OnePlus 13R Review: A Power-Packed Performer or Just Another Mid-Range Contender?
In the ever-evolving smartphone world, OnePlus 13R has stirred significant buzz in the mid-range market segment. Packed with flagship-level performance, AI-powered features, and OnePlus’s signature design, does the 13R live up to the hype or fall short? Let’s dive into a complete review of the OnePlus 13R to find out if it’s worth your hard-earned money in 2025.
🔧 Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display | 6.74″ AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 16GB RAM, 256GB UFS 4.0 storage |
| Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890 + 8MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5500mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC Charging |
| OS | OxygenOS 14 (Android 14 based) |
| Price in India | ₹39,999 (starting) |
📦 OnePlus 13R Review: Unboxing and First Impressions
The OnePlus 13R comes in a minimalistic red and black box. Inside, you get:
- The OnePlus 13R device
- 100W SUPERVOOC charger
- USB-C cable
- Pre-applied screen protector
- Silicone case
- Quick start guide & SIM tool
Right from the unboxing, the device feels like a premium phone. It’s not just the materials; the in-hand feel and weight balance reflect the classic OnePlus craftsmanship.
📱 Design & Build: A Flagship Feel in a Mid-Range Package
💎 Premium Yet Practical
The OnePlus 13R carries forward the refined aesthetics from the OnePlus 11/12 series. It features a matte glass back, aluminum frame, and curved edges that make it easy to hold. The iconic Alert Slider is still here—a small but beloved feature.
🌈 Available Colors
- Cool Blue
- Iron Gray
It feels surprisingly premium for its price, rivalling more expensive flagships in hand-feel.
🔋 Performance: Speed Meets Stability
🚀 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — Still a Beast in 2025
Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the OnePlus 13R doesn’t shy away from delivering flagship-level performance. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos, this chipset ensures a lag-free experience.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Antutu Score: Over 1.3 Million
- Gaming Test: Genshin Impact, BGMI, COD Mobile — all ran smoothly at high settings
- RAM Management: OxygenOS handles multiple apps efficiently with up to 16GB RAM
📸 Camera: Balanced but Not Groundbreaking OnePlus 13R Review
📷 Rear Camera Setup
- 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS
- 8MP Ultrawide with decent field of view
Photos from the main sensor are sharp, color-accurate, and do well in both daylight and low light. Night mode has improved dramatically with AI-powered algorithms, although ultrawide shots tend to suffer in low light.
🤳 Front Camera
The 16MP selfie shooter performs decently in good lighting, with AI enhancements making skin tones look natural.
⚙️ Software: OxygenOS 14 – Clean and Smart – OnePlus 13R Review
OnePlus 13R runs on OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14. It’s clean, bloat-free, and now comes with AI-driven smart features like:
- AI Smart Cutout for background removal in photos
- Aqua Touch — improved touch response even with wet fingers
- AI Smart Charging — adapts to usage patterns to extend battery health
Plus, OnePlus promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, which is impressive for this segment.
🔌 Battery & Charging: No Wires, No Worries
The 5500mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy use. But the real star is the 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which takes you from 0 to 100% in just under 30 minutes.
No wireless charging, though — a miss for some, but understandable at this price point.
⚖️ OnePlus 13R Review: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Flagship-grade performance
- Stunning AMOLED display with 120Hz
- Fast 100W charging
- Premium build & OxygenOS experience
- Long-term software support
❌ Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Camera versatility is limited
- Ultrawide sensor is average
- Lacks IP68 water resistance
🏁 Final Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus 13R?
If you’re hunting for a powerful and stylish smartphone under ₹40,000, the OnePlus 13R is one of the best options available in 2025. It balances performance, display quality, and software experience incredibly well.
Sure, it skips a few extras like wireless charging and flagship-grade cameras, but the value it delivers is hard to beat. It’s a fantastic choice for gamers, tech enthusiasts, and productivity-focused users alike.