The rapid Android with a gorgeous fabric back
The OnePlus 13 is here, and it’s gunning for the big names. Priced at £899 (€1,049/$899), this flagship is cheaper than Google and Samsung’s offerings, yet it delivers top-tier performance. It features the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a standout microfibre back design, and a two-day battery life.
Design & Display:
The 6.8-inch screen is bright, sharp, and smooth, with beveled metal sides giving it a retro feel. Available in striking colors, the blue microfibre back is a game-changer in a world dominated by glass and metal.
Performance:
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip offers 40% faster performance than its predecessor. Day-to-day use feels snappy, and the phone stays cool even during intensive tasks like gaming, thanks to its dual vapor chambers.
Battery & Charging:
With a 6,000 mAh battery, expect up to 50 hours on a full charge. Fast charging is a staple here—50% in under 30 minutes with a standard charger and full charge in just 37 minutes with the 100W SuperVooc charger. Wireless charging? Up to 50W with the AIRVOOC system.
Camera:
The triple 50MP rear cameras (ultrawide, wide, and telephoto) and a 32MP selfie camera deliver impressive results, especially in motion capture and low light. Hasselblad’s tech enhances portrait mode with artistic filters, though the telephoto lens feels slightly weaker.
Software:
Running OxygenOS 15 on Android 15, the phone is rapid but has some rough edges, like occasional untranslated features. AI tools, such as photo enhancements and writing aids, are a mixed bag, with Google’s Gemini features outshining OnePlus’s own.
Verdict:
The OnePlus 13 is a serious contender in 2025. It offers high-end specs, a great design, and competitive pricing. Minor software quirks and shorter update support are its only drawbacks.
Pros: Sleek design, top-tier performance, great battery life, solid camera, competitive price.
Cons: Software quirks, AI features lag behind competitors, shorter update timeline.
