OnePlus has launched its latest offering, the OnePlus 13R, and it has stirred a lot of excitement in the tech community. With significant upgrades and some surprising changes, the device aims to redefine value-for-money (VFM) in the smartphone market. Let’s dive deep into what makes this phone stand out and whether it truly earns the title of the best VFM phone.

Unboxing Experience

The OnePlus 13R comes in classic OnePlus packaging, delivering a premium unboxing experience. Here’s what you get:

• A rubberized case of excellent quality
• An 80W fast charger for quick top-ups
• A signature red charging cable

The design of the phone is the first thing that catches your eye. Let’s explore the aesthetics and build quality in detail.

Design: Sleeker and More Premium?

The OnePlus 13R features a circular camera module and a flat-frame design, making it distinct from its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R. While the flat screen and slimmer profile (8mm thickness) make it feel light and compact, the overall build is matte glass with a metal frame, offering a premium feel.

Key Design Highlights:

• Flat Screen: A shift from the curved display of the 12R, offering a modern and uniform look.
• Symmetrical Bezels: Slim bezels, including a minimal chin, enhance the display-to-body ratio.
• Matte Finish: Provides a sleek look but can feel slippery, so a case is recommended.

The phone is available in Stellar Black and Radiant Silver, both of which exude sophistication. Despite these upgrades, some users might still prefer the heft and premium feel of the 12R.

Display: A Visual Delight

One of the standout features of the OnePlus 13R is its display:

• 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel
• 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate (LTPO 4.1)
• 1600 nits peak brightness
• 10-bit color support

The flat display enhances multimedia and gaming experiences with vibrant colors and impressive brightness, even in outdoor conditions. This screen is perfect for binge-watching or extended gaming sessions. However, fans of curved screens might miss the elegance offered by the 12R’s display.

Performance: Powered by a New Chipset

The OnePlus 13R houses the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 Max processor, promising:

• Smooth multitasking
• Lag-free gaming
• Efficient power consumption

Coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the performance feels snappy and reliable. Benchmarks indicate a notable improvement over the OnePlus 12R, making it a solid choice for power users.

Antutu Score and Benchmarks

The OnePlus 13R achieves an impressive Antutu score of 850,000+, placing it firmly in the upper echelons of the mid-range smartphone market. This score highlights its capability to handle high-end gaming and intensive applications with ease.

Thermal Management

The advanced cooling system ensures the phone stays cool even during extended gaming sessions, making it a gamer’s delight.

Battery and Charging

The phone features a slightly upgraded 5000mAh battery, complemented by the 80W SuperVOOC charging. It charges from 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.

In terms of real-world usage, the battery comfortably lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. The optimization between the battery and the chipset ensures efficient power management.

Camera: A Mixed Bag?

The OnePlus 13R introduces significant upgrades in the camera department:

Rear Cameras:

• 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor
• 8MP ultra-wide sensor
• 2MP macro sensor
• New telephoto lens

Front Camera:

• 16MP sensor

Camera Features:

• 4K video recording at 60fps
• Super HDR Mode
• AI Scene Detection

Performance Analysis:

1. Daylight Photography: Produces vibrant but slightly oversharpened photos, appealing to users who prefer punchy colors.
2. Portrait Mode: Offers excellent depth detection and natural skin tones, though color tuning feels inconsistent between modes.
3. Low Light Performance: The camera performs well in artificial lighting but struggles in extremely low-light scenarios compared to competitors like Google Pixel 7a.

The addition of the telephoto lens is a welcome change, providing better versatility in photography.

Audio and Multimedia

Equipped with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the OnePlus 13R delivers:

• Loud and clear sound
• Balanced audio quality, suitable for both music and movies

The inclusion of an IR blaster and IP54 rating adds extra versatility, catering to practical everyday needs.

Software: Clean and Intuitive

Running on OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13, the interface is clean, fast, and loaded with customization options. Key highlights include:

• Enhanced Privacy Features: Providing better control over app permissions.
• Smooth Animations: Ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Long-Term Updates: Promised support for three years of major updates and four years of security patches.

The software experience remains a strong suit for OnePlus devices, offering a mix of functionality and aesthetics.

Storage and RAM Variants

The OnePlus 13R offers flexibility with multiple configurations:

• 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage
• 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage
• 16GB RAM + 256GB Storage

These options ensure users can choose a model tailored to their multitasking and storage needs, with the higher-end variant providing exceptional performance for heavy users.

Gaming Performance

With its 120Hz refresh rate, Dimensity 8100 Max chipset, and advanced cooling systems, the OnePlus 13R excels in gaming. Popular titles like PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty run smoothly at high settings without noticeable frame drops. Features like Game Mode and Haptic Feedback further enhance the gaming experience.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The OnePlus 13R comes with a host of modern connectivity features:

• 5G Support: Ensuring future-proofing.
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2: Providing fast and stable connections.
• NFC and Dual SIM Support: Adding to its versatility.

OnePlus 13R vs. OnePlus 12R: Key Differences

Should You Buy the OnePlus 13R?

The OnePlus 13R is a worthy contender in the VFM segment with its:

• Stunning display
• Powerful performance
• Premium design
• Competitive pricing

However, if you value curved displays and a slightly more robust feel, the OnePlus 12R might still be your pick. The decision ultimately depends on your preferences for design, display, and camera performance.

Verdict: Is the OnePlus 13R the Ultimate VFM Phone?

The OnePlus 13R is undoubtedly one of the best VFM phones, delivering an excellent balance of features, performance, and pricing. Whether it is the best depends on individual needs and priorities. For gamers, photographers, and tech enthusiasts, it’s a strong recommendation. For those seeking a more traditional design or different display preferences, alternatives like the 12R remain compelling options.

Pricing and Availability

The OnePlus 13R starts at ₹39,999 for the base model and is available in two color variants: Stellar Black and Radiant Silver. It is available online through OnePlus’s official website and Amazon, as well as in offline stores

After two weeks Review of Oneplus 13R