Introduction
In the fiercely competitive world of Android smartphones, few brands have managed to consistently deliver the perfect blend of power, design, and affordability quite like OnePlus. With its latest addition to the popular R-series, the OnePlus 13R, the company continues to assert dominance in the “flagship killer” category. Packed with top-tier performance, an exceptional display, premium design, and a battery that won’t let you down, the OnePlus 13R is designed for tech enthusiasts who demand more without paying flagship prices.
Let’s dive deep into this exciting smartphone, exploring everything from its hardware to software, display to performance, and price to availability. Whether you’re a long-time OnePlus fan or considering switching, this detailed OnePlus 13R review will help you understand why it could be your next smartphone.
OnePlus 13R Overview: A Powerful Statement
Launch and Availability
The OnePlus 13R was officially launched in 7th January 2025, with a global rollout following shortly. In India, one of the key markets for OnePlus, the phone made a strong debut both online and offline. It is available through Amazon India, OnePlus stores, and major retail partners. The phone is available in two variants: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage.
Price in India
The OnePlus 13R is priced competitively to appeal to mid-premium users:
8GB + 128GB – ₹39,999
12GB + 256GB – ₹43,999
This pricing makes it a direct competitor to devices like the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, Realme GT 6, and Samsung Galaxy A74 5G.
OnePlus 13R Design and Build Quality
Premium Aesthetics
The OnePlus 13R features a matte glass back with a refined aluminum frame, delivering a solid yet sleek feel in the hand. Available in Obsidian Black and Glacier Blue, it blends minimalism with luxury. The clean design is accentuated by a circular camera module on the back, giving it a bold personality.
Ergonomics and Durability
Weighing in at 206 grams and measuring 8.3 mm in thickness, the phone strikes a perfect balance between premium feel and comfortable grip. It also carries an IP65 rating, meaning it can resist dust and minor water splashes – a welcome addition in this price bracket.
Display: Immersive Visual Delight
The OnePlus 13R display is one of its standout features. It boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTPO 4.0 panel with a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Whether you’re gaming, watching Netflix, or browsing the web, the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and incredibly smooth.
Key Display Features:
Peak brightness: Up to 4500 nits (for HDR content)
HDR10+ support
10-bit color depth
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
With PWM dimming at 2160Hz, the display is also easy on the eyes, making it ideal for long usage.
Performance: Snapdragon Power Unleashed
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13R is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, a tried and tested flagship chipset known for its incredible performance and power efficiency. Coupled with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the phone flies through multitasking, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Benchmark Scores (Approximate):
AnTuTu: 1.3 million+
Geekbench 6: 1850 (Single-core), 5100 (Multi-core)
With HyperBoost gaming engine, vapor chamber cooling, and AI performance optimization, mobile gamers can enjoy demanding titles like PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty Mobile without worrying about overheating or lag.
Software: Clean and Fast OxygenOS 14
OnePlus 13R runs on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14. Known for its clean UI, bloat-free experience, and customization options, OxygenOS has always been a user favorite.
Noteworthy Software Features:
AI Smart Cut for photo editing
Aquamorphic Design 2.0 for visual consistency
Zen Mode 2.0 for digital wellness
New AI-powered translation and summarization tools
OnePlus has also promised 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches, ensuring long-term usability.
Camera System: Flagship-Like Imaging
The OnePlus 13R camera setup includes a triple-lens system that can capture everything from detailed landscapes to professional portraits.
Rear Cameras:
Primary: 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide: 50MP, 112° field of view
Macro: 8MP
Front Camera:
16MP selfie shooter, f/2.4 aperture
Photos taken in daylight are sharp, color-accurate, and well-balanced. Night photography is enhanced with Nightscape 2.0, delivering better clarity in low-light conditions.
Camera Features:
4K video recording at 60fps
AI scene recognition
Ultra Steady mode
Pro mode with RAW support
While not on par with the OnePlus 13 Pro, the 13R delivers highly competitive photography performance for its price.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power with Super Speed
The OnePlus 13R comes equipped with a 6000mAh dual-cell battery, offering over a day of battery life even with heavy usage.
Charging Details:
80W SUPERVOOC wired charging
Full charge from 0% to 100% in under 36 minutes
Battery Health Engine to extend battery longevity
The absence of wireless charging is the only noticeable omission, but wired charging is so fast that most users won’t miss it.
Connectivity and Audio
Connectivity is top-notch with 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The dual stereo speakers are powered by Dolby Atmos, providing rich and immersive sound, whether for gaming or watching movies.
It also includes:
USB Type-C 3.1
X-axis linear vibration motor
In-display fingerprint scanner
OnePlus 13R vs Competition
Let’s compare the OnePlus 13R with similarly priced rivals:
| Feature | OnePlus 13R | Realme GT 6 | iQOO Neo 9 Pro |
| Display | AMOLED LTPO, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 144Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Camera | 50MP + 50MP + 8MP | 50MP + 8MP | 50MP + 8MP |
| Battery | 6000mAh , 120 W | 5500mAh, 120W | 5160mAh, 120W |
| Software | OxygenOS 14 | Realme UI 5 | Funtouch OS 14 |
| Price (India) | ₹39,999 | ₹34,999 | ₹35,999 |
While other phones compete on paper, the OnePlus 13R wins in terms of software, brand trust, and balanced performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Excellent AMOLED LTPO display
✅ Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
✅ 100W SUPERVOOC charging
✅ OxygenOS 14 is fast and clean
✅ Great build quality and design
✅ 3 years of Android updates
Cons:
❌ No wireless charging
❌ No expandable storage
❌ Ultra-wide camera could be better
Who Should Buy the OnePlus 13R?
The OnePlus 13R is ideal for:
Power users who want flagship-level performance
Mobile gamers looking for thermal-efficient gaming
Photography enthusiasts who want a solid day-to-day camera
Users who prioritize clean Android UI
Buyers seeking fast charging and long battery life
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 13R redefines what a mid-premium smartphone can offer. It doesn’t try to be everything but focuses on delivering flagship essentials at a competitive price. With a powerful processor, high-end AMOLED display, superfast charging, and OxygenOS polish, it is arguably one of the best Android smartphones under ₹45,000 in 2025.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older OnePlus or looking to switch from brands like Samsung or Xiaomi, the OnePlus 13R is worth your consideration.
FAQs About OnePlus 13R
Q1: Does the OnePlus 13R support 5G in India?
Yes, it supports multiple 5G bands compatible with Indian telecom networks.
Q2: Is the OnePlus 13R good for gaming?
Absolutely. It features Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, vapor chamber cooling, and a 120Hz LTPO display.
Q3: How long will the OnePlus 13R receive updates?
It comes with 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches.
Q4: Can I use a microSD card with the OnePlus 13R?
No, it does not support expandable storage.
Q5: Does it have a headphone jack?
No, the OnePlus 13R skips the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13R proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a phone that feels fast, looks stunning, and performs reliably. For under ₹45,000, you’re getting a smartphone that checks almost every box for power users, gamers, and everyday consumers alike.
If you’re looking for a phone that offers flagship performance without the flagship price, the OnePlus 13R should be at the top of your list.