All eyes turn to the OnePlus 13, which we expect to see launched globally in early 2025.
Chinese OnePlus fans get an early October 31, 2024, release — but as we explore below, the global market normally has to wait a few months to see the premium OnePlus smartphone arrive on further shores.
OnePlus has released at least one flagship phone per year since 2014, often announced in December or January and with a release date of February.
For the next OnePlus flagship, we expect to see a tweaked design, Android 15 with the latest Gemini artificial intelligence model, and for the OnePlus 13 to be one of the first Android smartphones packing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, set to launch in October.
Magnetic charging is also expected — perhaps the Qi2 MagSafe charging standard, which other Android flagships have yet to adopt.
As the speculation continues, Techopedia is following up and gathering some useful information about the features, specs, pricing, and the expected release date of the OnePlus 13.
Here is what we have found so far.
What is the OnePlus 13?
13th Generation Phone Series from OnePlus
The OnePlus 13 is expected to be the next phone in the lineup from Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer OnePlus Technologies.
The OnePlus 13 launches in China on October 31, 2024 — but the rest of the world will likely be waiting for many months, as we delve into below.
But when it arrives, it will be a premium offering from a top manufacturer and is expected to be one of the first smartphones with the latest Snapdragon processor.
OnePlus 13 Release Date
Expected Launch Date: February 2025
While the OnePlus 13 will be released in China on October 31, we expect a launch in February 2025 in the U.S. and Europe.
Despite our estimation, some recent reports suggest the OnePlus 13 could arrive globally before the end of the year — but nothing substantial enough to make us update our thoughts.
Based on previous records, OnePlus usually launches a new phone series in China first before releasing it to the global market a month later.
If we look at its last two launches, we can see that:
- The OnePlus 9 and 10 arrived in March of their respective years,
- The OnePlus 11 and 12 arrived in February.
This timing usually allows OnePlus to be among the first few phone manufacturers to feature Qualcomm’s latest processors, giving OnePlus an edge over brands like Xiaomi and Samsung, whose global launch patterns are usually deeper in the year.
OnePlus 13 Design & Features
Micro Curved Display, New Camera Design
Some hints regarding the phone’s design and features are already public, including the first look (above), which appeared on OnePlus’s Chinese-language Weibo page.
In October 2024, OnePlus China president Louis Lee was reported as saying on the Chinese site Weibo that the OnePlus 13 will have a “magnetic function“, which speculators believe means a feature familiar to iPhone users is coming over to Android.
Wireless magnetic charging — aka your phone will be held in place by magnets while getting its top-up — is an amazing feature for those who have tried it, and Lee’s comment suggests the OnePlus 13 will support Qi2 MagSafe — long before Google or Samsung think about using it.
On the design side, Yogesh Brar, a popular leaker on X, said the new OnePlus 13 will have a design featuring a micro curved 2K display, a 5,400mAh battery, a new back camera design, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and 100W charging.
A curved display can allow for a bezel-less appearance, which often wins fans.
What to expect from OnePlus 13
– micro curved 2K display
– 5,400mAh battery
– 100W charging
– Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
– New rear camera decor & arrangement
– same camera sensors as OnePlus 12What are your thoughts & price expectations?
— Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) April 17, 2024
In a separate leak on May 10, Brar took to X to share a design sketch, revealing that the camera housing for the OnePlus 13 has been moved to the center from the top corner, which we have seen in the OnePlus 12.
If there are no big changes, the OnePlus 13 and 13R could end up looking like this..
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/S2njBpecJ5
— Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) May 10, 2024
It is important to note that this is an early sketch since the phone should still be under development as we write.
Rumors on Chinese site Weibo suggest the OnePlus 13’s water resistance will set it ahead of the competition. With an IP68 or IP69 rating, the phone can survive for 30 minutes underwater at a depth of 1-3 meters.
With most smartphones being comfortable with an IP68 rating at best, OnePlus 13 may have a unique angle on the competition.
OnePlus 13 Specs
Large Battery, Fast Charging, Powerful Processor, High-resolution Main Camera
We dive deep into the expected OnePlus 13 camera elsewhere, which we expect to consist of three 50MP sensors.
The primary camera is believed to feature a Sony LYT-808 sensor, which is unchanged from the OnePlus 12 but with more advanced 50MP sensors for ultrawide and telephoto images.
OnePlus 13 leaks on the above link also suggest the battery will have the 6000mAh capacity — a healthy upgrade from the OnePlus 12.
We expect the new OnePlus smartphone to be powered by Qualcomm’s soon-to-be-launched Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. In recent years, OnePlus devices have been debuting with the latest Snapdragon flagship processor available.
Brar also revealed in his leaks that the OnePlus 13 charging tech and camera sensors will remain the same as those in the OnePlus 12 series, including 100W wired charging.
The OnePlus 13 colors will likely be the same as those of the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R series. So expect the OnePlus 13 series to come in colors like flowy emerald, silky black, cool blue, and iron grey.
OnePlus has confirmed that it will continue using manufacturer BOE for OLED displays, which makes it the second year in a row that OnePlus has snubbed Samsung.
OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 13
With the OnePlus 13 shrouded in secrecy, let’s explore the rumored upgrades it might offer over its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. The table below compares key specifications and features, highlighting the potential advancements we might see in the upcoming generation.
Features/Design | OnePlus 12 | OnePlus 13 (Expected) |
---|---|---|
Camera design | Camera housing is at the top left corner | Camera housing might be moved closer to the center |
Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 |
Fingerprint sensor | Under-display fingerprint sensor | We may see the introduction of ultrasonic fingerprint sensor |
IP rating | Has IP65 rating | OnePlus might upgrade to IP67 or IP68 rating in OnePlus 13 or even future OnePlus 13 Pro |
Operating System (OS) | Android 14 | Android 15 |
Google AI feature | Absent | Will possibly launch with Google AI feature based on Gemini Ultra |
Base pricing | $799.99 | Will likely launch at a higher price if it comes with AI features. |
OnePlus 13 Price
Expected Price: Starting at $899.99
With OnePlus’s pricing history being a bit of a moving target – the 10 Pro at $799.99, the 11 at $699.99, and the current OnePlus 12 back at $799.99 – it’s hard to say for sure.
But, if the OnePlus 13 packs the rumored features, especially the powerful Gemini Ultra AI, a price increase to $899.99 seems reasonable.
The Bottom Line
The OnePlus 13, still shrouded in wild rumors, could be a serious contender in the smartphone arena. While rumors swirl about a late 2024 or early 2025 release, the potential feature set is enticing. Google AI integration, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and powerful cameras all hint at a remarkable upgrade.