Description
OnePlus 13 Review: A Flagship Powerhouse with Premium Features
The OnePlus 13, launched in October 2024 and available from November 1, is the latest flagship from OnePlus, boasting an impressive range of high-end specs designed to deliver a top-tier smartphone experience. With a sleek design, powerful internals, and cutting-edge camera technology, it sets a high bar for what a premium Android device can offer. See also OnePlus 13R.
OnePlus 13 specs and price in Kenya
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price in Kenya | Starting KSh 110,000 · In stock |
| Launch | Announced: October 31, 2024; Released: November 1, 2024 |
| Body | Dimensions: 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm; Weight: 210 g or 213 g (7.41 oz); Build: Glass front (Ceramic Guard), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) or Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Water Resistance | IP68/IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Display | Type: LTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 800 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak); Size: 6.82 inches (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio); Resolution: 1440 x 3168 pixels (~510 ppi density); Protection: Ceramic Guard glass; Always-on display; Ultra HDR image support |
| Platform | OS: Android 15, OxygenOS 15 (International), ColorOS 15 (China), up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 |
| Memory | No card slot; Internal Storage: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM; UFS 4.0 |
| Main Camera | Triple: 50 MP (wide), f/1.6, multi-directional PDAF, OIS; 50 MP (periscope telephoto), 3x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS; 50 MP (ultrawide), 120˚ field of view, PDAF |
| Camera Features | Laser focus, Hasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision |
| Selfie Camera | 32 MP (wide), f/2.4, HDR, panorama; Video: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, No 3.5mm jack, 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio |
| Comms | WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual or tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct; Bluetooth: 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5; Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC; NFC: Yes; Infrared port: Yes; USB: USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Circle to Search |
| Battery | Type: Si/C 6000 mAh; Charging: 100W wired (50% in 13 min, 100% in 36 min), 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, 5W reverse wired |
| Colors | Black Eclipse, Arctic Dawn, Midnight Ocean |
| Models | CPH2655, CPH2653, PJZ110 |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head), 1.15 W/kg (body) |
| Network Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus 13 impresses with its build quality, featuring a choice of materials including a Ceramic Guard glass front, glass or eco-leather back, and a sturdy aluminum frame. It feels robust and premium in hand, despite its sizable dimensions (162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm) and weight (210g-213g). The choice of materials not only gives the phone a premium feel but also ensures durability, especially with the Ceramic Guard glass protecting the display.
Display
The 6.82-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display is a visual delight. LTPO displays allow for a variable refresh rate, meaning the screen can automatically adjust its refresh rate based on the content being displayed. For example, it can switch between 1Hz and up to 120Hz. This dynamic adjustment helps save battery power because the display only uses as much power as needed, depending on the task.
It supports 1 billion colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR Vivid, making it perfect for watching high-quality content. With a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a 1440 x 3168 resolution, the screen is sharp, vibrant, and extremely bright, even under direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and fluid experience while navigating the device, and the ~90.7% screen-to-body ratio makes the display feel immersive.
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is a highly capable and powerful processor. Based on the 3nm manufacturing process, it is designed for premium flagship smartphones, delivering excellent performance across a range of tasks, from intensive gaming to multitasking and running demanding apps.
The octa-core CPU, featuring two powerful Oryon V2 cores clocked at 4.32 GHz, ensures excellent performance, even during the most demanding tasks. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using resource-heavy apps, the OnePlus 13 handles everything with ease. The device offers a wide range of storage and RAM configurations, starting from 256GB with 12GB RAM to a massive 1TB variant with 24GB RAM, ensuring ample space and speed for even the most intensive use.
Camera System
The OnePlus 13’s triple-camera setup is a standout feature. It includes:
- A 50 MP wide sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and multi-directional PDAF.
- A 50 MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and OIS for sharp, detailed close-ups.
- A 50 MP ultrawide lens with a 120˚ field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group shots.
The camera system also boasts Hasselblad Color Calibration, laser focus, and a color spectrum sensor, enhancing the overall image quality. On the video front, the OnePlus 13 supports 8K video recording at 30fps, 4K at 30/60fps, and 1080p at up to 480fps, delivering excellent video quality. The 32 MP selfie camera is also impressive, capable of recording in 4K and offering a high level of detail for video calls and selfies.
Battery Life & Charging
With a massive 6000 mAh battery, the OnePlus 13 easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. When it’s time to recharge, the device supports blazing-fast 100W wired charging, taking it from 0% to 50% in just 13 minutes and fully charging in 36 minutes. Additionally, it supports 50W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging at 10W, which is a great bonus for powering up other devices on the go.
Software & Features
Running on OxygenOS 15 (International) and ColorOS 15 (China), the OnePlus 13 offers a clean and customizable software experience based on Android 15. It supports up to 4 major Android updates, ensuring long-term software support. The device also comes equipped with a range of connectivity features, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6/7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC.
The under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and other sensors such as the accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass are all present, making the OnePlus 13 feel like a well-rounded device. The Circle to Search feature is also a unique addition, offering quick access to useful information.
Pricing
The OnePlus 13 is priced at KSh 110,000 in Kenya, making it a solid choice in the premium smartphone segment. Given its exceptional display, camera capabilities, and top-tier performance, it competes directly with other flagship devices from top-tier brands like Samsung and Apple.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13 is a true flagship, combining stunning design, exceptional performance, and a top-notch camera system in one package. Whether you’re a power user, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply wants a great all-around device, the OnePlus 13 delivers. Its fast charging, large battery, and future-proof hardware make it an excellent choice for those looking to invest in a smartphone that will last.
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