The OnePlus 13R arrives amid significant anticipation. It will launch alongside a highly anticipated flagship device and will be tasked with living up to the high bar set by its exceptionally successful predecessor.
Following OnePlus’ impressive year of performance, marked by a competitive foldable device and a range of strong slab-style Android phones, the OnePlus 13R enters the market with considerable expectations. The OnePlus 12R, in particular, blurred the lines between mid-range and flagship performance, leaving many hoping the 13R can continue that trend, especially given its attractive price point.
The new device maintains a recognizable design language but introduces some notable changes. The edges have been squared off, resulting in a more angular aesthetic with a distinct 90-degree bend where the glass meets the aluminum frame.
A key difference is the front display, which is now a flat 6.78-inch ProXDR panel, replacing the curved display of the previous model, and utilizing Gorilla Glass 7i for enhanced durability. The panel maintains a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a fluid user experience consistent with the prior version, and suggesting the OnePlus 13R is poised to deliver a robust performance experience that builds upon the success of its popular predecessor.
The OnePlus 13R, a device positioning itself within the budget-friendly segment, boasts a compelling internal setup beneath its exterior. Powering the phone is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a chipset that, while not the absolute latest, still offers impressive performance capabilities, especially within its price range.
This same high-performance processor, also found in flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, ensures the 13R can handle demanding tasks and remain potent for years to come. Complementing the robust processor is a generous 12GB of RAM, enabling seamless multitasking, and 256GB of storage, providing ample space for files, applications, and media.
Further enhancing the user experience, OnePlus has included a substantial 6,000mAh insulated battery, suggesting that users can anticipate extended battery life throughout their daily routines. Moving to the camera department, the 13R, like its predecessor, the 12R, promises high-quality imaging. It is equipped with a versatile triple-lens array headlined by 50MP sensors for both main wide-angle shots and telephoto captures, delivering detailed and vibrant results.
An additional 8MP ultrawide camera expands the photographic possibilities, enabling users to capture broader perspectives. Crucially, the main 50MP shooter features Sony’s innovative LYT-700 sensor, which is expected to provide further enhancements to image quality and performance. The combination of these components positions the OnePlus 13R as a strong contender for those seeking a powerful and capable phone without breaking the bank.
While the OnePlus 13R boasts an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of this certification. This means the device can withstand dust ingress and low-pressure water jets, offering a decent level of protection against everyday spills and light exposure to the elements.
However, it falls short of the higher IP67 or IP68 ratings found in many flagship smartphones, implying that while small splashes might be tolerated, submerging the device in water is strongly discouraged and could potentially lead to damage. This distinction is significant for users who might expect similar levels of water resistance across different devices.
The launch of the OnePlus 13R, available globally starting today in Nebula Noir and Astral Trail color options, introduces a new player into the mid-range market. Priced at $599 in the US and $849 in Canada, with European price tags at £679 and €749, respectively, the phone enters a territory often associated with compromises in performance and features to achieve a lower price point.
However, there’s a hopeful expectation that OnePlus will deliver more power and capability than what the price bracket traditionally suggests, leading consumers to question the level of compromise the brand has made in other areas to offer a robust experience.
