When it comes to flagship smartphones, Apple, Samsung, and Google are usually the first brands that come to mind.
However, OnePlus should not be overlooked. The Chinese company excels in producing high-end phones, as demonstrated by the impressive OnePlus 12. It offers all the features most people look for in an Android phone, at a price that is lower than many competitors.
So, what can we expect from its successor? While it is unlikely to be released in Europe before 2025, there are already some insights into what OnePlus has in store. Here’s everything you need to know at this point.
When will the OnePlus 13 be released?
In recent years, OnePlus has established a consistent release schedule for its flagship phones in Europe and North America:
Based on this, it is highly probable that the OnePlus 13 will be launched in February or March 2025.
However, leaker Smart Pikachu mentioned on Weibo (as reported by 91 Mobiles) that OnePlus aims for the 13 to be the first smartphone to debut with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Qualcomm’s next top-of-the-line smartphone chip.
If this is accurate, the launch might be advanced, especially in China, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is rumored to be introduced as early as September 2024. In fact, OnePlus Club mentioned in a post on X that the OnePlus 13 will be launched in October 2024.
It remains to be seen how accurate this information is, or if OnePlus will follow its strategy from the OnePlus 12, which initially launched in China before a global release a few weeks later.
How much will the OnePlus 13 cost?
There is no information available regarding the pricing of the OnePlus 13 at this stage. However, the pricing of previous models provides a rough estimate:
- OnePlus 12 – starting from £849/$799
- OnePlus 12R – starting from £649/$599
- OnePlus 11 – starting from £729/$699
- OnePlus 10 Pro – starting from £799/$899
- OnePlus 9 – starting from £629/$729
- OnePlus 9 Pro – starting from £829/$1,069
The OnePlus 12 experienced a significant price increase compared to the 11, but it is unlikely that this trend will continue in the next generation. While technology, in general, has become more expensive, OnePlus will likely aim to remain competitive in pricing compared to flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
What specs and features will the OnePlus 13 have?
The OnePlus 13 is unlikely to be available in Europe and North America until early 2025, but there are already some key rumors about the phone.
Design
It appears that OnePlus may be redesigning the rear camera module design of the OnePlus 12. Tech tipster Digital Chat Station mentioned on Chinese social media site Weibo that the ‘family-style hinge’ next to the rear camera module will be removed.
The same OnePlus Club post on X that mentioned the October launch date also revealed what it claims is a new design for the rear cameras. It showcases a new vertical camera module that would replace the circular one from the OnePlus 12.
There have been observations that the rear module resembles the one found on the Sony Xperia PRO-I, which could indicate a photoshopped image combining the two.
While recent rumors suggest a change in the camera module, OnePlus might opt for a completely different approach than the one described above.
The brand may continue to use a circular camera array for the OnePlus 13, but it could be positioned more centrally compared to the OnePlus 12.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 13R is anticipated to feature a rectangular camera array, setting it apart from its flagship counterpart.
However, there is some confusion arising from posts on the Chinese site Weibo, suggesting that the OnePlus 13 might also feature a rectangular array, but this could be a mix-up with the OnePlus 13R.
A render from Weibo leaker fixed focus digital suggests that the OnePlus 13 will have a rectangular array, reminiscent of the OnePlus 10 Pro, while retaining the Hasselblad branding. However, Yogesh Brar once again claims that OnePlus will continue to use a circular camera block.
These conflicting reports may indicate confusion between different models, such as the flagship OnePlus 13 and the more budget-friendly OnePlus 13R, which might feature the square design.
Regarding durability, a recent rumor on Weibo by leaker Digital Chat Station suggests that the OnePlus 13 will feature enhanced water and dust resistance with IP68 or IP69 ratings, surpassing the OnePlus 12’s IP65 rating.
This enhancement indicates that the OnePlus 13 might withstand immersion in water up to 1-3 meters for over 30 minutes (IP68) and even endure powerful high-temperature water jets (IP69). Most flagship phones are limited to IP68 and usually allow submersion in up to 1.5m of water, so this could be a significant advancement in smartphone water resistance.
Regarding dust resistance, 6 is the highest rating. The OnePlus 12 is described as ‘dust-tight’ with a rating of 6, so it is likely that the OnePlus 13 will also receive that designation.
Display
The OnePlus 12 already boasts an excellent 6.82-inch AMOLED screen with a QHD+ (3168×144) resolution and adaptive refresh rate from 1-120Hz.
However, a Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station suggests that the OnePlus 13 will bring significant upgrades from the OnePlus 12 and 12R. According to the leak, the OnePlus 13 will feature a flat screen instead of the curved displays of last year’s models.
Moreover, there are rumors within the display that OnePlus might be upgrading the fingerprint sensor. According to Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the OnePlus 13 could include an ultrasonic scanner instead of the current optical one.
Generally, ultrasonic sensors are more reliable and better at unlocking when your fingers are wet, making it a desirable upgrade.
Performance
Smart Pikachu on Weibo and OnePlus Club on X both suggest that the OnePlus 13 will be powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.
This would be reasonable, considering that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is present in the OnePlus 12 and the company typically aims to incorporate the latest and most advanced chips in its flagship phone.
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Cameras
Cameras are expected to be a significant focus on the OnePlus 13. According to Android Authority, apart from the layout change mentioned above, Digital Chat Station claims that OnePlus will make minor enhancements to its periscope-style telephoto lens and retain the other cameras.
If this holds true, OnePlus would stick with three lenses on the back – the existing 50Mp main, 48Mp ultrawide, and 64Mp 3x telephoto cameras. It is not clear if the 16Mp selfie lens will receive any upgrades.
However, another rumor from Digital Chat Station (also via Android Authority) suggests that all three lenses might be 50Mp, with the telephoto lens maintaining its 3x optical zoom.
Battery and charging
The OnePlus 12 already boasts an impressive battery and charging combination, with a 5400mAh cell and support for 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
While further improvements on the 13 would be surprising, according to a recent rumor, the OnePlus 13 will feature a larger 6000mAh battery. Digital Chat Station also mentions that it will once again support 100W wired charging.
Although there are no rumors regarding this, we might see a shift to the Qi2 wireless charging standard as well.
Software
Android 15 is expected to be available by the time the OnePlus 13 is launched, so it will likely run on Google’s next major software version.
It will probably be paired with OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15 skin, which typically does not make significant changes to the
