The OnePlus 13 has finally launched in the French market, and I couldn’t resist testing it. It’s been a while since I last tried a OnePlus device, so I decided to purchase the OnePlus 13 to see how it performs. Let me walk you through my initial impressions and the features that stood out during my one-day trial.
Unboxing and First Impressions
OnePlus has stayed true to its roots with the packaging. The red box instantly reminded me of my OnePlus 8, giving me a sense of nostalgia. On the front, we have the OnePlus logo, and a note about the collaboration with Hasselblad, which immediately caught my attention. Inside, we find a USB Type-C cable (orange) and, unsurprisingly, no charger. The absence of a charger is becoming common, though it’s still a minor letdown.
The device itself comes in a sleek black finish. The back panel has a unique textured effect, which helps prevent fingerprints. It’s grainy, but not overly so, which makes it feel premium in the hand. The large camera module on the back is noticeable, but I would have preferred a centered design like most other Chinese smartphones.
Display and Build Quality
On the front, the OnePlus 13 has a beautiful 6.82-inch Quad HD+ display, with a variable refresh rate and AMOLED technology. The screen looks stunning and offers excellent color accuracy, which I find great for daily use. The display is fluid, and while I’ve only tested it briefly, it already feels impressive.
The phone has a flat-edge design with rounded corners, which has become a common trend in recent years. The build quality feels solid, with a premium feel that competes with other flagship devices.
OnePlus 13 : Performance
The OnePlus 13 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which I have previously tested on the Realme GT 7 Pro. In my brief time with the phone, I didn’t experience any stuttering or lag. Whether it’s casual gaming or multitasking, this phone handles everything with ease. The phone is available with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage or 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. The base model starts at €1029, which is competitive considering the performance it offers compared to rivals like the Honor Magic 7 Pro and Samsung’s S25 Ultra.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 13 houses a 6000mAh battery made with silicon-carbon technology. In terms of charging, it supports ultra-fast 200W charging, but you need to buy the charger separately for about €40, which is a bit disappointing. There’s also 50W wireless charging, making it a feature-packed device when it comes to power.
Although I can’t comment on battery life in full yet, my early usage suggests the phone is efficient. It doesn’t drain quickly, even with new apps and transfers.
OxygenOS and Software
OnePlus’ OxygenOS has always been one of its standout features. On the OnePlus 13, it runs OxygenOS 15, which is just as fluid and responsive as before. The interface is simple to use, offering a high level of customization without needing third-party apps like on Samsung devices. I noticed some new AI-powered features, but they don’t significantly improve the experience.
OnePlus offers AI features like Google Assistant for smarter functions. It also includes some camera enhancements such as removing reflections and improving detail in photos.
OnePlus 13 : Camera Quality
The camera on the OnePlus 13 truly impressed me. It features a 50MP Sony IMX 890 main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The images were sharp, clear, and very close to real-life colors, thanks to the Hasselblad partnership. For selfies, the 32MP camera delivers fantastic results.
In video, the OnePlus 13 performs remarkably well with its 4K at 60fps recording capabilities. The stabilization is smooth, and even the zoom quality at 3x is excellent. It’s impressive how well the camera handles different lighting conditions, giving professional-looking results.
The OnePlus 13 has been a pleasant surprise. Its sleek design, powerful performance, fantastic camera system, and fast charging make it a great choice for anyone looking for a premium smartphone. The price is competitive, especially when you consider the flagship features it offers. If you’re in the market for a new device, I highly recommend checking it out.
