Oneplus 13 - Long term review - The Great, The Good, Areas of Improvement & the Ugly!

OnePlus 13 Long-Term Review Summary

Product Overview:

The reviewer has used the OnePlus 13 as a daily driver for about 3.5 months, specifically the top-end model with 1TB storage and 24GB RAM. The review is structured into four categories: things loved, good features, areas for improvement, and disliked aspects.

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Main Features & Highlights

• Performance:
  • Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, offering top-tier performance for gaming and general use.
  • 24GB RAM (in the reviewed variant) ensures smooth multitasking.
  • UFS 4.0 storage enables very fast data transfer speeds, outperforming iPhones in this regard.
• Battery:
  • Large 6000mAh battery split into two 3000mAh cells with silicon carbide technology.
  • Supports 100W fast wired charging, allowing quick top-ups (e.g., 10 minutes charging can last a day).
  • Reverse wireless charging available, useful for charging other devices in a pinch.
  • Battery longevity is managed by charging between 20% and 80%, with occasional full charges for long days.
• Display:
  • Peak brightness up to 1600 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent.
  • Screen is slightly curved (2.5D), not fully flat, which the reviewer finds less ideal for tempered glass application.
• Build & Design:
  • Available in black (glass back), white, and blue (with leather back).
  • Reviewer prefers the leather back for durability and scratch resistance; wishes the black variant had leather too.
  • IP68/69 rating offers strong water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind for durability.
• Additional Features:
  • IR Blaster included, allowing the phone to control TVs, ACs, and other appliances—a feature the reviewer finds very useful and underrated.
  • “Share to iPhone” feature integrated into the system, enabling easy file transfers between OnePlus and iPhones, similar to Apple’s AirDrop.
  • Picture-in-picture mode supported on more apps than competitors, allowing multitasking during video playback.
  • Vibration motor is high quality, reportedly better than Apple's in some ways.
  • Reasonably priced extended warranty (OnePlus Care) covering breakage and spillage for two years at about 6,000 rupees, cheaper than iPhone’s equivalent.

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Pros

• Excellent performance with flagship chipset and ample RAM.
• Very fast charging (100W), changing user habits around charging.
• Large battery capacity for peace of mind.
• Bright, vibrant display with great outdoor visibility.
• Useful IR Blaster feature for remote control functionality.
• Integrated file sharing with iPhones simplifies cross-platform use.
• Reverse wireless charging adds convenience.
• Good speakers and strong vibration motor.
• Competitive pricing, especially for higher storage variants (smaller price jump compared to iPhone/Samsung).
• Durable with IP68/69 rating.
• Good value extended warranty available.

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Cons / Areas for Improvement

• Back Material:
  • The black glass back is prone to scratches and breakage; leather back (available only on blue variant) is preferred.
• Display Curve:
  • Screen is not fully flat, making tempered glass application tricky; reviewer prefers flat screens like iPhone or Samsung S25 Ultra.
• Camera:
  • Good but not best-in-class; rated around A or B+ tier.
  • Lacks cinematic mode like iPhone.
  • Can reduce f-stop for blurred background only at 1080p, not at 4K, limiting video quality options.
• MagSafe Equivalent:
  • No built-in magnetic attachment system; reviewer uses a case with MagSafe-like feature for mounting and wireless charging convenience.
• Charging Compatibility:
  • Proprietary fast charging is best with OnePlus charger; PD chargers work but slower.

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User Experience & Comparisons

• The reviewer appreciates the balance of battery life and fast charging, preferring fast charging if forced to choose.
• Compared to iPhones, OnePlus offers better storage upgrade pricing and faster storage speeds.
• The “Share to iPhone” feature is a standout for users with mixed-device ecosystems.
• The IR Blaster is a nostalgic and practical feature missing from many modern phones.
• The phone handles gaming (PUBG) without issues.
• Picture-in-picture functionality is better supported than on iPhone or Samsung for certain apps.

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Pricing

• Purchased for approximately 85,000 rupees with discounts for the 1TB/24GB RAM variant.
• Storage upgrade pricing is more reasonable than iPhone/Samsung, saving around 5,000 rupees per tier upgrade.
• Extended warranty is affordable and adds value.

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Overall