5 Downgrades on the OnePlus 13R That You Need to Know

The OnePlus 13R has officially launched, and while it brings some impressive upgrades, there are certain compromises that might not be immediately obvious. With a new 2x telephoto camera, a larger battery, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and a promise of more software updates, the OnePlus 13R seems like a worthy successor at first glance. However, when you look closely, you’ll find some key areas where the new model takes a step back compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R. Let’s break it all down.

The Highlights: What’s New in the OnePlus 13R?

• 2x Telephoto Camera: The addition of a telephoto lens is a big deal, allowing for better portrait shots and zoom photography. However, the lack of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) could limit its full potential, especially in low-light scenarios.
• Improved Display: The display has been slightly enhanced with better colors and peak brightness, making it a delight for streaming and gaming.
• Massive Battery Upgrade: The OnePlus 13R packs a larger 6,000mAh battery, which ensures longer usage times, even under heavy use.
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: A leap forward in performance, this chipset ensures seamless multitasking, gaming, and overall fluidity.
• Software Updates: OnePlus promises an extended software support period, with Android updates guaranteed until Android 19 and five years of security patches.

The Downgrades: What You Might Miss from the OnePlus 12R

1. Display Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 vs. Gorilla Glass 7i

The OnePlus 12R featured Gorilla Glass Victus 2, renowned for its superior drop resistance and durability. Unfortunately, the 13R has downgraded to Gorilla Glass 7i, which, while still robust, doesn’t match the drop and scratch protection of Victus 2. If you’re someone prone to accidental drops, this might be worth noting.

2. Slower Charging Speeds

While the larger battery is a welcome upgrade, the charging speed has taken a hit. The OnePlus 12R offered 100W fast charging, allowing users to go from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes. The OnePlus 13R, on the other hand, supports 80W charging, which takes closer to an hour for a full charge.

This is partly due to the switch from a dual-cell battery system (used in the 12R) to a single-cell battery in the 13R. While the new battery offers longer life, the slower charging speed might be a dealbreaker for users accustomed to ultra-fast top-ups.

3. Fingerprint Scanner Placement

The 12R’s fingerprint scanner was intuitively placed for easy access, aligning naturally with where your thumb lands. The 13R’s scanner, however, is positioned much lower on the display, which can feel awkward and less ergonomic during daily use.

What’s puzzling is that the regular OnePlus 13 got an ultrasonic scanner upgrade, but the 13R retains the older optical scanner in a less-than-ideal position.

4. No Dolby Atmos: Enter Holo Audio

The OnePlus 12R impressed with its Dolby Atmos support, delivering an immersive audio experience, particularly for movies and games. Unfortunately, the 13R drops Dolby Atmos in favor of something called Holo Audio or Spatial Audio.

While Holo Audio attempts to replicate a surround sound effect, it doesn’t quite match the richness and depth of Dolby Atmos. It’s a noticeable downgrade for audio enthusiasts or those who frequently consume multimedia content on their phones.

5. Bloatware in OxygenOS

OnePlus phones have historically been lauded for their clean OxygenOS experience. However, the 13R introduces significant bloat, including an App Market, an additional browser, ads in global search, and several pre-installed apps.

While the 12R offered a cleaner interface, the new OxygenOS feels more cluttered and less user-friendly. For those who value a pure and streamlined software experience, this could be a point of frustration.

Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus 13R?

The OnePlus 13R is undoubtedly a powerful smartphone that offers premium performance at an attractive price point of ₹40,000. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, long-lasting battery, and telephoto camera make it a strong contender in its segment. However, the device is not without its flaws.

If you value charging speed, ergonomics, or a clean software experience, the 12R might actually be a better choice for you. Similarly, alternatives like the Vivo V40 Pro or iQOO 12 are worth considering, especially since their prices have dropped in recent months.

Reasons to Buy or Skip the OnePlus 13R

Category	Reasons
Reasons to Buy	Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures top-notch performance. Larger 6,000mAh battery for extended usage. Improved telephoto camera for versatile photography. Promises five years of software and security updates. Enhanced display quality for vibrant visuals.
Reasons to Skip	Slower charging speeds compared to its predecessor. The fingerprint scanner placement is less ergonomic. Drops Dolby Atmos support for a less immersive audio experience. Gorilla Glass 7i offers less durability than the 12R’s Victus 2. The new OxygenOS feels cluttered with bloatware and ads.

Final Thoughts on OnePlus 13R

The OnePlus 13R is a solid phone for those who prioritize performance and battery life. However, if you’re someone who values fast charging, a clean software interface, or the premium feel of Dolby Atmos, you might want to stick with the 12R or explore other options.

Every smartphone has its trade-offs, and the 13R, while impressive, comes with a few compromises that might not appeal to everyone. Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons carefully to ensure the device aligns with your needs.