OnePlus has finally revealed its 2024 flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13, in China. While this new model isn’t a groundbreaking transformation from the OnePlus 12, it brings a series of upgrades that give it an edge over its predecessor.
In fact, some of these enhancements are a bit rare in the Android world, making this flagship worth a closer look. Here’s a breakdown of the key improvements the OnePlus 13 brings over the OnePlus 12.
A refined design
Design has taken center stage in this year’s release, with OnePlus placing considerable attention on aesthetics. Being inspired by Apple, OnePlus has also opted for a boxier design for the OnePlus 13, with a flat middle frame that gives it a slightly refined look as compared to its predecessor. However, it’s not as aggressively boxy as the Oppo Find X8, maintaining a sleek but comfortable feel.
Another noticeable difference is the redesigned rear camera module, which now stands apart from the metallic frame instead of blending seamlessly into it. Additionally, OnePlus has introduced three new finish options: Silk Glass in White, a skin-friendly velvet leather finish in Blue, and Obsidian Black. This is a contrast to the OnePlus 12, which only offers a glass back in various colors.
But the changes aren’t limited to the outer surface. The OnePlus 13 boasts an IP68/IP69 rating, making it significantly more resistant to water and dust compared to the IP65 rating of the OnePlus 12.
Addition of magnets for convenient charging
While Android devices have long supported wireless charging, iPhones stand out for their built-in magnets that simplify coil alignment and enable easy attachment to accessories, making them ideal for mounting.
Now, the OnePlus 13 and Find X8 series bring similar functionality, setting them apart from other Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered flagships like the Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Pro, and iQOO 13.
Oppo also plans to build a full ecosystem of magnetically attachable accessories, further distinguishing the OnePlus 13 and Find X8 series among 2024 flagships.
Snapdragon 8 Elite complemented with improved thermal management
Performance upgrades are a big part of what makes the OnePlus 13 stand out. Alongside an improved thermal management system featuring a massive 9925mm² vapor chamber cooling, the new flagship is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This top-tier processor delivers a staggering 45% boost in CPU performance and a 44% improvement in power efficiency. The GPU sees a 40% jump in performance, with ray tracing sped up by 35% as well.
The OnePlus 12’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is impressive in its own right, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the OnePlus 13 marks a significant leap, giving it an edge in processing power, efficiency, and graphics. Coupled with the enhanced cooling, this power is easier to sustain over extended periods, promising a smoother experience for high-intensity applications and gaming.
Although OxygenOS 15 (ColorOS 15 in China) introduces numerous visual refinements and features, like file sharing with iPhones, most of these improvements are also available on the predecessor through the OxygenOS 15 stable update. Therefore, the new phone doesn’t hold a significant advantage in this area.
A much bigger battery
Battery life is another area where the OnePlus 13 outshines its predecessor, equipped with a larger 6000mAh high-density Si/C battery, compared to the OnePlus 12’s 5400mAh cell. Both models support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, but the enhanced cooling system in the OnePlus 13 may allow for more efficient charging sessions with less heat accumulation. This could also translate to improved battery longevity over time.
Improved image processing with largely similar optics
While the hardware differences are subtle, the OnePlus 13 benefits from the latest imaging algorithm used in Oppo’s latest flagship lineup, helping it capture details in fast-moving subjects more effectively than the OnePlus 12. The Hasselblad collaboration continues for color tuning, so expect rich, balanced colors with enhanced detail and clarity in the OnePlus 13’s photos.
Final thoughts
With the OnePlus 13, the brand has introduced subtle yet meaningful enhancements over the OnePlus 12. With a new chipset, refined design, and upgraded imaging, the OnePlus 13 is positioned as a strong competitor in the Android flagship space and could be considered one of 2024’s most well-rounded flagships.
