OnePlus 13R Debuts with 50MP Camera and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
freecores.com – The newly launched OnePlus 13R addresses a key demand from smartphone enthusiasts by including a telephoto lens, a feature previously absent in its mid-range lineup. While it doesn’t match the flagship OnePlus 13 in capabilities, the 13R offers an appealing option for users seeking premium features at a more affordable price.
Priced at $600/€750, the OnePlus 13R comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. For comparison, last year’s OnePlus 12R started at $500, but that entry-level variant offered only 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The top-tier 12R model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage was similarly priced at $600/€700, but lacked the 13R’s enhanced features, including the new telephoto lens.
The new OnePlus 13R focuses on significant camera enhancements. It features a 50MP main camera equipped with a Sony LYT-700 sensor (1/1.56”, 1.0µm), promising improvements over the IMX890 sensor used in the previous 12R model. This main camera includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and can record 4K videos at 60 frames per second.
A notable addition is the 50MP telephoto camera utilizing a 1/2.75” Samsung JN5 sensor. The f/2.0 lens has a focal length of 47mm, ideal for portrait photography, effectively providing a 2x optical zoom. The high-resolution sensor allows for 4x zoom without sacrificing image quality. However, this telephoto camera does not include OIS.
The OnePlus 13R also includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera with a 112-degree field of view and a 16MP selfie camera (1/3.09”, 1.0µm), both featuring fixed-focus lenses.
Another significant upgrade is the switch to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, replacing the Gen 2 chip used in the 12R. Although it’s one generation behind the flagship OnePlus 13, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers excellent performance for its price point, especially in Western markets. The chipset is paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, improving upon the UFS 3.1 storage found in the 12R.
“Also Read: Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon X for Mid-Range Windows PCs”
The OnePlus 13R arrives with OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, and introduces an enhanced software support strategy. The device promises 4 years of operating system updates and 6 years of security patches, though it still falls short of the longevity offered by competitors like Samsung, Google, and Apple.
OnePlus has upgraded the battery capacity to 6,000mAh, up from the 5,500mAh battery of its predecessor, the 12R. While the 80W SuperVOOC charging takes slightly longer—achieving a full 1-100% charge in 52 minutes (54 minutes in North America)—the battery life benefits from the increased capacity. In contrast, the 12R offered 100W charging, hitting full capacity in just 26 minutes, as confirmed by reviews.
Despite the larger battery, the OnePlus 13R maintains a sleek form factor. It weighs 206 grams, matches the 12R in weight, and is even thinner by 0.8mm. The phone also boasts a shorter height by 1.5mm, though it is 0.5mm wider.
Durability has been improved with an IP65 rating, enabling the device to resist water jets, rather than just splashes. The new Aqua Touch 2.0 technology allows seamless operation on wet screens or while the phone is in a waterproof pouch. Additionally, the new Glove Mode enables touch detection even when wearing thick gloves.
The OnePlus 13R introduces a premium aluminum chassis, available in two sleek colors: Astral Trail and Nebula Noir. The device enhances durability with Gorilla Glass 7i, an upgrade from the Victus 2 glass used in its predecessor, the 12R.
The 13R retains its impressive 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for every use case. Supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the 10-bit panel ensures rich color reproduction and sharp contrast. The display offers a pixel density of 450ppi, a resolution of 1,264 x 2,780px, and a cinematic 19.8:9 aspect ratio. It shines brightly with a High Brightness Mode of 1,600 nits and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it ideal for outdoor viewing.
Connectivity on the OnePlus 13R includes a dual nano-SIM slot, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 (with aptX-HD, LDAC, and LHDC 5.0), and NFC support. However, the USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 data speeds, which may disappoint some users. On a brighter note, the iconic Alert Slider remains intact, ensuring easy control of notifications.
Pre-orders for the OnePlus 13R are now live on the official OnePlus website. While fans await the global rollout of its flagship sibling, the OnePlus 13, they can look forward to comprehensive reviews of both models soon. The OnePlus 13R stands out with its combination of premium build quality, an exceptional display, and advanced connectivity features, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts.
