Why the OnePlus 13R is the android phone I’m most excited about in 2025

With 2025 just around the corner, tech enthusiasts like me are eagerly anticipating the next wave of smartphones. While Apple’s iPhone 17 is shaping up to be an exciting release, my attention is firmly on the Android space. Despite the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series and the potential of the Google Pixel 10 series, there's one phone from OnePlus that has caught my eye: the OnePlus 13R.

Why the OnePlus 12R Was a Game-Changer

Before diving into the OnePlus 13R, let’s take a moment to appreciate the OnePlus 12R, which turned heads in 2024. I reviewed it early in the year, and it still remains one of my favorites. Priced at $500, it didn’t just look premium—it felt premium, thanks to its sleek aluminum frame, smooth glass back, and fine attention to detail around the camera bump. The design stood out in a sea of budget-friendly phones.

Its performance was just as impressive. The OnePlus 12R’s AMOLED display was vibrant and sharp, complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and an eye-popping 4,500-nit peak brightness. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it was fast, and with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, the phone delivered outstanding performance. Even with heavy use, the 5,500mAh battery lasted up to two and a half days, and the 80W wired charging ensured that the phone was fully powered in just 30 minutes.

While the 12R’s cameras weren’t groundbreaking—its 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lenses were passable at best—it still exceeded expectations for a $500 device. The OnePlus 12R was a true value, offering features found in flagship phones at a fraction of the price.

Introducing the OnePlus 13R

As we look ahead to the OnePlus 13R, things are looking even more promising. OnePlus recently confirmed the phone’s existence, giving us a sneak peek at its design and one key spec. The OnePlus 13R moves from the rounded edges of the 12R to flat sides, which adds a fresh touch. The phone also sports a sleek white/silver finish with a subtle wave pattern that gives it a premium look.

The OnePlus 13R will feature a larger 6,000mAh battery—an increase from the 12R’s 5,500mAh—which should result in even longer battery life. If the 12R already lasted two full days, the 13R may offer even more.

What We Know So Far

Leaked details about the OnePlus 13R paint a promising picture. In addition to the larger battery, the phone is rumored to come with:

A 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip

12GB of RAM

256GB of storage

A 50MP primary camera

A 50MP 2x or 3x telephoto camera

An 8MP ultrawide camera

80W wired charging

These specs are impressive for any phone, let alone one expected to be affordable. While the price may rise slightly to $550 or $600, the OnePlus 13R is shaping up to deliver remarkable value, especially if it stays in the same price range as its predecessor.

Why the OnePlus 13R Is a Must-Watch

2025 is set to be a busy year for smartphones, with many flagship models from Google, Samsung, and others vying for attention. But the OnePlus 13R stands out as an affordable yet high-performing device that I’ll be keeping a close eye on. If the 12R was anything to go by, the OnePlus 13R is poised to offer unbeatable value, even in the face of flashier, higher-priced competitors. Don’t sleep on this one—it’s one Android phone you won’t want to miss.