If you’ve been eyeing the latest from OnePlus, you’ve probably noticed two new siblings on the block: the flagship OnePlus 13 and its slightly more budget-friendly counterpart, the OnePlus 13R. Both kick off their journeys with solid 8/10 reviews and many shared DNA traits, but they differ in price, features, and overall polish. The OnePlus 13 arrives at around $1,100, while the OnePlus 13R clocks in at about $820. So which one earns your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive in.
Whether you want top-tier specs or a smart midrange pick, this comparison will guide you through design, display, performance, cameras, and battery life. By the end, you’ll know which phone delivers the value and features you crave.
Design and Durability
At first glance, the OnePlus 13 and 13R look related—think sharp edges, clean lines, and that signature Alert Slider on the side. The 13R is ever so slightly smaller and lighter, sporting flatter frames compared to the subtly curved edges on the 13. It still feels premium, just not quite as heavy-duty.
On the toughness scale, the OnePlus 13 is the winner. It uses a Ceramic Guard front that resists scratches and cracks better than the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the 13R. The flagship also boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, while the 13R settles for IP65. If you’re worried about accidental spills or dusty adventures, the OnePlus 13 has your back.
Display Showdown
Both phones pack vibrant AMOLED screens with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that keeps scrolling buttery smooth. However, raw brightness and resolution tips the scales in the flagship’s favor. The OnePlus 13 peaked at almost 1,200 nits in our tests, enough to battle glare on sunny days, whereas the 13R topped out near 850 nits.
The OnePlus 13 also supports a crisp QHD+ resolution, though it defaults to Full HD+ to conserve battery. The 13R sticks with an in-between “1.5K” panel that balances sharpness and efficiency. Unless you’re a stickler for pixel-level clarity, both screens deliver punchy colors and lasting smoothness.
Software and Smart Features
Software on both devices is nearly identical, running OxygenOS on top of Android 15. That means an uncluttered interface, thoughtful customization options, and features like a Dynamic Island–style notification capsule. Swiping through menus, toggles, and quick controls feels snappy and intuitive.
OnePlus has even borrowed a few tricks from Apple: there’s an AirDrop-esque file-sharing tool (the recipient may need a companion app), a revamped shortcuts panel, and AI-powered helpers for text summaries and photo editing. Note: some AI features aren’t yet available in all languages, but they’ll roll out over time. Both phones promise four years of Android upgrades and six years of security patches.
Under-the-Hood Performance
If sheer speed is your top priority, the OnePlus 13 flexes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, one of the fastest chips Qualcomm offers. It handles multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease and minimal heat. Meanwhile, the 13R rocks last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is still a beast and outpaces most rivals in its price bracket.
Long story short: you’ll get flagship-level power on both models. If you love pushing limits with graphics-intensive games or video editing on the go, the extra horsepower and thermal headroom on the OnePlus 13 might come in handy. For everyday performance and occasional gaming, the 13R holds its own admirably.
Camera Face-off
Photography is where differences become more pronounced. The OnePlus 13 packs a 50MP main sensor, a wide f/1.6 aperture, and an improved periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (75mm equivalent). It captures sharp, balanced shots in any light. Colors stay true without oversaturation, and you’ll notice crisp detail in landscapes and portraits.
The OnePlus 13R isn’t far behind with a solid 50MP primary shooter that nails exposure and color most of the time. In daylight, it’s tough to tell the difference. After dark, though, the smaller aperture and sensor size let a bit more noise slip into low-light shots. Its telephoto lens tops out at 2x optical zoom (50mm equivalent), and its ultra-wide module has fewer megapixels, resulting in less detail on wide panoramas.
Bottom line: if photography is your passion and you want the most versatile setup, the OnePlus 13 is the winner. But if you only share snaps on social media and don’t mind subtle trade-offs at night, the 13R delivers very capable imaging for a midrange price.
Battery Life and Charging
Both phones house a sizable 6,000mAh battery, so day-long endurance is basically guaranteed. In our mixed-use tests, neither model ever left us scrambling for a charger before bedtime. Light users can even stretch to two days on a single charge.
Charging speeds differ slightly: the OnePlus 13 supports 100W wired charging, refilling from zero to full in about 37 minutes. The 13R tops out at 80W and needs closer to 50 minutes for a full charge. Either way, you can power up quickly during a coffee break.
Verdict: Which to Choose?
If you have some wiggle room in your budget and demand the absolute best screen, camera versatility, and premium build, the OnePlus 13 is worth the extra coin. You’ll enjoy the tougher glass, higher brightness, QHD+, and optical 3x zoom without compromise.
But if you’re aiming to save nearly $300 and still score a powerhouse performer with a big battery, smooth 120Hz display, and reliable cameras, the OnePlus 13R is a steal. It hits all the high notes of the flagship for most users while keeping the price firmly in midrange territory. Either way, OnePlus has delivered two winning handsets—just pick the one that fits your priorities and wallet.
