All You Need To Know About OnePlus 13

OnePlus has established itself as a standout brand known for delivering high-performance flagship smartphones at competitive prices when compared to leading competitors. After months of speculation surrounding the OnePlus 13, the device has finally launched, and it meets all our expectations. While it may not be widely available in Western markets just yet, it won’t be long before it makes its debut.

So, what sets the OnePlus 13 apart? Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about OnePlus’s latest flagship device.

When is the OnePlus 13 expected to release?

The OnePlus 13 has already been launched in China, but it may take a few months before it rolls out globally. As a Chinese company, it is customary for OnePlus to have its releases start in its home market, which has been consistent in its previous three launches. For instance:

• OnePlus 10 Pro: Released in China on January 11, 2022, followed by a global launch on March 31, 2022.
• OnePlus 11: Launched in China on January 9, 2023, with a global release on February 7, 2023.
• OnePlus 12: Unveiled in China on December 5, 2023, and expected to be available globally starting January 23, 2024.

As you can see, China consistently gets OnePlus’s latest models first. Moreover, the release dates have been getting earlier each year, with the OnePlus 13 officially launching in China on October 31.

The timeframe between the initial launch in China and the global rollout has been steadily decreasing, and current rumors suggest that the OnePlus 13 could become available internationally in late 2024 or early 2025. According to a note from a Reddit user, the OnePlus 13 might hit the market in Singapore as early as January.

While specifics about its global release are still unclear, based on previous patterns, we could see the OnePlus 13 outside China as early as November 2024, though January 2025 is also a possibility. For now, all we can do is wait.

What is the price of the OnePlus 13?

The starting price for the OnePlus 13 is CNY 4,799, approximately $675. In comparison, the OnePlus 12 was launched at CNY 4,299, indicating a price increase of about 500 CNY for this iteration — although this increase may not fully carry over to markets outside China.

When it comes to flagship smartphones, OnePlus has consistently offered competitive pricing. For reference, the OnePlus 11 debuted at $700, followed by the OnePlus 12 at $800.

This consistent increase over the last couple of models raises concerns about affordability in global markets. Recent reports suggest that if the price hike holds true, we might see the OnePlus 13 start at about $900 in the U.S. Nevertheless, considering that most flagship devices from competitors start at $1,000 or higher, the OnePlus 13 could still be a more affordable option, especially compared to models like the Galaxy S25, even if the price gap continues to narrow.

Specifications of the OnePlus 13

While OnePlus may not enjoy the same level of recognition as giants like Apple or Samsung, they certainly produce some impressive phones. The top-tier configuration offering 1TB storage and 24GB RAM surpasses many laptops in performance. Additionally, the triple-camera setup on the back presents significant photographic potential. However, it’s worth noting that there are rumors suggesting this high-end configuration may only be available in China.

Another aspect to highlight is the impressive battery capacity of 6,000mAh. The device supports both 100W charging and 50W wireless charging, with the ability to reach a full charge in as little as 36 minutes.

While the camera specifications are exciting, you may observe that the telephoto lens has a lower megapixel count than that of the OnePlus 12. Rest assured, with its enhanced sensor, the overall photo quality should remain superior.

Keep in mind that these specifications could vary for the global version of the device.

OnePlus 13 Design and Colors

Before the announcement, there was considerable debate about the OnePlus 13’s design, but now the details are out.

This phone comes in a trio of color options: black, blue, and white. However, each color has its unique name: Obsidian Secret Realm for black, Blues Hour for blue, and White Dew Dawn for white. Each hue features its distinct texture as well.

The Obsidian Secret Realm has a dense wood grain pattern on the glass that not only adds a textured feel but also gives it an appealing appearance. Blues Hour is crafted from leather, while White Dew Dawn boasts a sleek glass back.

The camera module design has also evolved. Previously, OnePlus employed a half-pill shape for housing the cameras, but that design has been simplified to a single circular module that accommodates the three cameras and the LED flash. A slender metal band now extends from the camera module into the device’s frame. Additionally, there’s an “H” symbol indicating the partnership with Hasselblad for camera optimization.

The OnePlus 13 features narrow bezels and rounded edges, resulting in a sleek and modern aesthetic. The side has a volume control and a three-position alert slider, while the flat display includes a punch-hole for the front camera.

Another notable advancement is the inclusion of “glove touch” technology, allowing users to interact with their device while wearing gloves, as well as Rain Touch 2.0, which helps prevent raindrops from affecting the touch functionality.

How does the OnePlus 13 measure up against the OnePlus 12?

While the OnePlus 13 shares many features with the OnePlus 12, it’s clear that the newer model is an enhancement across the board. What improvements can we expect?

The OnePlus 13 is both thinner and lighter, features a brighter display with a larger battery capacity. A significant upgrade comes in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, replacing the Snapdragon Gen 3 used in the OnePlus 12.

While comparing their specifications is straightforward, there are subtle enhancements not captured in the specs that may significantly influence the user experience. The real test will come once we can evaluate how the new design feels in hand and assess the performance of the upgraded cameras.

We anticipate the OnePlus 13 will outperform the OnePlus 12 in several aspects, but the full extent of the improvements will only be revealed once we have the chance to test the device ourselves.

Is the OnePlus 13 a smart purchase?

Here’s the challenging part: the OnePlus 13 is not yet available for purchase in the U.S. at this moment and can only be acquired in China (or through importation of the Chinese model).

As we mentioned, its global release is anticipated within the upcoming months. If you’re on the lookout for a new smartphone, the OnePlus 13 is certainly a device to monitor. While its pricing remains uncertain, its specifications compete well against those of larger brands, and it will likely be priced significantly lower than the Samsung Galaxy S25.

If you’re considering an upgrade, the OnePlus 13 presents an attractive option. This flagship model positions itself as a strong contender for anyone seeking a robust Android smartphone without the premium price tag of $1,000 or more. Keep an eye on this phone.