NEW OnePlus 13 - Best Android of 2025?

I tested the new OnePlus 13 as my everyday phone for the past few weeks and there are some things I liked, some things I didn't like, and a few things that don't matter. Here are my thoughts as well as a quick camera test!

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Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
One or more of the products shown in this video may have been sent to me at no cost. This does not influence my opinions; I always cover both pros and cons.
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ADDITIONAL VIDEO NOTES:
This is the new OnePlus 13 - a premium android phone with maxed out specs, selectable materials, a new level of durability, and some tricks up it’s sleeve. But in a blurry market of similar phones, can this stand out?

Will this convert users from iPhone, Samsung, pixel? Who should buy this?

I’ve been using this as my everyday phone

There are a few main factors you notice immediately when switching phones. The camera, which we’ll talk about, the software, and unique hardware like a pen, a folding screen, a camera button, or in this case, an alert slider. Aside from that, most phones have a similar form these days.

Let’s start with design

3 colors/designs
Different materials
Midnight Ocean = Microfiber vegan leather - aka plastic
Arctic Dawn = smooth white glass
Black Eclipse = Black wood grain glass with a realistic texture


IP68 & IP69 - I don’t think anyone will care. The main difference is pressure and temperature
Dishwasher - plz don’t


Front display is rounded on the corners, but the display underneath is flat
Claimed record breaking display - world’s first DisplayMate A++ display
I agree. It’s really really good

Glove mode and aqua touch 2.0 for better use in edge cases

Flat edges for gripability

Shrinking camera bump depth

Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is incredibly fast!

We do have wireless charging! (and very fast wireless charging)
No Qi2 though - you can get a case though

CAMERA
Triple 50MP lenses - all Sony sensors now
Video transition made some major improvements over the years - decent now!
Hasselblad partnership gives photos that blue tone

I am a big fan of the primary sensor. You get plenty of background blur on nearby shots

Flash and laser autofocus

Interestingly, the telephoto lens is 3x and not 5x like others like Pixel and Samsung

AI in the zoom - see what it does to faces
Dual exposure - what should I compare this to?
Dual exposure should be better for burst mode photos

You can also use action mode for double the frame rate 60 vs 30

Portrait mode

OnePlus added smart scene modes (just tap the up arrow on Photo) - fireworks, silhouette, stage


SOFTWARE
Feels a bit more like older OnePlus, but still not my favorite UI
The slider is awesome, but unlike the Apex edition, this does not have VIP mode
I would love to see that

I find it annoying that when I swipe up and select “close all” it never actually closes all apps

Tons of ai features like reflection remover, magic eraser, and all the usual stuff all phones are adding

I do like the universal search - now it has ai responses built in, but they’re not 100% there yet

Circle to search and other googley android features are here

No shortage of OnePlus features like BeaconLink (bluetooth calling)

Wifi sharing via hotspot


I peeled off the included plastic screen protector already - it was damaged
I prefer glass protectors
May be tricky to get a flat glass on this


INTERNALS
Snapdragon 8 Elite
6000mAh battery
80W wired charging
50W wireless charging


Pricing is a bit weird
The black one is 12/256gb or 16/512Gb and costs $899 or $999
The other colors start at 16/512Gb and cost $999
At launch, they’re offering a free memory upgrade and a guaranteed $100 trade in credit for any phone