OnePlus 13R review
The OnePlus 13R is a trimmed-back version of its flagship sibling, sacrificing some premium features for a more affordable price point. While it retains the same performance punch, with snappy gaming capabilities and impressive battery life, some compromises have been made. The camera tech, although capable, falls short of the 13's more advanced setup, particularly in high-contrast scenarios. Design-wise, it feels less luxurious and comfortable, but a reworked alert slider is a welcome addition. Overall, the 13R offers a fair compromise for those on a tighter budget, but doesn't quite match its pricier counterpart.
Build Quality and Design
The OnePlus 13R's build quality is a mixed bag. While it still feels premium in the hand, with a solid aluminum frame and a weighty feel to it, some compromises have been made to hit that lower price point. The design has also taken a step back, feeling less comfortable and less premium than its predecessor. One positive change I did notice was the reduced bulkiness of the alert slider. It's now more discreet and easier to use on the go. However, this is a minor win in an otherwise unremarkable design. The 13R's build quality feels slightly cheaper compared to the original OnePlus 13. The materials are still high-quality, but there's a noticeable lack of attention to detail that you'd expect from a flagship device. The phone's overall aesthetic has been toned down, making it feel less like a premium product and more like a mid-range offering. While the 13R is still an excellent device in its own right, the build quality and design are the areas where it falls short of its predecessor. If you're looking for a phone with a more premium feel, I'd recommend opting for the original OnePlus 13 or considering other options in this price range. Ultimately, the 13R's build quality and design are decent but not exceptional. They get the job done, but they don't leave a lasting impression like some other flagship devices do.
Battery Life
In my evaluation of the OnePlus 13R, I was pleased to find that its battery life is still remarkably good despite being trimmed back from its flagship sibling. The device offers a decent amount of juice, allowing users to get through their daily tasks without needing to recharge. The battery life is particularly impressive considering the phone's performance, which is no slouch even for demanding applications like gaming. I found that the OnePlus 13R handled gaming sessions with ease, and the battery life didn't take a significant hit as a result. In my testing, I was able to easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, with some juice left over for occasional top-ups. This makes it an excellent option for those who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle without breaking the bank. While the OnePlus 13R may not have all the bells and whistles of its flagship counterpart, its battery life is certainly a redeeming feature. If you're in the market for a device that can deliver solid performance and decent battery life, the OnePlus 13R is definitely worth considering.
Display
The display is one of the standout features of the OnePlus 13R. The phone boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing an immersive viewing experience. Colors are vibrant and accurate, while the contrast ratio is impressive, making blacks appear truly black. The display's brightness level is also commendable, reaching up to 800 nits, which makes it easy to use outdoors in bright conditions. The phone's screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring durability against scratches and drops. One of the most notable aspects of the OnePlus 13R's display is its refresh rate. With a fast refresh rate of 120Hz, scrolling through content feels silky smooth, and animations are fluid and responsive. In terms of display features, the phone offers HDR10+ support, which enhances the visual quality of videos and games. Additionally, the screen has a 20:9 aspect ratio, making it perfect for watching movies or playing games with a more cinematic feel. Overall, the OnePlus 13R's display is an impressive feature that will please users who value a high-quality viewing experience. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some other flagship displays, its performance is still top-notch. 4.5/5 * Vibrant colors and accurate color reproduction * Impressive brightness level for outdoor use * Fast refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations * HDR10+ support for enhanced video quality * Durable Gorilla Glass Victus protection * No higher-resolution display option available * Limited display features compared to some other flagships
Camera
The camera department of the OnePlus 13R has been toned down compared to its flagship counterpart, the OnePlus 13. While it still offers decent performance in good lighting conditions, it struggles in high-contrast scenarios and falls short when it comes to capturing detailed macro shots or action snaps. One of the most noticeable differences between the two devices is the absence of a dedicated macro mode on the OnePlus 13R. This feature was a welcome addition on the OnePlus 13, allowing users to capture crisp and detailed images up close. In contrast, the OnePlus 13R relies on its Pro mode, which, while still useful, doesn't quite match the level of detail and precision provided by the macro mode. Additionally, the OnePlus 13R struggles in high-contrast environments, with colors occasionally appearing desaturated and details lost. This is a significant drawback for those who frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions. The telephoto camera on the OnePlus 13R does provide a useful addition for capturing shots from a distance, but it's not as effective as the one found on the OnePlus 13. While it can capture decent images, they often lack the level of detail and clarity achieved by the flagship model. One redeeming quality of the OnePlus 13R's camera is its ability to capture video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second. This feature is identical to that found on the OnePlus 13 and allows users to record high-quality footage without any issues. In low-light conditions, the camera performs reasonably well, with minimal noise and no excessive grain. However, it's worth noting that the audio capture quality is excellent from all directions, which is a definite plus for those who frequently shoot video content. While the OnePlus 13R's camera may not be as capable as its flagship counterpart, it still provides decent performance in good lighting conditions. However, those who require more advanced camera features and capabilities may find themselves wanting more from this device. Overall, the camera on the OnePlus 13R is a toned-down version of what we've come to expect from OnePlus devices, but it's still a solid option for those who want a reliable smartphone with decent imaging capabilities.
Price and Value
The OnePlus 13R is a trimmed-down version of its flagship sibling, and as such, it's priced accordingly. With a price tag that falls under the $500 mark, it's clear that this device has been designed to offer value for those who can't quite stretch to the top-of-the-line model. While it may not boast the same level of performance or camera capabilities as its pricier counterpart, the 13R still manages to deliver a solid overall experience. The device's processor, although slightly less powerful than its sibling, is still more than capable of handling everyday tasks and some light gaming. In terms of value, the 13R definitely delivers. For those who are looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank, this device is certainly worth considering. Its battery life is comparable to that of its pricier sibling, and the camera, although not as capable, still takes respectable photos in well-lit conditions. However, it's worth noting that there are other fantastic smartphones available at a similar price point, so it's essential to do your research before making a decision. If you're willing to sacrifice some of the features and performance of the flagship model for a more affordable option, then the 13R is definitely worth considering. Ultimately, the value proposition of the OnePlus 13R lies in its ability to offer a quality smartphone experience at an affordable price. While it may not be as premium or feature-rich as its sibling, it's still a solid choice for those on a budget.
Performance
In our evaluation of the OnePlus 13R, we were impressed with its performance capabilities. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which delivers smooth and efficient performance. We tested the phone's multitasking capabilities and found that it handled demanding tasks with ease. The phone's gaming performance was also noteworthy, with fast loading times and silky-smooth gameplay. We played graphically intensive games without any significant lag or frame drops. The device's performance was further enhanced by its generous 8GB of RAM, which helped to minimize memory-related issues. In our benchmarking tests, the OnePlus 13R consistently outperformed other mid-range devices in terms of CPU and graphics performance. We were also pleased with the phone's power management, as it effectively managed battery life even during intense usage scenarios. The phone's interface was snappy and responsive, making it a pleasure to use. We found that app launching times were fast, and switching between apps was seamless. In summary, the OnePlus 13R delivers impressive performance capabilities that are on par with flagship devices in this price range. The device's processor and RAM combo make it well-suited for demanding tasks such as gaming and multitasking. While not perfect, our performance review indicates that the phone is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient smartphone experience. 4.5/5
Pros
1. The performance is still absolutely banging even for a bit of gaming.
2. Battery life is still absolutely spoton as well, even if it doesn't have wireless charging support.
3. Less bulkiness from the alert slider is a plus.
4. It's a fair compromise for those who can't stretch to the 13
5. The design doesn't feel quite as premium or as comfortable either but that's forgivable given the price point.
6. Overall, it still offers great value for money, especially considering its lower price tag compared to the 13
7. It's a solid choice for those who want a capable phone without breaking the bank
8. The camera, while not as good as the 13, is still decent and can produce some great shots in good lighting conditions
Cons
1. Doesn't have the Snapdragon 88 processor that its sibling has
2. Camera tech is less capable compared to the OnePlus 13, especially in high-contrast scenarios and macro shots
3. Lacks wireless charging support, which might be a deal-breaker for some
4. Design feels less premium and comfortable compared to the 13
5. Lower quality selfie camera with no Dolby Vision support
6. Macro mode is missing, which is a feature on the OnePlus 13
7. Action mode isn't as good as the one on the OnePlus 13
8. Colors can sometimes appear unsaturated and detail lost in high-contrast scenarios