The OnePlus 13 arrives with top-tier hardware: a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It packs a massive 6000mAh battery, supports 100W wired charging, and boasts IP68 dust and water resistance.
On the camera side, you’ll find a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 64MP telephoto module. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB, and it ships with Android 15 via OxygenOS 15.
OnePlus 12: Specs at a Glance
The slightly older OnePlus 12 rocks the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip paired with up to 16GB of RAM and the same 6.8-inch QHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display. It houses a 5400mAh battery, also backed by 100W charging, but without an official IP rating.
Its camera setup mirrors the 13 with a 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto lens. Storage maxes out at 512GB, and it launched on Android 14 with OxygenOS 14, pending an update to Android 15.
Design & Build Differences
At a glance, the OnePlus 13 and 12 look almost identical—same flat-frame design, button layout, and signature Alert Slider. The 13 is a hair thinner at 8.5mm versus the 12’s 9.2mm, and it’s about 10 grams lighter, making it feel a touch more refined and sleek in hand.
The most notable visual update comes from the new camera island on the OnePlus 13: the lenses appear to float free of the chassis, giving it a contemporary, minimalist vibe. It’s also the first OnePlus to earn IP68 certification, meaning you don’t have to tiptoe around puddles or accidental dunks.
Display: OnePlus 13 vs OnePlus 12
Both phones feature a gorgeous AMOLED panel with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution. The punch-hole selfie cutout sits neatly at the top center, and bezels are kept slim to offer an immersive view.
While the OnePlus 13 edges out the 12 by a few nits on peak brightness, neither excels in direct sunlight due to higher reflectance. Colors are punchy and accurate on both, but you might notice slightly truer tones on the newer model. In everyday use, it boils down to personal preference rather than a clear winner.
Software & User Experience
OnePlus has nailed a clean, near-stock Android feel with OxygenOS. The OnePlus 13 ships with Android 15, while the 12 will soon catch up. Both pledge four years of Android upgrades and two more years of security patches—decent, though not quite on par with Google’s Pixel or Samsung’s flagship support.
With virtually no bloatware, navigation is straightforward. You get thoughtful tweaks like Zen Mode, a customizable shelf, and AI-powered photo editing tools (although some advanced features aren’t yet available in English). The OnePlus 13 also introduces an interactive pill-shaped widget reminiscent of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island for notifications and quick actions.
Performance: Power Under the Hood
If performance is a top priority, rest easy. The OnePlus 13’s Snapdragon 8 Elite handles everything—gaming at max settings, 4K video editing, and multitasking—with zero stutter. The OnePlus 12’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is no slouch either, delivering blistering speeds in benchmarks and real-world use.
Whether you’re flipping between apps, streaming high-res videos, or running mobile games, both devices feel like unshakable workhorses. You won’t be left wanting more.
Camera Showdown
Main & Ultra-Wide Lenses
The 50MP main sensor on both phones excels at capturing vibrant, detailed shots with true-to-life colors—though it sometimes leans into higher contrast for that extra pop. Night mode kicks in effortlessly, producing clean low-light images.
For your scenic group selfies and landscapes, the ultra-wide shines. The OnePlus 12’s 48MP sensor occasionally nails sky exposure better, but the OnePlus 13’s upgraded 50MP unit offers finer detail and smoother edges.
Telephoto Lens
Both models rock a 64MP telephoto module for optical zoom. The OnePlus 13 is a bit more restrained in post-processing, resulting in a natural look when zooming in digitally. Expect detailed, warm-toned shots with either phone—ideal for that perfect portrait or distant subject.
Battery Life & Charging
OnePlus bulked up the 13’s battery to 6000mAh, so you can comfortably hit two days of moderate use without scrambling for a charger. The OnePlus 12’s 5400mAh cell still pulls off a solid 1.5-day runtime for light users, but heavy gamers might need a midday top-up.
When it’s time to juice up, both phones support 100W wired charging. The OnePlus 12 clocks a full charge in about 26 minutes. The OnePlus 13 takes roughly 36 minutes, likely due to its larger battery—and if you prefer wireless charging, the 13 leaps ahead here too.
Which One to Buy?
If you’re craving the absolute latest features—IP68 protection, beefier battery, slight camera refinements, and Android 15 out of the box—the OnePlus 13 is your pick. Just be ready to shell out over $1,000 for the privilege.
On the other hand, if you want flagship-level performance and cameras without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 12 offers insane value around $620. It’s nearly identical in most day-to-day areas and a steal if you can grab it on sale.
Bottom line: hardcore power users and photo fanatics may lean toward the OnePlus 13, but for everyone else, the OnePlus 12 remains a killer deal in the flagship arena.
