The OnePlus 13R is a compelling phone at $599, but is it a smart buy?

People often debate whether it’s better to buy a new budget phone or an older flagship at a discount. As top-tier phones get older, their prices drop, making last year’s models more affordable. OnePlus seems to ask, “Why not both?”

Meet the OnePlus 13R. It features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the same chip found in many high-end 2024 phones. It starts at $599—$100 more than last year’s model but still cheaper than Samsung and Google’s latest devices. OnePlus continues its tradition of offering high-end specs at a lower price, now on a global scale. Previously, its R-series phones were mostly available in Asia, but now more people can get their hands on them.

However, $599 might be a bit steep. The OnePlus 13R has some trade-offs, especially in the camera department. Given the competition at this price, it’s not clear if it’s the best deal. I tested a review unit from OnePlus for a week—here’s what I found.

Features that Attract Me

Fast and Powerful

The standout feature of the OnePlus 13R is its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. Simply put, it’s fast—this is the same chip found in many top smartphones from 2024. Built with advanced 3nm technology, it delivers better performance while using less power, meaning smooth performance without draining the battery too quickly.

In benchmark tests, the OnePlus 13R scored 2,193 (single-core) and 6,500 (multi-core) on Geekbench 6. For comparison, the OnePlus 13, which uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite, scored higher at 3,043 and 9,247. However, the 13R’s performance is similar to the pricier Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which also has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

Numbers aside, this processor can handle just about anything you throw at it. Plus, the base model comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage—more than what most midrange phones offer.

Super-fast Charging

The OnePlus 13R stands out for its fast charging and long battery life. In the U.S., it supports 80W charging, while international versions go up to 100W. The included 55W charger is still faster than most competitors. Unlike Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola, which no longer include chargers, OnePlus still provides one, making it a rare exception in the U.S.

With a 6,000 mAh battery, the OnePlus 13R lasts about a day and a half on a full charge. A quick 15-minute charge gives enough power for the rest of the day, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery. It’s a great choice for those who want both long battery life and fast charging.

Features That are Less Appealing to Me

An Okay-quality Camera

The OnePlus 13R has three cameras: a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide camera with a 112-degree view. In good lighting, the main camera takes sharp photos, but the ultrawide and telephoto lenses aren’t as strong. Colors can also look different between the three cameras, especially in tricky lighting.

At night, the cameras struggle. The main sensor still takes decent shots, but the ultrawide loses detail, and the telephoto lens has trouble focusing. A 2x zoom isn’t ideal since many 50MP main cameras can get similar results by cropping. A 3x or 5x zoom would have been a better choice for more flexibility.

Wireless Charging is Not an Option

The lack of wireless charging on the OnePlus 13R isn’t the biggest issue. Many midrange phones at this price offer it, but what’s strange is OnePlus’s official case for the phone. On the plus side, they brought back the classic Sandstone textured case, which is grippy and nostalgic.

However, the case includes a ring of magnets for MagSafe and Qi2 accessories, yet the phone itself doesn’t support wireless charging. That’s an odd choice. OnePlus likely skipped wireless charging to focus on its super-fast wired charging, but even slow wireless charging would have been better than none at all.

Where It Stands Compared to Other Phones

The OnePlus 13R, priced at $600, offers features like fast charging and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, making it suitable for intensive tasks like mobile gaming. However, the Google Pixel 8a, available for $499, provides a compelling alternative. While it has a less powerful processor, it excels in camera performance and offers a smooth software experience with regular updates from Google. The Pixel 8a lacks a telephoto lens, but considering the OnePlus 13R’s modest 2x zoom, this may not be a significant drawback.

Another option is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, priced at $650. It features a slower processor compared to the OnePlus 13R but offers a robust camera system that rivals Google’s in quality. While the OnePlus 13R boasts superior raw camera specifications, the Galaxy S24 FE delivers a well-rounded photographic experience.

In summary, while the OnePlus 13R offers impressive hardware, the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE provide strong competition, especially in terms of camera performance and software experience, often at a lower or comparable price point.

Final Impression

Overall, this phone falls short compared to other options. The price hike doesn’t feel justified, especially given its underwhelming camera performance. If you’re after a powerful phone with super-fast charging, this is a solid choice. But if you want a well-rounded device, the Pixel 8a is a better pick. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is another decent option, though its higher price might be a drawback.

If this phone existed in isolation, saving $300 over the OnePlus 13 might seem like a good deal. But since the OnePlus 13 is significantly better, the extra cost is worth it. It’s unfortunate that OnePlus no longer partners with U.S. carriers—this phone would have been a great “free with a contract” deal. Instead, having to buy it outright makes it a tougher sell.