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OnePlus 13 is the flagship to buy, no doubt about it!

A few years ago he was really in love with smartphones OnePlus, in fact from 5 to 9 pro I didn't miss a single one. But over time I noticed that the incredible reliability of the software was slowly disappearing and also from the HW point of view something was getting lost, especially from the photographic point of view which has acquired more and more importance. Probably the transition from a single model to many models has led the development team to stay a bit behind. So from version 10 I preferred to move on to other brands until today when, intrigued by this SD 8 elite, I decided to try again with this brand new OnePlus 13 which mounts this processor.
Let's see if with this 13 we have returned to the old glories of a brand that has always been known for its "Flagship Killers" with an important premise:

I tested the version with Chinese software Color OS15.
The global version will be released in January with Oxygen OS

ONEPLUS 13 PACKAGE

I am always very happy when I see packaging like the one of the OP 13 because, fortunately, there are still manufacturers who understand how crazy it is not to put in the package essential parts to be able to “unbox” the phone and use it immediately. Here in fact we find:

  • OnePlus 13 (with pre-installed screen protector)
  • Rubberized cover
  • Ultra-fast 100W charger
  • Type C – Type C Charging Cable
  • Clip for removing SIM tray
  • Various booklets

This rich package allows us not to worry about having to buy other accessories and immediately enjoy our beautiful smartphone. The cover is beautiful even if it naturally completely covers the back of the smartphone and it is a shame because it is truly beautiful, if you want to keep it visible you will need to buy a transparent one.

ONEPLUS 13 AESTHETICS

From an aesthetic point of view, the famous Latin proverb “De gustibus non est disputandum” always applies, so I will tell you my opinion which obviously remains a very personal consideration: beautiful! I chose black which never tires, and this satin is simply crazy. It leaves absolutely no fingerprints, even if I doubt that anyone will have the courage to use it without protection. The measurements are: 162,9 x 76,5 x 8,5 mm for 210Gr in weight and here too, well done OnePlus.. you hit the nail on the head! Today we find ourselves having to handle smartphones that on average weigh between 220 and 230g and producing a smartphone that weighs “only” 210g is really a lot, I assure you. We almost fall into my personal ranking of truly “portable” phones that are under 200g. These extra 10g are absolutely acceptable, even considering the excellent camera department and a truly monstrous battery!

On the right side we find the volume rocker and the power button, on the left side the inevitable and very comfortable Alert slide (physical slide to quickly switch from ringtone to silent or vibration only) typical of OnePlus products. Above the ear capsule which also functions as a stereo speaker, below the Type C 3.2 (with video output) for charging and the second system speaker.

ONEPLUS 13 DATASHEET

As usual, OnePlus gives us a top of the range model with top-of-the-range hardware in every detail, starting from the brand new processor. Qualcomm lo Snapdragon 8 Elite with production process a 3nm which, thanks to the proprietary Hexagon NPU, integrates a series of incredible improvements on the AI ​​side that will intervene in every operation to improve your user experience. Here is the in-depth technical sheet:

  • Operating system: Android 15 with ColorOS 15 (China) GUI, OxygenOS 15 (International)
  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
    • CPU: Octa-core (2×4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
    • GPU: Adreno 830
    • Qualcomm Hexagon NPU
  • Memory:
    • RAM: 12GB, 16GB, 24GB type DDR5X
    • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB type UFS 4.0
  • Display:
    • Type: LTPO AMOLED, 1 billion colors
    • Size: 6,82 inch
    • Resolution: 1440 x 3168 pixels, 510ppi
    • Refresh rate: 120Hz
    • Brightness: 800 nits (typical), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)
    • Screen-to-body ratio 93,1%
    • Protection: Crystal Shield super-ceramic
    • DisplayMate A++, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, Zreal, HDR10+, AOD
  • Rear cameras:
    • Main: Sony LYT-808, 1/1,4″, f/1,6, OIS, AF, 23mm eq.
    • Telephoto: 50MP multiprism reflex, 1G3P lens, 1/1,95″, f/2,6, OIS, AF, 73mm eq., 3x optical zoom
    • Ultrawide: 50MP, FOV 120°, f/2,0, macro 3,5cm, AF, 15mm eq.
    • Hasselblad Support
    • Video: 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps
  • Front Camera:
    • 32 MP, f/2.4 – 4K@60fps video
  • Connectivity:
    • 5G
    • Up to Wi-Fi 7
    • Bluetooth 5.4
    • NFC
    • GPS
  • Audio: 2 stereo speakers, 4-mic AI noise reduction
  • Battery:
    • Capacity: 6000 mAh
    • Wired charging: 100W
    • Wireless charging: 50W
  • impermeability: IP68, IP69
  • Dimensions: 162,9 x 76,5 x 8,5 mm
  • Weight: 210g

ONEPLUS 13 DISPLAY

The display is a real feast for the eyes, OLED X2 Oriental scene produced by BOE with technology 8T LTPO. We are at the highest levels of brightness present on the market, a peak of 4500 Nits, which will allow us to see our contents perfectly even in summer under direct sunlight. The refresh rate is 120Hz, in line with the refresh rate that today appears to be a standard, can be set to automatic mode so that based on the content we are viewing, if not necessary, the frequency will be lowered until it reaches 1hz thanks to the panel LPT extension. In fact, it is now useless to set fixed refresh rate values, since the LPTO technology allows us to save on consumption when it is not necessary to push the refresh rate to the maximum. The touch sampling is 240Hz so do not worry about being lightning fast in typing, you will not miss a touch!

Tested with movies, TV series and games and I have to tell you that we can even think about abandoning the tablet and enjoying these contents on this smartphone. As for the form factor we have a slightly curved display, a new format that has been gaining ground for some time. In fact, since the advent of curved screens, a dispute has arisen between those who love them and those who hate them (I am among the former). To get everyone to agree, this new format has been studied which I must say I like perhaps more than the overly curved ones.

The colors are well calibrated and the settings are really numerous. In fact, you can schedule the timing to have the dark mode (dark mode), keep it always active or not use it, set it to your liking on three shades of dark screen and much more. There are also three settings for the color tone, natural-pro-vivid, two system fonts, three display sizes, large-standard-small, three modes on which to set the screen refresh rate, auto-60Hz-120Hz and many other settings. Much attention is given to eye protection and there is no lack of Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, Zreal, HDR10 + and a super protection of the Crystal Shield glass.

In short, the display is evidently a strong point of this smartphone and I imagine it will be on the podium of the top of the range this year.

ONEPLUS 13 AUTONOMY

Let's talk about battery life and get ready to change your habits. With a 6.000mAh unit and the new technology developed by OnePlus, High-capacity bionic silicon-carbon, with normal use we will easily cover 2 days of use! The composition of the Glacier Batteries allows to offer an energy density of 763 Wh/L, therefore, with the same dimensions, the new batteries of the manufacturer will offer a 23,1% higher amperage. If we consider that with 210Gr of weight we have a 6.83″ display and a 6.000mAh battery we can only dedicate a standing ovation to the Chinese engineers who worked on this little masterpiece. As I was saying, the autonomy is excellent, in my tests I have on average reached about 8 hours of display on, with 2 days of average use. Mixed use 5G/Wi-Fi, a few hours of hotspot (which consumes a lot), several photos and videos, lots of whatsapp/telegram, social media (FB-IG), a few voice calls. It must be said that the new SD 8 Elite also seems to manage consumption very well and the combination with the LPTO screen helps a lot. I must point out that the ROM I used is the Chinese one, the Color OS which also tends to be more frugal than the Oxygen. In fact, the applications are not set to automatic startup by default, which means that to start them when the phone starts we will have to do it manually or put them in the appropriate "automatic startup" section but I will talk about this better later. The ultra-fast charging at 100w It allows a full charge in just over 30 minutes, but as I always remind you, never let your smartphone go below 20% of residual charge. Partial charges are always recommended, so even if you find yourself at 50%, charge without worries.

ONEPLUS 13 CAMERA

in this chapter we see one of the really important aspects for a smartphone of 2024/2025, that is the quality of the photographic shots. Let's start from a fundamental assumption that OnePlus has never been a reference brand from this point of view. In fact, we find them Vivo, Oppo, Honor, Huawei (always to stay in China) and although together with the first 2 brands it is part of the same group (BBK Electronics) OP has always been one step behind.

MAIN PHOTO CAMERA

Let's start from the main room which is equipped with a sensor Sony Lytia Lyt-808 da 50Mpx 1/1.4 inch, LYT-808, focal opening f / 1,6, optical stabilization, autofocus, eq 23mm. The quality of the shots, in all light conditions, is really very very good if not excellent. The collaboration with Hasselblad, which has been going on for a few years, has borne fruit in the software processing that helps a lot to obtain really well reproduced images. The colors are always very similar to the real ones and this is something that I always appreciate and everyone should appreciate. The "wow" effect obtained by some competitors (I won't name names) thanks to the classic science fiction saturations leave room for photos that are really very relevant to what we see. I have to say good portraits, good landscapes, good objects and good photos in difficult light conditions (night). As befits smartphones of this level there are many settings and filters/corrections for portraits, but in general also for each shot.
AI is strongly present in the final result of the shots, especially in those with high zooms that I will talk about later. Here are some demos, up to you to judge.

ZOOM CAMERA (PERSICOPE)

As for the zoom we find a sensor from Sony Lytia LYT-600 da 50Mpx 1 / 1,95 " multiprism reflex, focal aperture f / 2,6, optical stabilization, autofocus, equivalent 73 mm, optical zoom 3x. Coming from a Vivo X100 ultra and a Vivo X200 pro the comparison would become impossible for anyone but I can assure you that the quality of the shots of this sensor amazed me. In fact, I did not remember that from this point of view OP could do excellent things and instead I changed my mind. The quality of the shots up to 10X is practically without loss of detail and therefore 95% of the zooms we will need will be almost perfect photos. Because let's face it, going beyond these enlargements is almost always useless or useful to demonstrate the quality of our camera. We can still get to 120x but my advice, to avoid finding too much noise and loss of quality, is not to go beyond 20X which still gives us good shots.
As I mentioned before, when the zoom goes up, artificial intelligence comes into play forcefully, much more than for example Vivo, let's say Oppo, and the final result is halfway between a shot and an AI reconstruction. You can clearly perceive it as soon as you take the shot, in fact we will see the captured image and shortly after the processed image. Here I show you the example.

Of course, in low light conditions the performance of this sensor drops drastically, but then again we could not expect otherwise. However, I must say that all in all with zoom up to 5X the quality remains absolutely good. I would say the portraits are very good and seem to me to be comparable even to the best cameraphones currently on the market. In these demo shots, all freehand, you will find zoom: 1x, 10x, 30x, 60x, 120x.

ULTRA WIDE CAMERA

The ultra-wide angle camera is no different from the other 2 and takes top-level photos. The sensor is a Samsung Isocell S5KJN5 FOV 120°, focal aperture f/2,0, macro 3,5cm, autofocus, equivalent to 15mm. There is the indispensable autofocus for macros that can shoot up to 3,5cm away. The macros are really very beautiful, as are the panoramic photos. Here too, a series of shots with this sensor:

SELFIE CAM

I am not a selfie fan (yes, there are still people like me..) but I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by this sensor either. We find a 32MP, f/2,4 focal aperture, FOV 90°, equivalent to 21mm, video up to 4K at 60fps. My usual test with the sunset behind me gave a positive result! It manages not to burn the bright background while still maintaining a good exposure on the subject in the foreground!

VIDEO

The video section does not disappoint either. We can in fact reach a very high resolution of 8K at 30fps, but my advice is to record in 4K at 60fps. In fact, with this resolution you get, in my opinion, the best results. The audio capture is also very good, which in the short distance will allow you not to use external microphones even to obtain excellent results. I noticed, in particularly bright scenarios, a bit of lens flare that already affects the vivo X200 Pro. Since it is the same sensor, perhaps that could be the reason, a sensor with an aperture that is too large (f1/6) perfect for night scenarios a little less for those that are too bright during the day. I would also say that the videos with the periscope camera are good, which allows us to zoom up to 18X.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS CAMERA

Can we say that the OnePlus 13 is a cameraphone? Here the answer becomes a bit complicated. In fact, we can say yes and no, it depends a lot on the terms of comparison we use, let me explain. Considering the quality-price ratio I would absolutely say yes, it can be counted among the cameraphones of this late 2024. If we compare it to the top smartphones dedicated to photography then we are perhaps a little below. As for the shots with the main camera I do not see substantial differences even compared, for example, to the Vivo X200 Pro and the Vivo X100 Ultra. If instead we want to push ourselves with the periscopic camera in magnifications beyond 20X then here the differences can be seen. In conclusion I can say that if your focus is the camera, even with this OP13 you will find yourself great!

FIRMWARE

As already specified, the version I tested is the Chinese one with the Color OS. When the global version comes out we will find the Oxygen which will be perfectly compatible with everything we are used to using. Normally, until last year with OP 12, it is possible to install the Oxygen version on Chinese models but to date we are not sure about this for this 13 so we cannot guarantee it. In any case the Color OS also works perfectly in Italy having the Italian language and Google services by default. If purchased from TradingShenzhen It will arrive with the Play Store already installed and with the call block removed (a block that is sometimes applied to Chinese phones outside of China).
In any case, below I leave you the link to download the PLAY STORE in case you bought it from other stores (ask in advance for the installation of the play store and the removal of the call block to avoid finding yourself in difficulty).
So, if you buy it from the store I indicated, once you turn it on you will only have to set the language to Italian and enter your account. GMAIL since Play Store. After that, just install your favorite applications and you're done.

SOFTWARE CRITICISM

The Chinese Color OS brings with it small critical issues that will not allow you to fully enjoy the Android potential we are used to. These do not make it impossible to use but they may not be acceptable for some users so I decided to summarize the most important ones in my opinion in a table:

FunctionSIDO NOT
OTA updatesX
Italian Language MenuX
Applications in Italian – Italian keyboardX
Google servicesX
Google Play applicationsX
Notifications Lock screen – Notification barX
AOD notificationsXX
BT connection with the machineX
Android AUTO (not tested)XX
Google WalletX
VoltaX
Google voice assistantX
Alexa voice assistantX
Google functions with Chinese firmware

As you can see, most of the basic features are present. In fact, you will have all the OTA updates (and very quickly too), all the application notifications, the ability to pay with NFC via Google wallet and the BT connection with the car. The Android Auto issue is a bit thorny as it is very variable. It has already happened, for example with Chinese vivo, that when the smartphone was released it did not work but with subsequent updates it did. I have not been able to test it as I do not have a compatible car but it is possible (not sure) that it can work. On the Always on Display (to be clear the screen always on) there is also a very elaborate one, with a lot of customization, but the notifications that can be activated are only those of the system applications, so calls, text messages, etc. Not usable are the notifications of third-party applications, those that you will install such as WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. There is a way to make them work, replacing the version of the app "diverse engine" or "motore diverso" with the one that comes from the global version. You will then have to download it from an APK site, uninstall the updates of the existing one and install the global one. It is not a complicated operation but I do not think it is within everyone's reach. Great news for call recording maniacs, in fact it is possible RECORD CALLS with the default dialer (in China there are no laws that prohibit it). As for the Google voice assistant (not the voice search which works perfectly) there is no way to set it as default, so it does not work.

APPLICATION SETTINGS

For all the applications you install you will have a sea of ​​settings for notifications, energy saving, automatic startup, background execution and much more. So my advice, if you have some malfunctions do not worry, you will probably just have to go into the specific settings and set the individual application as you prefer. I remind you that on the Chinese versions of the operating systems the automatic startup of applications is almost always disabled, what does this mean? That when the phone starts, or obviously a reboot, the applications not manually set to automatic startup will not start so you will not receive notifications, you will have to open them for the first time manually. To put them in automatic execution and not have to do this step you will just have to go into: settings-applications-automatic startup and enable the ones you want.

OTHER

The OnePlus I tested runs version 15 of Color OS, the Chinese graphical interface that is installed on Oppo and OnePlus phones. Its global counterpart, Oxygen OS, will arrive in January. The differences between the two? Well, the Chinese versions always have many more customizations in general but they bring with them some apps and settings that can only be used in China. So it's up to you whether to go for the Chinese or Global version. Both have the ability to set timers to turn the phone off and on, clone apps, edit photos with the help of artificial intelligence and much much more. Here are some examples of removing objects from photos.

4G/5G NETWORKS

As for the networks, you can rest assured. In fact, there is band 20 for those who still use 4G and many 5G bands available in Italy. I must admit that I am not very expert in mobile networks, but it must also be said that the network issue is very complex regardless. In fact, the telephone signal is influenced by many factors and it is always complicated to be able to say how much and how a telephone takes since much, if not everything, depends on the area in which we are and obviously on the telephone operator we use. I carried out a test at my home, indoors, with my current operator WindTre in 5G and the result was truly excellent. Below is the screenshot of the speed test, judge for yourself!

PROJECTED IMPACT

After telling you everything I think you need to know about this beautiful and powerful smartphone, let's get to the final considerations. OnePlus 13 It has been in China for a couple of months now, where you can buy it. It will be released in Italy soon and should be presented on 9 January, but we don't know the prices yet. We do know the Chinese ones, which are nothing short of incredible. In the case of the version I tested and that I recommend, with 16G of RAM and 512Gb of ROM, the price is only €757! Even €100 less for the basic version with 12Gb of RAM and 256Gb of ROM. These are the purchase prices on TradingShenzhen, where I bought it and where I recommend you buy it.
At these prices, it's really difficult for me to think of any better product than this OnePlus 13, especially since there will then be the possibility, if you don't get along well with the color OS, to install Oxygen and make it in all respects the same as those sold here in Italy.
I remind you what you will have to give up in this case, namely Google Assistant, e-SIM, third-party notifications on the AOD and perhaps Android Auto, which you may not even use but which could save you a lot of money.
Obviously if you have a budget without problems you can calmly wait for the Italian version and take it directly with Oxygen. Keep in mind that last year the basic version (12/256Gb) of the OnePlus 12 came out at € 969 while the 512Gb version at € 1099, but this year with the production costs of the SD 8 Elite there could be a further increase.

If you decide to buy it from China I'll leave you the direct links where I bought it, TradingShenzhen, our very reliable partner site, which will give you the chance to take it home at a crazy price in about 10/15 days with priority shipping free from annoying customs duties. For the more skeptical there will also be the possibility to pay via PayPal.
The phone will arrive to you with PlayStore already installed and therefore ready to use given the presence of the Italian language by default.
Having said everything there is to know, all I can do is wish you happy shopping!

OnePlus 13 12/256Gb

€657 €899
TradingShenzhen
🇨🇳 Priority Shipping (No Customs)

OnePlus 13 16/512Gb

€757 €1049
TradingShenzhen
🇨🇳 Priority Shipping (No Customs)

OnePlus 13 24GB/1TB

€947 €1199
TradingShenzhen
🇨🇳 Priority Shipping (No Customs)
9.7 Total score
To buy

Overall the best smartphone I've ever tried

Hardware
10
CPU/ROM/RAM
10
Display
10
Autonomy
9
Dimensions and weight
10
Maneuverability
10
Camera
9
Packaging
9.5
PROS
  • Hardware at the highest levels
  • SD 8 Elite CPU
  • Stunning Display
  • Excellent autonomy with 6000mAh battery
  • Exceptional weight, only 210g!
  • Excellent portability
  • Main camera from TOP Cameraphone
  • Almost perfect operating system
  • Alert slide present
CONS
  • Nobody
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Cristiano Cento
Cristiano Cento

Computer Consultant, DJ, Blogger. Passionate about Music (of course), movies, TV series, sports and lover of all that is technological. [email protected]

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