The launch of the OnePlus 13R marks a pivotal moment for the brand’s “R” series, bringing it closer than ever to the flagship OnePlus models. Priced at Rs 42,999, the 13R offers a compelling alternative to the OnePlus 13, which starts at Rs 69,999—a significant Rs 27,000 difference. While the OnePlus 13 justifies its premium tag, the 13R stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performing smartphone without breaking the bank.
In this article, we delve into the top four reasons why the OnePlus 13R could be your next smartphone and highlight one key reason why you might want to explore other options.
Why the OnePlus 13R Deserves Your Attention
1. A Display That Gets It Right
The OnePlus 13R sports a 6.78-inch flat display with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. While it shares the same specs as its predecessor, the 12R, the move from a curved to a flat design is a game-changer.
Flat panels, like the one on the 13R, eliminate issues like corner glare and mistouches, ensuring a seamless viewing and gaming experience. Additionally, the introduction of Glove Mode takes usability up a notch. This feature allows the touchscreen to remain responsive even when you’re wearing gloves up to 0.5 cm thick—perfect for winter mornings.
2. Performance That Keeps Up
Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, the OnePlus 13R ensures top-tier performance. Benchmark results highlight a significant leap from the 12R, but the improvements extend beyond raw power.
For gamers, the flat display reduces mistouches, while superior thermal management keeps the device cool even during heavy usage or charging. This makes the 13R a reliable option for extended gaming sessions and multitasking, outperforming its predecessor in sustained performance.
3. Exceptional Battery Life
The OnePlus 13R packs a 6,000mAh battery—a notable upgrade from the 12R’s 5,500mAh capacity. While the 80W fast charging might seem like a step down from the 100W on the 12R, it’s actually a strategic move to preserve battery health in the long run.
During testing, the 13R consistently delivered 1.5 days of battery life, even with heavy use. Its silicon carbon battery technology, boasting higher density than traditional lithium-ion batteries, ensures not only better endurance but also greater longevity.
4. OxygenOS 15 Brings the Best of Android 15
Running OxygenOS 15 on top of Android 15, the OnePlus 13R offers a fluid and feature-packed user experience. With a commitment to four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, you’re guaranteed long-term software support.
Features like AI Notes, Circle to Search, and AI-powered gallery tools such as AI Unblur and AI Reflection Eraser add a modern touch to the user experience. While the 12R also supports OxygenOS 15, the 13R’s hardware ensures a more polished and full-fledged experience.
One Reason to Consider Alternatives
The iQOO 12: A Strong Competitor at the Same Price
The iQOO 12, currently priced at Rs 45,999 with an additional Rs 3,000 discount on Amazon, offers a strong alternative to the OnePlus 13R. While the 13R excels in software and battery life, the iQOO 12 outshines it in hardware, particularly for gamers and photography enthusiasts.
- Display and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature 1.5K resolution displays, but the iQOO 12 ups the ante with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother gaming experience.
- Camera Setup: The iQOO 12 boasts a flagship-grade triple-camera system with three 50 MP sensors, including a periscope lens with 3x optical zoom. In contrast, the 13R offers a simpler camera setup with video recording capped at 4K at 60fps.
- Charging and Gaming: While the 13R leads with its larger battery, the iQOO 12 compensates with 120W fast charging and bypass charging, keeping the phone cool during long gaming sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the OnePlus 13R and the iQOO 12 boils down to your priorities. If you value a longer-lasting battery and smoother software, the 13R is a solid pick. However, for those who prioritize superior hardware and gaming performance, the iQOO 12 is a compelling option—especially at the same price point.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 13R is a well-rounded smartphone that bridges the gap between midrange and flagship offerings. Its flat display, excellent performance, long-lasting battery, and feature-rich OxygenOS make it a worthy contender in its price segment. However, with competitors like the iQOO 12 offering flagship-level hardware at a similar price, it’s worth considering your specific needs before making a decision.
For those who prioritize a clean software experience and long battery life, the OnePlus 13R is a clear winner. But if gaming and photography are at the top of your list, exploring other options like the iQOO 12 might be more rewarding.
