OnePlus 13 review

Competition

Depending on where you are in the world, the OnePlus 13's main rivals may be a group of its relatives or a selection of heavyweights from Samsung and Google. Either way, there will be a lot of comparisons and close examinations of minute differences to pick just the right one for you.

Both Oppo and vivo have offerings with closely matched camera systems - the Find X8 and the X200. Add a Pro to either moniker, and you'd be looking at more capable cameraphones than the OP, though you may not be willing to pay the price. The Realme GT 7 Pro, on the other hand, can't quite match the 13 in camera prowess, but it does come with a super bright display and a touch better battery life.

vivo X200 • Oppo Find X8 • vivo X200 Pro • Oppo Find X8 Pro • Realme GT 7 Pro

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a sound alternative if you prefer Google's take on software and battery life and charging speed aren't paramount. Samsung's roster is due for an update soon, so it could be a great time for bargain-hunting a Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is probably the most phone you can have for any amount of money - in this case, for OP13 money. A Xiaomi 15, meanwhile, can be the compact option that's not sacrificing any camera chops.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra • Xiaomi 15

Verdict

OnePlus chose not to do a lot of camera upgrades this time around, so we're not really raving about it as a cameraphone. Don't get us wrong though - it remains a solid picture-taking device, with somewhat of a standout ultrawide. We'd have liked to see a closer-focusing telephoto - you'll need to look elsewhere for one of those. OP is also staying away from the display brightness race - but that's more of a blemish in the tests page than a real issue with the 13.

The 13 is, in fact, quite great on the fundamentals, offering some of the longest battery life in the class, together with speedy top-ups. No longer trailing in dust and water resistance, it's now as well-sealed as the rest, and it's even a step ahead in the build department thanks to its magnetic accessories capability.

Some 11 years later, the OnePlus appeal is no longer in its bargain price. But that doesn't mean the 13 isn't a competitive package - quite the opposite. You should definitely have it on your short list.

Pros

• Proper dust and water sealing, finally.
• Magnetic accessories support.
• Battery life longer than most; charging speed among the best this year, too.
• Generally solid stills capture overall; standout ultrawide results.

Cons

• The display peak brightness isn't competitive; frame rate limitations in gaming.
• Telephoto camera can't focus close.
• EU model lacks a charger in the box.
• eSIM support only on some versions.