OnePlus 13: Why It’s a Top Contender, Especially at This New Low Price
The OnePlus 13 is making waves as a potential "Phone of the Year" contender, and with a new discount, it's even more compelling. Starting at $899, this phone offers a blend of performance, durability, and design that rivals even the most expensive flagships. But what makes it stand out in a crowded market?
Early reviews of the OnePlus 13 highlight its impressive features, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a massive 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and an exceptional IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. According to ZDNET, OnePlus is currently offering a $50 discount on both OnePlus 13 models, with a free gift thrown in – choose between OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro and a Sandstone Magnetic Case.
ZDNET's Kerry Wan personally tested the OnePlus 13 alongside the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and found the OnePlus 13, in several ways, puts the iPhone and Pixel to shame. The phone's design, particularly the Midnight Ocean color with a vegan-leather backing, makes a strong first impression. Wan noted, "It's as if OnePlus made the iPhone 17 Air before Apple did." The texture is holding up well, save for dark spots on the corners, likely caused by the phone rubbing against palms.
One notable feature missing is in-body Qi2 wireless charging. However, OnePlus has created a workaround by embedding magnetic guides within its protective cases, allowing users to utilize MagSafe accessories.
OnePlus has significantly improved its water and dust resistance, boasting an IP69 rating. This allows the OnePlus 13 can function properly even if you leave it in your washer and dryer, dishwasher, or a pot of boiling soup. The IP69 rating feels very much like a flex, but it's a benefit that users will appreciate when they least expect it.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and OxygenOS 15, based on the latest version of Android, has some of the smoothest animations I've seen on a phone. However, graphically intensive applications may experience some stuttering due to heat. The 6,000mAh battery provides exceptional battery life, lasting at least a day and a half on a single charge.
The camera system features a triple 50MP setup (wide, ultrawide, and telephoto) that captures vivid details. While not on par with one-inch sensors, the Sony LYT-808 sensor still excels at producing sharp, bright images. The phone leans heavily on computational photography to contextualize details when taking far-distance shots.
While the OnePlus 13 excels in many areas, its software support is shorter than competitors like Samsung, Google, and Apple. Current offers will end June 8, 2025, but deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you.
The OnePlus 13 nails all the fundamentals of a great smartphone experience while leading the market in some regards, such as battery and charging, durability, and design. Is the improved design, performance, and battery life enough to sway you from other flagship phones? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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