OnePlus 13R! What's New, What's Different!

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy OnePlus 13R is HERE! Taking a first look at the top Flagship Killer in North America. This is an insanely powerful phone, with truly class leading lifestyle features. It's shocking how well it can compete against SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive phones. Let's chat!
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More info on the OnePlus 13 onepluscom.pxf...
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#oneplus #oneplus13R #android

[@unclestretch99]

Juan still blessing us with this video despite all the crazy stuff that's going on. Thank you Juan!

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

This seems like a really good phone. Personally, it doesn't offer the bells and whistles I want such as a headphone jack and micro SD support but it is a really attractive package. Proper band support in the USA and the gen 3 for $600?! Not bad at all. I'd also be disappointed in not having video out but the rest of the package is really good.

[@Binara]

They actually have an "Any device any condition" $100 trade in promo. Which brings the cost to $499, and if student, extra 5% off. That pretty good!

[@JeremyBaker-f8z]

I think Juan was a bit ahead of the times 10-15 years ago, but IMO, his words will eventually reach a bigger audience and I do predict that him choosing not to leave KZbin and move to another platform will start paying off for him in the near future. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to not give up once the algorithm started wreaking havoc on his channel. If you like and value SGG and the value his content brings to the tech space, and you can't support him on Patreon, the next best thing we can do to get Juan in front of more sets of eyes is to engage in the comments, and like and share the videos.

[@BrianGlaze]

Flagship killers always have a special place for me. Also, continue to stay safe Juan.

[@Robcadams1974]

I got to say Juan, you're my favorite tech content creator.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😊

[@danielclark6033]

Thanks for the review! My wife and I still using the Pixel 4A and 4A5G respectively. Definitely looking at the 13R to hopefully replace those phones at some point this year. Only downside is the usability and balance of the Pixel cameras is still quite nice, I think. Interested in seeing more comparisons in the coming months.

[@TheAshuV]

I would say not to worry if you're coming from pixel 4, because most of the phones camera are equally good in premium range probably vivo and xiaomi premium phones are class ahead of others but OP apple google samsung will give you almost similar performance in camera just with color variations

[@kaiserfakinaway5909]

FINALLY someone who doesn't forget that people don't buy phones with pre-release software. A few game changing updates happen in the first month or so and sometimes in the first WEEK. Most reviewers don't seem to care about that and bash Chinese phones but also go easy on Samsung/Apple. Really sad lol Thanks for another banger brother

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's pretty galling how many tech "reviewers" will just openly admit that they never revisit brands like Moto or OP after an embargo lifts. That means they NEVER used the phone in a state that consumers would buy. They should be ashamed of themselves.

[@kaiserfakinaway5909]

@@SomeGadgetGuy the reviewer of the PEOPLE!

[@ChanFan555]

great review juan! i've been on the fence between the 13 and the 13r - i think based on your review i'm going with the latter. i don't need the killer flagship - but i want to reward one plus for disrupting the bleak US market with the 13r, as well as to "cast my vote" for the flat screen over the rounded 13. cheers.

[@darrenmorin]

Great job on the video. I'm rocking the 8a now and I absolutely love how it's replaced my Pixel 5 seamlessly.

[@Tax_Mny]

I've been watching your channel for a long time. I'm surprised that you don't have a million subscribers

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I prefer QUALITY subs over QUANTITY subs. 😊

[@EricDrummondBPCP]

Good stuff bro and with this one plus solidify their spot in all of the different tiers of smart phone because they have the N series for the budget tier then they have the R series for the mid range and the standard number series for the flagship. It’s a beautiful day because now that forces Samsung to step their game up that forces Google to step their game up. Keep up the great work and I’ll catch you on the next one. This series in particular is very compelling and with the software and support that they have on this that makes it even more compelling I think for the next a series from Google or Samsung they’re really gonna have to step their game up in terms of pricing competitiveness, but also in terms of battery life and charging in particularly.

[@jamescalhoun3126]

Great video as always. I would love to try a OnePlus. The problem being I really prefer smaller phones. That's why I always use the smaller Galaxy S device.

[@arghyakusumbhattacharya9255]

Seriously...a really nice review

[@TuPhonez4Free]

Man I was trying to hold out for a OP 12R but Tmobile got me with a Pixel 8a Fo Free! Might get that 13 later on in life bro. Good video!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. It's TOUGH beating free LOL! Rock that pixel til the wheels fall off 😁

[@TuPhonez4Free]

@@SomeGadgetGuy heck yeah man im loving. i got content coming soon! Fo Free! lol

[@lbdq7938]

I can listen to this man talk about phone performance all day

[@cesarvarela5438]

Man I’m glad you’re still doing videos cuz I can barely trust most tech “reviewers”(they became tech “influencers”) but I know I can still trust you

[@wade_county]

OnePlus has been doing a great job with their whole ecosystem (not just phones). Would love to see a 13R vs 12 camera comparison. I think the 12R couldn't hang with the 11, wonder if the 13R closed that gap.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm ABSOLUTELY planning a write up like that 👍

[@allstar7610]

Outside of the no usb-c video out, this is the perfect phone for me. I like how you said it's a flagship killer because i believe it is. I have a pixel 7 pro and a oneplus 9 pro. When i was stuck at home because of hurricane Helene, that actual fast charging came in clutch. I started with the oneplus one and bought everyone up to the 5, switched to samsung, switched to google and ended up back with oneplus with the phone that will get my primary sim(still on the fence). The Qualcomm radio makes it better in my book. It's getting to the point now where if someone says they need a phone running android that just works, I'll point them to a oneplus r series for bang for buck

[@michael_c2]

Yeah I thought the lack of video out was the biggest disappointment of the 12 r. But it was still a monster deal and probably still is. I was seeing it on sale brand new for 300 bucks at times. Although granted I think that was the base model which was 256. And didn't have the 16 GB of RAM that the other model had.

[@praveendissanayake2509]

Watching on my 13r. ❤

[@RIPSOE404]

I dunno man I'm being won over my foldables now, I bought the original Pixel Fold and I'm in love. First of all I like smaller phones (Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 Mini are the phones I've used for many years now) and sadly both Apple and google have gone giant. I tried the Pixel 9 Fold and it was just too big and so I got the Pixel Fold and it is the best of both worlds! It has the smaller screen for one handed use, but I can open it up to a big screen when I need. I realised it isn't the thickness or weight that bothers me, it's just being able to use the phone one handed when on my bicycle or walking the dog and I can only spare one hand. I'm like ok maybe the future is in foldables, I don't think I can go back now..... I also do not care it isn't the latest and greatest when it comes to the SoC or cameras, every phone is great now and has been for years.

[@bzzxyz69]

This is a great phone as well. Nice review as always. (On a side note, i miss HTC phones lol)

[@sheahill6628]

Excellent video review.

[@JaiTalksTech]

Super review mate!

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Thanks bud! It's a snappy little bugger.

[@VegitoBlackityBlack]

Chose the 12 over the 13r. Compare those two.

[@chigginskeywest]

Compare what price? The 12 is still more than this.

[@VegitoBlackityBlack]

@@chigginskeywest specs and price and bang for buck.

[@clayharris7814]

I would take the 12 over 13r .Personally, the only benefit that the 13r has is the software update and the battery charging and energy storage . There may be more, but that's my opinion

[@VegitoBlackityBlack]

@@clayharris7814 I got lucky cuz I got my 12 for about $400 on Black Friday. I was going to wait for this and I'm so glad I didn't.

[@michael_c2]

That is an interesting comparison. Although it's region dependent there are slight differences to some of these devices depending on what part of the world you live in

[@ErgoHunter]

Do I want good ergonomics or sharp edges digging in to my hand? This is a tough choice, obviously everyone prefers to sharp edges digging in to their hands instead of ergonomics, this is why every company is copying Apple. It's great to see this trend continue to more brands out there, instead of curving the edges, I want to see all brands go further and allow those wonderful flat sides and sharp edges to be sharp enough to cut through an egg and if you hurt yourself while holding the device, well, you're just holding it wrong.

[@fullbass1426]

Just upgraded my 14 pro max to the 16 pro max and now my pixel 6 feels alot more slow. Looking to upgrade the pixel 6 to the pixel 9, but this 13R is looking like a better buy over the pixel! And its cheaper by alot too! It also have decent warranty while the pixel is purely grey market in my country. I can also get the more premium oneplus 13 but those rounded edges seem like a pain for those who use tempered glass protectors like me.

[@michael_c2]

I don't really care about the ultrasonic just because on my 12R it's so accurate even with an optical we're probably talking about improving my accuracy from 9 7% to 99%. I don't think I'm going to notice that much (Frankly I would still give either of them in return for a capacitive option on the power button or on the back of the phone)

[@Ali-M2]

Funny thing is pixels are made by the same team that made those htc phones, don't understand why have they forgotten those incredible designs and those audio chops

[@chrisross1703]

That Pixel is ugleee...

[@GregoryIsom]

The significant durability benefit found on iPhone 12 and Pixel 9, is due to not having ANY curved glass. The new OnePlus 13 is an improvement but it will not have that same leap in durability, as it features 2.5D glass (a shape Apple used from iPhone 6 - 11) With the iPhone 12 being 100% flat, it all of a sudden had DOUBLE crack resistance. The subtle curves on 2.5T glass may not seem like a big deal but that will certainly be the point of failure. Apple does not own or copyright "the 90⁰ right angle" Other brands should build their phones exactly like Apple. Flatter sides of the OnePlus 13 may help, but it is likely not more crack resistant than 2019's iPhone 11.

[@WR276]

Juan, why Vivo doesn't push more on western markets? I was a OnePlus fan until I found the X 100 Pro.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Likely regional certifications, and the general "fear of china" in the USA? It costs a LOT to properly bring support and distribution to a new area, and they wont have any carrier deals.

[@foxxrider250r]

OnePlus doesnt get enough credit for their headphones. I had the 1+ Buds Pro 2 and they were EASILY the best sounding earbuds I had ever heard. HIGHLY recommend them.

[@Arkhalizard]

In my opinion, the 13R is the better of the two OnePlus 13's? Why? Cause unlike the 13 which makes some key downgrades from the 12, the 13R is a straight UPGRADE over the 12R. - flat display? Check - massive battery? Check - the cheaper one FINALLY having a telephoto? Check - still an optical fingerprint scanner, so you can use glass screen protector? Also check!

[@Audiomainia2310]

Hey Juan, Tony here - first, I hope you and your family are still safe with the absolutely horrendous wildfires engulfing SOCAL - my empathy to those who have lost their life, and to those who've lost all they own. I hope you have not lost your home as well Juan.

[@nexustanks81]

have oneplus improve their software? or still a buggy software as before (ex-user of oneplus 9 pro)

[@floppa9415]

Well there is native Linux Desktop support on the Horizon with Android 16 where you could use the extra power. But then again you kinda need video out over USB C, but if thats a given you have a legit Desktop replacement.

[@VibnWavez]

Every review in the 2010s, condensed into 5 words: Skewmorphic chamfered premium hand feel

[@torypryce]

Would you get the 12 or 13r?

[@michael_c2]

7 GB update is pretty damn large. Is this something you see typically has a reviewer on pre-release units?

[@Stiitchjones]

I was wondering the same thing...wow, that is a serous update.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL usually NOT a "top to bottom" whole update like that, but OP ALWAYS drops a big update shortly after launch.

[@chigginskeywest]

Watching on the 12R Highly recommend it. But if you can afford the new one. Why not get it?

[@grorr526]

In europe the oneplus 13R costs 799$ for some reason...

[@IamJay02]

The good ol 8+2 setup. We've had it for years and years but seems like they're finally waking up.

[@ryenis]

I was picking between the 12r vs the 13r, i chose the 150$ more expensive 13r bc of the flat screen.

[@hammerjoe2008]

Does it have esim support?

[@Ariozo111]

Love the Blue and like always OnePlus is smooth and solid Ui. But like always their Camera even this tim,e is nothing more than standard. :) If you don´t need Camera it´s a nice phone tho.

[@unclestretch99]

Juan what are those 2 cases you are using on your 8A and OP12?

[@SicErikTech]

Hey, I know you got a lot going on. Does the 13r have Dolby? I've seen in it reviews it doesn't while the 12r does. Kinda a downgrade

[@michael_c2]

There's also a ram downgrade. Well sort of, last year there was a higher tier model with 16. In the lower tier model with 8 or 12 I can't remember. But there's no 16 GB option this year at least not in the US. I have one because I want it from latrell channel and it was the genjen example which has 16 256. So would kind of suck to trade it in and have to endure less RAM. Even though there are some upsides

[@JeremyBaker-f8z]

Juan's got nice thumbs.

[@JeremyBaker-f8z]

Oh, and the Oneplus 13r isn't bad either.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

😅

[@simpledude5974]

Those are the cutest thumbs bro😊

[@simpledude5974]

🤣

[@RJ_Uploads]

I would love to see this 13r against the redmagic 10pro.

[@oladrolahola]

??? Chipset and device design mentality is very different, will probably end up as a comparison between gaming vs "mainstream" phones

[@RJ_Uploads]

@oladrolahola and that's what I don't want, I just want to see it as a daily driver rather than putting it in a certain section especially considering you can get the base version for around $50 more at regular price. I'm just going to have to purchase myself soon in around February since I know I can get a OnePlus from Bestbuy but I will have to order the redmagic from their website, plus they are bringing out a solid white version of the redmagic as well and it looks very clean.

[@jevonsims900]

Why aren't any major tech reviewers comparing OnePlus 13 to Pixel 9 Pro XL? When iPhone 16 launched tech reviewers couldn't wait to pit iPhone against Pixel.

[@allstar7610]

The review i was waiting for

[@ClaxtonBay123]

The OnePlus 13 Killer.

[@robaruns]

Random question but did you not review the Xperia 1vi?!

[@pandevera2244]

not sold in u.s. he used to review only those released in u.s...

[@robaruns]

@pandevera2244 neither is vivo and he reviews them. He has always reviewed (glowingly) Xperia devices. I'm surprised he wouldn't want to review a flagship with a headphone jack and microSD.

[@oladrolahola]

Imho, the Xperia 1 VI didn't meet up to our admittedly high expectations

[@Marcstang04]

How does the 13r compare to the S24+

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I would say surprisingly well. Sammy wins on things like Dex, but the cameras are closer than many might think.

[@Marcstang04]

@@SomeGadgetGuy I am very tempted to trade my S24+ 512GB for the 13r. I had the 7 Pro and the 8 and 8 Pro when they were new and enjoyed all 3 devices. How does the screen quality compare between the S24+ and the 13r?

[@YouPeopleTech]

Here you go again 💸💸💸💸💰💰💰💰💰💸💸💸💸

[@BrianGlaze]

"the dumpster fire site" 😂😂😂

[@kevinpitts3548]

The body we all want...😍😍😍😍😍

[@DiesOnAToilet]

Why is anyone putting a USB 2.0 controller on a 600 dollar phone in 2025, though. If you're moving several gigabytes of files on or off the phone, that can be 10 minutes or more. Entire daughterboards for phones with USB 3.2 controllers cost like 25 dollars, new aftermarket. OnePlus is probably paying 10 dollars for those in bulk and saving a couple of bucks limiting that particular bit of hardware on the circuit board. I think maybe the 2.0 controller also means significantly slower charging when plugging into something like a laptop or a desktop's USB port.

[@ChrisKadaver]

There are no flagship killers once you've discovered the Vivo X100 Ultra. If you can't get a great picture with 50x zoom, the phone is trash. That's my take on it. I got the Pixel 9 Pro XL just a few weeks ago and I can tell you that it sucks. Bad skin tones, overprocessed images and zoom at 30x doesn't look great. It cannot even go any further than 30x. So it sucks. So with my new knowledge, phone reviews should be much easier to perform from now on. How long is the zoom range and what quality does it have at 30x, 50x and more. If it's not on par with the X100 Ultra or better, there's really no need to test the other stuff. Just throw it in the trash. I mean, who want to buy anything sub par what some unknown Chinese manufacturer can produce, right?!

[@adrianstrozier]

13r is for india

[@MJ-uk6lu]

It would seem like a great phone on paper, but IMO camera's processing is so awful. It just HDRs and smoothens way too much. Sure, there's a big sensor, but software just makes it worse than some really old smartphones. And it's even worse in video mode. That's frankly not an acceptable flaw for phone this expensive. Other than that, it's nothing really special or unique. Just typical Chinese NPC design. Boring, predictable and not intriguing in any way. IMO it's just an awful release and OP should get their stuff together.

[@himay333]

While I can support you on the photo processing, but basically everything else you said is off base. But, hey too each his own.

[@MJ-uk6lu]

@@himay333 IMO it's about time that BBK or Xiaomi created their "ultra" brand that is dedicated to making as good smartphone as they can. By that I mean investing properly in software, trying something new (like variable aperture cams) and not dealing with strict budget constraints. IMO only then they could actually beat Samsung and Apple at overall phone use experience and refinement.

[@IAmJe]

The 13r should be $399

[@cafep2800]

Right now It’s $450 ($50 off pre-order bonus and $100 off trade of any phone) with a Oneplus watch 2R for free.

[@imranxalamin]

the iPhone 16 is 800 dollars, and it doesn't have half of what this phone has, the price is absolutely okay

[@davidburns8113]

Thumbo, the stumpy thumb

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

doo-dee-doo

[@jimmyfiredragon8582]

First ! 😅😆😎😎

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

NAILED IT!

[@jimmyfiredragon8582]

@@SomeGadgetGuy LOVING The Video So Far !! 💯💯💯