The OnePlus 13R has created a buzz in the tech community as one of the most affordable smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Priced competitively, it promises flagship-level performance without breaking the bank. But how does it stack up against the OnePlus 12, which also uses the same chipset, and its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into the performance, camera, battery, display, design, and software of the OnePlus 13R, compare it with the OnePlus 12, and answer the key question: Is the OnePlus 13R worth buying?
Design and Build: Slimmer but Less Premium
The OnePlus 13R sports a redesigned look compared to the OnePlus 12R, with a flat aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 7i on both sides. Available in Nebula Noir and Astral Trail, it feels slim (8.02mm) and light (205g), making it more comfortable to hold than the OnePlus 12 (9.15mm, 220g) and 12R (8.8mm, 207g).
However, the OnePlus 12 feels more premium, thanks to its Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and optional vegan leather back (not available on the 13R). The 13R’s IP65 rating matches the OnePlus 12, offering decent water and dust resistance, but many cheaper phones now offer IP68 or IP69, which is a missed opportunity.
The OnePlus 13R retains OnePlus staples like the alert slider and IR blaster, but it uses USB 2.0 instead of the OnePlus 12’s USB 3.2 Gen 1, resulting in slower data transfer speeds. Haptic feedback is also slightly better on the OnePlus 12, and its speakers sound louder and roomier.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s slimmer, lighter design is a functional improvement, but the OnePlus 12 feels more premium and offers better connectivity.
Display: Nearly Identical, with Some Trade-offs
The OnePlus 13R features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits peak brightness, and 1600 nits HBM. The OnePlus 12 has a slightly larger 6.82-inch 2K AMOLED display with the same brightness and refresh rate. Both screens are vibrant, sharp, and excellent for gaming and media consumption.
However, there are key differences. The OnePlus 13R uses a flat panel, which some users (especially gamers) prefer for fewer accidental touches, while the OnePlus 12 and 12R have curved displays. The 13R lacks Dolby Vision and HDR support on Netflix, which the OnePlus 12 offers, making it less ideal for streaming enthusiasts. Additionally, the 13R uses Gorilla Glass 7i, which is less durable than the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the OnePlus 12 and 12R.
In terms of brightness, both phones perform equally well under direct sunlight, and HDR gradation is similar, though the OnePlus 12 has a slight edge in color accuracy.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s display is excellent for the price, but the lack of Dolby Vision and less durable glass makes the OnePlus 12’s screen more premium.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Powerhouse
The OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 12 both run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a flagship chipset known for its excellent performance in gaming, multitasking, and power efficiency. Given that both phones share the same processor, you’d expect similar performance, but there are some nuances to consider.
In benchmark tests like AnTuTu, the OnePlus 13R scores slightly higher than the OnePlus 12, with scores around 1.7 million points compared to the OnePlus 12’s 1.6 million. However, in Geekbench tests, the OnePlus 12 edges out slightly in single-core performance, while multi-core scores are nearly identical. CPU and GPU stability tests, such as 3DMark Wild Life and Solar Bay Ray Tracing, show almost identical results, with both phones maintaining stable performance even under heavy loads.
In real-world gaming, we tested Genshin Impact at the highest settings (60 FPS) for 30 minutes. Both phones delivered near-identical average frame rates, hovering around 58-60 FPS. However, the OnePlus 13R tends to get slightly warmer, reaching 42-43°C compared to the OnePlus 12’s 40-41°C. While this is within acceptable limits, it suggests that OnePlus might have tuned the 13R conservatively to keep costs down.
Compared to the OnePlus 12R, which uses the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the 13R is a noticeable upgrade. The 12R is still a solid performer, but the 13R’s newer chipset handles demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking more smoothly.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R matches the OnePlus 12 in most performance metrics, making it an excellent choice for gamers and power users on a budget. However, the slightly better thermal management on the OnePlus 12 gives it a minor edge.
Camera: Where Corners Are Cut
Cameras are often a make-or-break factor for smartphones, and this is where the OnePlus 13R shows some compromises compared to the OnePlus 12.
OnePlus 13R Camera Setup
- Primary: 50MP Sony LYT-700 (rebranded IMX890) with OIS
- Ultra-wide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 50MP Samsung GN5 (2x optical zoom)
- Selfie: 16MP
OnePlus 12 Camera Setup
- Primary: 50MP Sony LYT-808 with OIS
- Ultra-wide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 64MP (3x optical zoom)
- Selfie: 32MP
The OnePlus 13R’s camera is a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 12R, which had a 2MP macro lens instead of a telephoto. The 2x telephoto lens on the 13R captures sharp portraits and detailed close-ups, making it more versatile. However, when compared to the OnePlus 12, the 13R falls short in several areas.
In daylight, the OnePlus 12’s larger main sensor captures sharper textures and better details. Its HDR tuning is more natural, preserving contrast and avoiding the overprocessed, flat look seen on the 13R. Colors on the 13R can be inconsistent—sometimes vibrant and accurate, but often overly boosted in HDR scenarios, leading to unnatural results.
For portraits, the 13R does a decent job at 1x and 2x zoom, with good edge detection and bokeh. However, the OnePlus 12’s 3x telephoto lens offers more flexibility for zoomed-in shots. In low light, the 13R surprisingly outperforms the OnePlus 12 in some cases, thanks to sharper algorithms that enhance details and pull more information from shadows. However, the OnePlus 12’s ultra-wide camera (48MP) is far superior to the 13R’s 8MP sensor, especially in daylight.
Selfies are noticeably better on the OnePlus 12, with more accurate skin tones and details in daylight. Video recording also favors the OnePlus 12, which supports Dolby Vision at 1x and 3x, wider dynamic range, and better sound quality. The 13R is limited to 4K 60 FPS only on the primary camera, with other lenses capped at 1080p 30 FPS.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s camera is serviceable and a step up from the 12R, but it lags behind the OnePlus 12 in overall quality and versatility. If photography is a priority, the OnePlus 12 or even the OnePlus 13 (with its superior camera tuning) is a better bet.
Battery and Charging: Big Capacity, Slower Speeds
The OnePlus 13R boasts a massive 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery, one of the largest in its class. In contrast, the OnePlus 12 has a 5400mAh battery, and the OnePlus 12R has a 5500mAh unit. On paper, the 13R should offer stellar battery life, but real-world results tell a different story.
In our tests, the OnePlus 13R delivers 7.5 to 8 hours of screen-on time with moderate to heavy usage, which is impressive but slightly below the OnePlus 12’s 8.5 to 9 hours. Surprisingly, the OnePlus 12R often outperforms both, lasting up to 9 hours in similar conditions. This could be due to the 13R’s single-cell battery design, which prioritizes capacity over efficiency.
Charging speeds are another area where the 13R cuts corners. Its 80W SUPERVOOC charger takes 50-53 minutes for a full charge, a downgrade from the OnePlus 12 and 12R, both of which support 100W charging and take around 26-30 minutes. Additionally, the OnePlus 12 supports 50W wireless charging, a feature absent on the 13R.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13R’s massive battery ensures excellent endurance, but its slower charging speeds are a letdown compared to the OnePlus 12 and 12R. If fast charging is crucial, the OnePlus 12 is the better option.
Software: OxygenOS 15 Shines on Both
Both the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 12 run OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, delivering a smooth, feature-rich experience. The animations are fluid, rivaling iOS in some cases, and features like Flux Themes, Live Activities, Oplus Connect, and AI tools (AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Eraser) are available on both phones. There’s no gatekeeping here, which is great for 13R buyers.
The OnePlus 13R comes with a promise of 4 Android OS upgrades (up to Android 19) and 6 years of security updates, matching the OnePlus 13 and surpassing the OnePlus 12R’s 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates. This makes the 13R a future-proof choice.
Verdict: The software experience is identical on both phones, with the 13R offering better long-term support than the 12R.
OnePlus 13R: Specifications at a Glance
Before we dive into the detailed comparison, let’s take a look at the key specifications of the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 12 to set the context.
| Specification | OnePlus 13R | OnePlus 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 1.5K, 120Hz, 4500 nits | 6.82-inch AMOLED, 2K, 120Hz, 4500 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB (LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0) | 12GB/256GB, 16GB/512GB (LPDDR5X, UFS 4.0) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 50MP (2x telephoto) | 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultra-wide) + 64MP (3x telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 80W charging | 5400mAh, 100W charging, 50W wireless |
| Software | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 7i, IP65 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP65 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB 2.0 | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB 3.2 |
| Price (Starting) | ₹42,999 | ₹51,999 |
Should You Buy the OnePlus 13R?
The OnePlus 13R is a fantastic mid-range phone that delivers flagship-grade performance and a premium software experience at a starting price of ₹42,999. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, massive 6000mAh battery, and vibrant AMOLED display make it a great choice for gamers, power users, and those who value software polish. Compared to the OnePlus 12R, it’s a clear upgrade, with a better processor, telephoto camera, and longer software support.
However, it’s not without compromises. The camera, while improved over the 12R, doesn’t match the OnePlus 12’s quality or versatility. Slower charging speeds, lack of wireless charging, and less durable glass are noticeable trade-offs. If you prioritize photography or premium features, the OnePlus 12 (especially if its price drops to ₹55,000-60,000 after the OnePlus 13 launch) or the OnePlus 13 itself might be worth the extra investment.
Who Should Buy the OnePlus 13R?
- Gamers and performance enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phone.
- Users who want a premium software experience with long-term updates.
- Those who need excellent battery life and don’t mind slower charging.
Who Should Skip It?
- Photography enthusiasts who need top-tier camera performance.
- Users who prioritize fast charging or wireless charging.
- Those who can stretch their budget for the OnePlus 12 or 13 for a more premium experience.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13R is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight, offering flagship performance and a polished software experience at an affordable price. While it doesn’t outshine the OnePlus 12 in every aspect, it’s a compelling option for those who want high-end features without spending a fortune. If you’re upgrading from the OnePlus 12R or an older device, the 13R is a solid choice. However, if cameras or premium build quality are your priority, the OnePlus 12 or 13 might be worth considering, especially if their prices become more competitive.
What do you think of the OnePlus 13R? Is it the right phone for you, or would you rather spend more for the OnePlus 12? Let us know in the comments below!
