 excels in gaming scenarios. Running Genshin Impact at 60 fps, the device delivers smooth gameplay with only occasional dropped frames. This highlights the effectiveness of its thermal management system, which includes two vapor chambers—one dedicated to cooling and the other to heat distribution. Throughout testing, the phone remained comfortably cool, avoiding any noticeable temperature spikes.
This combination of cutting-edge hardware and thoughtful design makes the OnePlus 13 a powerhouse for both everyday use and demanding tasks.
OnePlus 13 and the Hasselblad Camera
Historically, OnePlus has struggled to keep up with competitors in the camera department. However, its collaboration with Hasselblad has significantly elevated its camera capabilities, bringing the OnePlus 13 closer to rival flagship smartphones.
The OnePlus 13 features a triple-lens rear camera system, with all three lenses boasting 50-megapixel sensors. This includes a main camera, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom via a periscope mechanism. While the telephoto lens is the least impressive of the trio, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall performance.
Hasselblad’s influence is most evident in the portrait mode, offering three filters inspired by classic film styles and enhanced lighting options. These artistic tools provide users with creative flexibility for on-the-go photography.
OnePlus has opted for higher exposure levels during image processing, resulting in photos that may appear slightly washed out but often deliver a more natural color tone compared to the oversaturated hues of older models.
The OnePlus 13’s camera system is clearly designed with two priorities: capturing stunning close-up portraits and handling fast-moving action shots. While it sacrifices high magnification capabilities, this trade-off feels justified for a balanced and competitive price point.
Although upcoming flagship releases from competitors may shift the landscape, the OnePlus 13 currently offers a well-rounded and dependable camera experience, bolstered by its Hasselblad partnership.
Software: OxygenOS and AI Integration
The OnePlus 13 ships with the latest OxygenOS, built on Android 15. Staying true to its minimalist roots, the OS offers a clean user experience while embracing AI-powered enhancements. Features like AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, and advanced photo editing tools leverage generative AI to elevate image quality.
Other AI integrations include Intelligent Search for faster data retrieval and compatibility with Google Gemini’s generative AI capabilities, such as tone adjustment and text summarization. The inclusion of Open Canvas, introduced on the OnePlus Open, enhances multitasking with options for split-screen or floating windows.
Software support includes four years of updates and six years of security patches, slightly behind Google’s Pixel devices, which offer seven years of coverage. Still, this level of support is sufficient for most flagship buyers.
Final Thoughts on the OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 clearly aims to secure its spot among the top-tier smartphones of 2025. Its premium design, featuring vegan-friendly leather and a sleek camera island, exudes sophistication. Packed with cutting-edge specifications, the device confidently rivals other flagship models while boasting IP68 and IP69 certifications for dust and water resistance.
While the camera system remains a relative weak point compared to some competitors, OnePlus’ early release gives it a head start—though it also leaves room for rival brands to catch up. Despite this, the OnePlus 13 delivers a well-rounded performance and is expected to maintain a competitive edge with its pricing, even as other manufacturers enter the fray.
Disclaimer: The OnePlus 13 and related accessories were provided by OnePlus for review purposes.
