by The OnePlus 13R, launching on January 14, 2025, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the 12R. Oppo is bringing back its mid-range lineup, and the 13R proves that budget-friendly phones can deliver premium features. After testing the device at CES 2025, several features stand out, including a powerful camera system, a long-lasting battery, and solid performance.
Design and Display
The 13R features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals for gaming, streaming, and daily use. While the resolution is slightly lower than the flagship OnePlus 13 at 1.5K, the screen remains vibrant and sharp.
The phone has flatter metal rails compared to the 12R, making it more resistant to smudges and scratches. The design feels sturdy and manageable, particularly in the Astral Trail Silver and White color options.
Durability is enhanced with IP65-rated water resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i on both front and back. While it’s not intended for swimming or high-pressure water exposure, the phone can handle splashes, light rain, and accidental sprays.
Camera Upgrades
The camera system has received a major boost. The primary 50MP Sony sensor improves low-light performance, while the outdated 2MP macro lens has been replaced with a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. The 8MP ultrawide lens remains functional, though it is not heavily used in daily photography.
In real-world testing, the 13R’s camera is versatile and practical, making it suitable for everyday shots, portraits, and close-ups. While it doesn’t outperform high-end flagships like the Oppo 13 in low-light conditions, it is a significant improvement over the 12R.
Performance and Memory
Under the hood, the 13R uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. The phone comes with 12GB of RAM, which is slightly lower than the previous model’s 16GB, but it still handles memory-intensive tasks smoothly.
Users can expect a responsive experience with fast app launches, fluid multitasking, and minimal lag even under heavy usage.
Battery Life
The 6,000mAh battery is one of the 13R’s standout features, up from the 12R’s 5,400mAh. In testing, it comfortably lasted a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and camera work.
While wireless charging is not supported, the device includes Beacon Link audio communication, which works like a walkie-talkie over distances up to 656 feet. Additionally, OnePlus guarantees four years of OS updates, ensuring long-term software support.
Storage and Pricing
The OnePlus 13R comes with 256GB of storage and is priced at $600. Pre-orders are open now, with general sales beginning January 14, 2025.
When compared to alternatives like the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, the 13R stands out for its battery life, processing power, and versatile camera system, making it one of the best mid-range phones in 2025.
User Experience
The 13R is comfortable to hold thanks to its flatter design and balanced weight. The interface is smooth, with OxygenOS offering intuitive navigation, advanced gestures, and customizable themes. Users familiar with OnePlus devices will find the experience familiar but improved with better performance and visual polish.
Comparison with Competitors
While not a flagship, the 13R competes favorably against other mid-range phones. The Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE are strong options but fall short in areas like battery life, telephoto capabilities, and raw processing power. The OnePlus 13R delivers a well-rounded experience at a competitive price point.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus 13R is a standout mid-range phone for 2025. It offers durable design, upgraded camera system, massive battery, and strong performance, all at an affordable price.
While it lacks wireless charging and the ultrawide camera may not be essential for most users, the 13R excels where it counts: long battery life, solid daily performance, and practical photography. For budget-conscious buyers who want a near-flagship experience, the OnePlus 13R is an excellent choice.
