The OnePlus 13 series is the first major launch of 2025 and feels like the start of something new for both Android phones and OnePlus itself. For Android devices, this is one of the first times that flagship phones are embracing massive 6,000mAh batteries, signaling that 2025 might finally be the year we achieve the norm of true multi-day battery life. For OnePlus, the 13 series represents a major design refresh as the company pushes its phones closer to true flagship status, leaving behind the ‘flagship killer’ label.
While the OnePlus 13 grabs the spotlight this year (and for good reason — we loved it), the OnePlus 13R aims to deliver much of the same OnePlus DNA, rapid performance, and polish at a more accessible price point. After using it as my daily driver for nearly two weeks, I can confidently say it’s as good as a $600 phone can get — but it did remind me why flagships still serve a purpose.