June 17, 2025
Is the OnePlus 13 the most affordable Android flagship?

Is the OnePlus 13 the most affordable Android flagship?

Since 2013, OnePlus has lived by the motto “Never Settle” – a promise that became his trademark. Over the years, it settled as a brand that is highly oriented and left some room for compromises. With the recently launched OnePlus 13, now officially available in Israel via SEL-NU, the company continues this approach: no dramatic technological breakthroughs, but precise upgrades that feel like steady, evolutionary progress.

But the world has changed. Manufacturers such as Apple, Google and Samsung emphasize the integration of advanced AI options, while the OnePlus 13 takes a different route. It has no groundbreaking artificial intelligence or tries to blind with a tech show – and that works to his advantage. There is something refreshing on a device that focuses on delivering a great, simple user experience without unnecessary distractions.

And what else does it distinguish? The price. While other flagship machines surpass the $ 1,000, OnePlus succeeds in retaining an impressive affordability – starting with only NIS 3,499. So how does the device perform in a world obsessed with AI? We have tested, investigated and returned with our conclusions.

OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Design

If there is one thing to appreciate about OnePlus, it is their consistent ability to release devices with high -quality hardware. But let’s admit it – since the years there has always been a small mistake that made their devices almost perfect, but not entirely there. With the OnePlus 13 it seems that they are finally closed that gap.

Starting with the frame, this time it is a flat design that radiates stability and luxury. The frame is made of metal with a slightly renewed cut, which goes so seamlessly with the screen and back that it sometimes feels like it was made from a single piece. There is exactly attention for the edges – not too sharp but not completely completed – which makes the device feel great in the hand. Flat is perhaps trendy, but here it is also practical: the phone feels more sustainable and comfortable, especially for those who prefer to release.

Then there is the back, where OnePlus decided to return to their creative roots. The black model that we have assessed has a texture that is reminiscent of wood – it is the matt glass, but the feeling distinguishes itself from something else on the market today. The innovations do not stop there: OnePlus has upgraded the Knolayout, which now feels more natural.

OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Goodbye to curved displays, finally

The most striking and welcome change in the OnePlus 13 is the display – in particular the glass that protects it. We finally said goodbye to curved edges. OnePlus returned to a “flat” display where it really matters – no distracting side reflections, no chance touches that make you crazy and no headache to find a screen protector for curved glass.

But before you celebrate, you must bear in mind that the display is not completely flat, such as the one on Samsung, Google or Apple devices. OnePlus opted for 2.5d glass – a light curve that adds durability compared to a full flat design. Furthermore, the subtle curve mixes smoothly with the metal frame of the phone, improving the grip and contributing to the premium feeling.

The screen is protected by a new layer called Crystal Shield – Ceramic Glass that promises a better drop resistance. The display itself, at 6.82 inches, is very impressive. It is big without feeling cumbersome for daily use. The brightness is a striking function, which peaks on 4,500 Nits in HDR mode and 1,600 Nits in High-Rightness mode. This means even under direct sunlight, the visibility remains crystal clear.

OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Improved water resistance

The OnePlus 13 has double protection with IP68 and IP69 certifications, which is undoubtedly impressive. We are all familiar with IP68, which guarantees water and dust resistance, including immersion. But IP69? This certifies resistance to water and temperatures of high pressure to 78 ° C. It is a nice upgrade, but how practical is it? According to OnePlus, the device can even survive circumstances, such as a washing machine or high-pressure was not exactly scenarios that you want to test at home.


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OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Top performance

OnePlus has always excited in combining advanced hardware with an operating system that provides an excellent user experience – and the OnePlus 13 is proof that they are still at the top of their game. Oxygenos has consistently performed better than operating systems from other Chinese manufacturers, and the latest version feels closer than ever to what you would expect from a quality Android system.

Oxygenos 15 is not a traditional Android as you would find on a pixel device, but it comes a balance between a custom interface and unparalleled speed and slippery. The interface flows beautifully and every action feels intuitive and seamless. This is not only due to the software – the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip delivers power that not only stands out in technical benchmarks, but also with daily use. Even during gaming and intensive use, the device remains cool and stable.

The system contains small but effective improvements that add value to the device. For example, the possibility to separate fast settings from the reporting drawer is smart and handy. Even the small addition that imitates the dynamic island of Apple – a small window that appears when listening to music or changing vibration mode – is both useful and unobtrusive.

Oxygenos 15 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

A vibration engine is often overnight in smartphones. In the OnePlus 13, the Haptic feedback feels tight and accurate, which improves actions such as rejecting reports and the use of gestures.

Battery: huge but not justified

The OnePlus 13 comes with a huge battery of 6000 mAh – an important upgrade. A jump of 600 mAh from the previous model places it in a completely new competition, especially since the OnePlus 12 already performed better than most competitors on the market. However, the practical improvement was not as substantial as expected. The battery life is excellent – you have trouble drawing it out in one day, even with heavy use.

OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Photography

The OnePlus 13 has an impressive camera setup that not only entails large numbers, but also performance close to the leading devices. In the middle of the system, re -developed in collaboration with the Swedish brand Hasselblad, there is a 50MP main camera with a f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS).

In addition to the main camera, a telephoto lens with a 50MP sensor, a f/2.6 aperture and 3x optical zoom. The ultra-wide camera, also with a 50MP sensor, offers a visual field of 120-degree-perfect for landscapes or group recordings.

Click here to view the images in full quality.

So how does it perform? Over the years, OnePlus had its part of misses in this area, but it seems that this time they have come close to the right formula. Photos are sharp, detailed, lively and of course looking, with balanced colors and emphasized contrast. Depth and shadows add an artistic touch, especially noticeable in scenes with complex lighting.

Taken with OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)
Taken with OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)
Taken with OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)
Taken with OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

Conclusion

After having spent a considerable amount of time with the OnePlus 13, I can say with confidence that it is one of the best deals in today’s Android market. Starting with NIS 3,499 and NIS 3,999 For the rated model – which comes with 16 GB RAM – the OnePlus 13 offers a premium experience that feels much further than its price tag.

OnePlus 13 (Credit: Walla! Tech, Yinon Ben Shushan)

This is a device that delivers everything: a professional camera that can process a scene, a stunning and clear display, a subsequent generation processor for fast and smooth performance and impressive water and dust resistance- even under extreme conditions. All this is packed in a polished and pleasant user interface.

When comparing the OnePlus 13 with much more expensive models, such as Premium devices from Apple and Samsung, it offers real competition – at half the price. It is a complete package of innovation, performance and design, which shows that premium does not have to cost a fortune. This is a clear winner for 2025 (so far*) and Cements OnePlus as a top candidate on the market.



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