I’m convinced the OnePlus 13 is the smartest smartphone you can buy: Here’s why

The OnePlus 13 is a phone I keep coming back to. I enjoyed the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus 12, and I respected the direction the company was headed, but I never fell in love with those devices. The OnePlus 13 is different. I prefer using it over my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it feels like a complete flagship experience. OnePlus needed to work on its software, and it has — OxygenOS is in its best place in years.

Unfortunately, all the good work the company put into the OnePlus 13 didn’t include a winning strategy for gaining US market share. I’m disappointed that OnePlus is no longer in carrier stores, as it’s a missed opportunity to compete directly with other Android manufacturers on a level playing field. However, if you’re a savvy user who loves a powerful flagship and enjoys saving money, the OnePlus 13 is the phone you should buy in 2025.

Thoughtful design and a gorgeous display

OnePlus thought of the details

When you pick up the OnePlus 13, you can tell it was thoughtfully designed. OnePlus engineers focused on achieving a 50/50 weight balance, avoiding a top-heavy design, despite the presence of the cameras. It’s a small detail, but noticeable, and it adds to the overall enjoyment of the phone. It also makes the phone feel lighter than its 210g.

OxygenOS and I have had a complicated history.

The OnePlus 13 features all the premium flagship design elements you’d expect, from an IP69 rating to ceramic guard glass. I enjoy the feel and texture of the eco-leather variant, but I understand that it won’t be for everyone. I don’t prefer curved smartphone displays, but the OnePlus 13 strikes an interesting balance. Its 2.5D glass screen lets me enjoy a mainly flat display with a gentle taper on either side, which makes swiping more comfortable. If you’ve ever used a Google Pixel 2 or Nokia Lumia phone, you’ve got a good idea of the experience.

I’m not only impressed by the glass covering the display, but by the panel itself. The OnePlus 13 boasts a stunning 6.82-inch QHD+ AMOLED display that refreshes at a smooth 120Hz. It’s also bright, maxing out at 4,500 nits — outdoor viewing is a pleasure on the OnePlus 13.

Snappy performance and improved software

OnePlus fixed my biggest complaint

I get excellent performance on my OnePlus 13 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 16GB of RAM. The company offers a 12GB version for $900, but even if you opt for the 16GB version, you’re still paying $300 less than what Samsung charges for a base Galaxy S25 Ultra with 12GB of RAM. The OnePlus 13 will chew through any task you throw at it, and I enjoy playing AAA mobile games at maximum settings with smooth frame rates.

OxygenOS and I have had a complicated history. I used to love OnePlus software, and until the OnePlus 9, I thought the company provided the best Android experience. Unfortunately, OxygenOS 12 ruined my faith, and it’s taken years to regain it. With OxygenOS 15, the company’s software is in a good place.

I love the way Android 15 runs on my OnePlus 13, and I enjoyed the aesthetic changes the company made to its software. I no longer experience the random crashes or bugs that plagued previous Android versions on my OnePlus device. While four years of OS updates may not match those of Samsung or Google, it’s a step in the right direction. If you’ve avoided OnePlus phones because of software before, you’ll enjoy what the company has done with OxygenOS 15.

Outstanding battery life and impressive value

More companies need to adopt silicon-carbon batteries

I easily get two days of battery life with moderate use on my OnePlus 13. Its 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery is outstanding, and I wish more Android manufacturers in the US would take advantage of the technology. Battery drain is non-existent, and it’s refreshing to use a phone with superior battery life that also has excellent performance. OnePlus phones charge faster than anyone, with 80W and 100W wired charging speeds supported on the OnePlus 13. It also includes 50W wireless charging, which is faster than the wired charging on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

OnePlus doesn’t offer aggressive sales throughout the year, but it doesn’t have to. You can pick up a OnePlus 13 starting at $900. On the OnePlus site, you can select to get a pair of OnePlus Buds 3 and a OnePlus 13 case included with your purchase. OnePlus has always been considered a flagship killer, but it’s finally rounded back into form in 2025.

Excellent choice if you want something new

I didn’t love the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and if you need to buy a phone in 2025, it’s a great year to try something new. OnePlus improved many aspects of its flagship device this year, including the camera, and I’m constantly impressed with the value it provides. It’s hard to say that any $900 device is a value, but pound-for-pound, you get more for your money than any other flagship on the market — something worth considering.