The OnePlus 13, one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year, has finally arrived, poised to replace the highly acclaimed OnePlus 12. But how do these two powerhouses stack up against each other? If you’re rocking a OnePlus 12, is the upgrade to the OnePlus 13 worth it? Let’s delve into the key differences and help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Refined Aesthetic
OnePlus is known for its innovative and sleek phone designs, and the OnePlus 13 is no exception. While the new phone maintains the distinctive OnePlus identity, it introduces some notable changes compared to its predecessor. One striking difference is the adoption of flat sides, reminiscent of popular designs seen on the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy phones, and Google Pixel. This departure from the curved sides of the OnePlus 12 could offer a more secure grip.
The OnePlus 13 also boasts a slightly slimmer and lighter profile, enhancing its portability. Furthermore, it boasts an impressive IP69 rating, signifying enhanced water and dust resistance.
The display differences between the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 are subtle yet significant. Both phones feature a spacious 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 1440p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, guaranteeing vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the OnePlus 13 surpasses its predecessor with a higher typical brightness of 800 nits compared to the OnePlus 12’s 600 nits.
Moreover, the OnePlus 13 utilizes the cutting-edge BOE X2 OLED panel technology, promising an even more immersive visual experience. While both models maintain the same peak brightness of 4,500 nits, the OnePlus 13’s improved display technology sets it apart.
Both the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 are protected with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The OnePlus 13 goes a step further by incorporating an additional “crystal shield super-ceramic glass layer,” providing an extra layer of defense against scratches and impacts.
Performance: Unleashing the Power
While we’ll need to wait for hands-on reviews to confirm the real-world performance of the OnePlus 13, the specifications paint a picture of a significant performance boost over the OnePlus 12. The OnePlus 13 packs a punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a notable upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the OnePlus 12. This newer chipset boasts an Adreno GPU, promising smoother gaming and faster graphics processing.
Early benchmarks from AnTuTu show a remarkable 58% improvement in overall performance for the OnePlus 13, while GeekBench 6 indicates a 36% improvement in single-core performance. These impressive gains suggest noticeable enhancements in everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, and multi-tasking.
The OnePlus 12 already impressed with its ability to handle demanding tasks like graphically intensive gaming sessions without a hitch, thanks to its dual cryo-velocity cooling system. We can expect similar, if not even better, performance from the OnePlus 13, especially in models equipped with a generous 24GB of RAM.
Battery and Charging: Endurance and Speed
The OnePlus 13 introduces another significant upgrade: a larger battery. Where the OnePlus 12 featured a 5,400mAh battery, the OnePlus 13 boasts a sizable 6,000mAh battery. This increase in battery capacity is attributed to silicon-carbon battery technology, allowing for greater energy storage in a smaller footprint.
The larger battery promises extended battery life, though the actual longevity will depend on usage patterns. With the OnePlus 12, you can expect up to two full days of battery life with moderate usage. However, more intensive tasks can shorten this to around a day. The OnePlus 13’s increased battery capacity should translate to improved performance in demanding scenarios, potentially longer battery life due to fewer charging cycles, and more.
While the OnePlus 13 brings a larger battery, OnePlus has maintained the charging speeds for both wired and wireless charging. Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 13 supports 100W fast wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse charging up to 10W. It remains to be seen whether the OnePlus 13 will echo the OnePlus 12’s 80W charging speed limitation in the U.S.
Cameras: Capturing Memories in Stunning Detail
Historically, OnePlus phones have been known for their solid camera systems but often fell short of industry leaders like Samsung and Google. However, this trend started to shift in recent years, particularly following OnePlus’ strategic partnership with Hasselblad, beginning with the OnePlus 9 series. This collaboration aimed to elevate OnePlus’ photographic capabilities by leveraging Hasselblad’s expertise in color science and imaging technology.
The OnePlus 13 features a triple-camera setup, with each lens boasting a high-resolution 50-megapixel sensor. At its core is a state-of-the-art 50MP primary sensor from Sony, renowned for its exceptional light-gathering capabilities and sharp image reproduction. It’s complemented by a 50MP ultrawide sensor, offering a remarkable 120-degree field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes and group photos without compromising on detail. Finally, the setup includes a 50MP telephoto lens that provides 3x optical zoom, enabling users to get closer to their subjects without losing image fidelity.
These enhancements contribute to a broader field of view and aim to improve image quality in various lighting conditions, particularly low-light scenarios. Advanced sensor technologies and algorithms enhance dynamic range and reduce noise, promising clearer and more vibrant images.
While the OnePlus 12 already had an impressive camera setup, real-world testing will be crucial to determine just how much better the camera experience is on the OnePlus 13.
Software and Updates: A Smooth and Secure Experience
Both the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 12 run on OxygenOS, OnePlus’ custom Android interface. However, their software and update policies differ significantly. The OnePlus 13 ships with OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, ensuring users have access to the latest Android features and security updates from day one. In contrast, the OnePlus 12 requires an upgrade to obtain the same features.
A major distinction lies in software support. OnePlus guarantees four major Android updates and five years of security updates for the OnePlus 13. In comparison, the OnePlus 12 is supported with three major Android updates and four years of security updates. This longer support timeframe for the OnePlus 13 provides peace of mind, knowing that the phone will receive timely updates and remain secure for an extended period.
Price and Availability: A Premium Offering
The OnePlus 13 will launch first in China, with a global release expected to commence at the beginning of the year. The phone is anticipated to start at $799 in the U.S., aligning with the OnePlus 12’s launch price. However, this price has not been officially confirmed. The OnePlus 13 will be available in White-Dawn, Blue Moments, and Obsidian Black color options. This year’s flagship comes with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage and 12GB, 16GB, or 24GB of RAM, respectively. The OnePlus 12 offers 256GB or 512GB of storage and 12GB or 16GB of RAM. It is available in Silky Black and the iconic Flowy Emerald.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For OnePlus 12 owners, the decision to upgrade depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re looking for a significant performance boost, a larger battery, and the latest Android features, the OnePlus 13 presents a compelling case. However, if you’re happy with your current phone’s performance and features, and don’t feel the need for the latest and greatest, the OnePlus 12 remains a capable device.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you value the latest technology, enhanced performance, and extended software support, the OnePlus 13 is a worthy upgrade. But if you’re content with your current OnePlus 12, there’s no need to rush to upgrade.
