The OnePlus 13 Is Brilliant Phone That’s Flying Completely Under The Radar

I’m using my OnePlus 13 again, and every time I go back to it for an update, I’m amazed at how excellent it is. Every year, I have the same routine. I’ll review the latest OnePlus flagship, but after that’s over, I run back into the warm embrace of a Samsung Galaxy device — not this year. I’ve spent more time with my OnePlus 13 than I have with my Galaxy S25 Ultra, and for good reason.

I thought OnePlus had a chance to gain some traction in the US, capitalizing on the lackluster Galaxy S25 Ultra. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized. I don’t blame the company’s hardware, and it’s not the consumer’s fault. OnePlus didn’t have a strategy for sustained success in America, and it shows. The OnePlus 13 is the best smartphone you don’t care about, and I hoped for so much more.

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OnePlus nailed the design

Gorgeous display in an attractive package

As soon as I pick up the OnePlus 13, I notice the attention to detail. OnePlus engineers worked to achieve a 50/50 weight balance for the device, which makes a noticeable difference when you hold it. Not everyone is a fan of eco-leather on smartphones, but I love the texture it adds to the back of my OnePlus 13. Of course, if you prefer a glass finish, you can get the Arctic Dawn or Black Eclipse colorways. OnePlus also added an IP69 rating, so I’m confident rocking my OnePlus 13 without a case.

While I wouldn’t buy a OnePlus device because of OxygenOS, it’s not a reason I’d avoid the phone.

I wish OnePlus used the anti-reflective display layer found on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Still, the OnePlus 13 features a gorgeous 6.82-inch QHD+ display that refreshes at 120Hz. You’ll never need to test the full 4,500 nits of maximum brightness, but I don’t have any issues viewing my OnePlus 13 outdoors. I also love how OnePlus handled the curved display. The 2.5D glass feels fantastic against your fingertips, and you can easily swipe from the side of the display. I hate curved panels, but the OnePlus 13 is the correct balance.

All the specs you’d expect in a 2025 flagship

OnePlus didn’t skimp

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is everything I hoped for. It gives the OnePlus 13 superb performance, with solid power efficiency and limited heating issues. I don’t quite know what I need all that power for yet, but it’s comforting to know it’s there whenever developers give us more intensive mobile apps. It’s also useful for futureproofing, as I’m confident the OnePlus 13 will run smoothly for years. Just to make sure, the company equipped the OnePlus 13 with either 12 or 16GB of RAM, the latter option not available on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

I can’t discuss the OnePlus 13 without mentioning its battery. I get two days of usage from its 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. It has outstanding battery performance. You may not think that anything over a day is necessary, but it’s fantastic to know that if I forget to plug in my phone at night or something happens, I can go the entire next day without breaking a sweat. When I do have to recharge, I get to take advantage of the phone’s 80W wired charging, with 100W available with a special adapter. It also features 50W wireless charging, which is faster than Samsung’s wired charging on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

While I wouldn’t buy a OnePlus device because of OxygenOS, it’s not a reason I’d avoid the phone. OxygenOS has been in a funk since Android 12, but I’m pleased to report that OxygenOS 15 is running well on both phones I’ve had it on. OnePlus turned around its software, even though it took a few years — better late than never.

Fantastic value at a flagship level

If only OnePlus put the effort in

It’s obvious that OnePlus fitted its latest flagship with the power and performance you’d expect, but its price tag gets back to the company’s roots. I love that the base OnePlus 13 currently costs $850, with the 16GB variant priced at $950. It’s what initially made me excited about the OnePlus 13 as a legitimate competitor to the Galaxy S25 Ultra this year. Why pay almost $400 more when OnePlus offers a slightly better-spec’d alternative for less money? Unfortunately, the company’s strategy in North America isn’t as excellent as its hardware.

I was disappointed when OnePlus lost its T-Mobile carrier deal. Whether enthusiasts like it or not, tens of millions of Americans buy their phones through a carrier each year, most of them on some sort of finance plan through their monthly bill. It’s convenient, and it’s a way for people to get $1,300 flagship smartphones without ever really feeling that pain out of pocket. If OnePlus doesn’t have access to that, it’ll continue to be relegated to also-ran status. I love what OnePlus did with its latest devices, but I give Motorola a better chance of competing against Samsung and Google because it’s on carrier store shelves.

I don’t understand the lack of conviction

I wish the T-Mobile carrier deal were more recent. OnePlus was in an awkward phase with the OnePlus 10 Pro, and its software wasn’t ready to compete. I think if there were a do-over, OnePlus would fare much better with the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R running OxygenOS 15. People are starved for alternatives, especially at the flagship level. I understand OnePlus focuses on other markets, but I can still dream that the company will eventually give the American market more attention.

SoC

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

RAM

12GB, 16GB, or 24GB

Storage

256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Battery

6,000mAh

The OnePlus 13 is a beast of a phone. With a refreshed design, a mostly curveless display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery capable of getting you through a day without breaking a sweat, this could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone to beat in 2025. And hey, it’s got a pretty great camera system, too.