In 2024, OnePlus made a breakthrough with the 12R. Regardless of having adopted the development of launching R-series telephones for a number of generations prior with none vital affect, OnePlus lastly appeared to search out the proper characteristic mix that qualifies as a wonderful worth for cash and recreated the identical effected early generations of OnePlus telephones had.
The OnePlus 12R was rightly dubbed spectacular in our evaluation final 12 months, and the OnePlus 13R is a step in the identical course, besides it improves — at the very least, on paper — in areas the place the previous couldn’t impress us. The digicam is a type of facets, and OnePlus touts the 13R to be considerably higher. Our evaluation of the OnePlus 13R additionally leans in direction of an identical conclusion, calling the 13R’s cameras “genuinely strong.”
On this article, we’ll take a extra in-depth take a look at the true enhancements that the OnePlus 13R’s cameras convey in comparison with the OnePlus 12R, explored via a collection of direct comparisons. However first, right here’s what the OnePlus 13R brings on paper.
How totally different is OnePlus 13R’s digicam
The OnePlus 13R bears the identical spirit because the OnePlus 12R. Though the $100 worth hike would possibly twinge, the OnePlus 13R instantly proves its distinctive worth. On the skin, the 2 telephones look totally different, with the OnePlus 13R adopting a flatter styling for its mid-frame, the display, and the again. You wouldn’t have any hassle telling the 2 telephones aside. The flat edges are in step with Apple, and subsequently Samsung, going for that aesthetic and provoking your entire trade to pivot from curves.
In distinction, the cameras on the again of the 2 telephones seem largely comparable. Actually, it’s the most evident facet convincing us of their kinship. Inside, too, the cameras aren’t starkly dissimilar. The OnePlus 13R retains the 50-megapixel major and the 8MP ultrawide angle cameras from the 12R. The lenses, too, stay unaffected.
The third digicam, nonetheless, will get a much-needed improve. OnePlus ditches the bootless devoted macro digicam, changing it with a 2X telephoto as a substitute. It’s not as mighty because the 3X or 5X shooters on extra premium telephones just like the OnePlus 13, Galaxy S25 Extremely, or the iPhone 16 Professional, so its objective actually isn’t to seize topics at an extended distance. Nevertheless, it’s actually useful for portraits, leading to a pure and smoother bokeh impact, and you’ll discover within the pictures that observe.
Whereas sustaining the identical {hardware}, OnePlus claims to have reworked the digicam algorithm, particularly benefiting the first shooter. The primary digicam now will get OnePlus 13‘s Snapshot performance. Whereas the precise working is a bit advanced, OnePlus says the digicam now does twice the work in the identical time, capturing twice the data with every picture it takes. This leads to higher particulars, extra constant lighting throughout the body, and higher HDR. This enchancment, paired with a more moderen processor, which features a higher picture sign processor or ISP, and quicker RAM and storage, ought to result in barely higher pictures with the OnePlus 13R. Whether or not that interprets to raised images in actual life is one thing we’ll consider in a group of pictures beneath.
How cameras on OnePlus 13R and 12R examine in real-life
With a collection of evaluating pictures taken with the OnePlus 13R and the 12R, I’ll spotlight the refined but significant variations the cameras on the 2 telephones have. I will even set up widespread traits amongst pictures from the identical cellphone however in several modes.
Every of the comparisons beneath has two pictures: ones taken with the OnePlus 13R on the left and people taken on the 12R on the correct. Allow us to begin with the first cameras.
Main digicam has some surprises
Despite the fact that each telephones use the identical bodily sensor for the 50MP major digicam, the variations are vastly evident. Regardless of not having any precise distinction when it comes to particulars, the picture taken with the OnePlus 13R seems sharper, primarily for its higher saturation, increased distinction, and a more in-depth to impartial white stability.
The picture on the correct, the one I took with the OnePlus 12R, has a haze over the black components and a heat tone over your entire picture. And regardless of the haze, shadows on this picture aren’t starkly brighter. These facets make it rather less palatable.
Within the subsequent shot from a junkyard, many sections of the tattered bus get pleasure from roughly the identical degree of particulars in each pictures. Nevertheless, the decrease publicity on the picture shot with the OnePlus 12R is instantly evident.
The OnePlus 13R’s shot has brighter shadows that lend to some visibility on the insides of the ragged roof — despite the fact that it doesn’t actually illuminate them. Sections of the bus, such because the deceased mudguard and the entrance axle are barely extra seen within the picture on the left, too.
Whereas the leaves on the tree are distorted on each pictures, those on the left seem greener, reinforcing the impression that the OnePlus 13R captures higher shadows.
The following set affirms that perception additional. Regardless of each pictures having comparable particulars in each pictures, the shot from the 13R retains extra gentle round branches and vines. The yellow mustard vegetation on the again additionally seem barely higher lit on the left, whereas these on the correct look pale as compared.
I wouldn’t fret over these bits if I noticed the picture on the correct alone. Nevertheless, evaluating the 2 makes it considerably troublesome to miss them.
Subsequent, let’s discover if we see one thing comparable with the ultrawide pictures on each the telephones.
Ultrawide doesn’t disappoint
The primary set of pictures beneath can also be taken with the first cameras with the intent to permit a two-way comparability between the first wide-angle and the ultrawide angle cameras on the identical cellphone and between the 2 telephones. According to the photographs above, the primary set has higher saturation and distinction within the picture shot on the OnePlus 13R, despite the fact that they’ve comparable particulars.
An analogous development is seen within the ultrawide pictures taken with the 2 telephones. The ultrawide picture captured on the OnePlus 13 extra saturation and a visibly increased distinction. The finer variations we noticed beforehand, reminiscent of that between the shadows, aren’t too seen when taking pictures with the ultrawide cameras.
Along with higher saturation in pictures in comparison with the OnePlus 12R, each cameras on the OnePlus 13R ship constant colours, despite the fact that we don’t essentially see higher particulars. This holds despite the fact that neither the first nor the ultrawide sensor get any particular remedies reminiscent of shade tuning from Hasselblad.
Subsequent, allow us to take a look at probably the most impactful change on the OnePlus 13R’s digicam: the brand new telephoto setup.
Zoom is the welcome addition
Earlier than looking at what the sensor does for portraits, nonetheless, right here’s a fast comparability of the way it performs with inanimate topics. Take as an example, these 2X pictures captured on the OnePlus 13R (left) and the 12R. On the 2X magnification, the OnePlus 12R continues to make use of the primary sensor by digitally zooming — and subsequently, cropping into the body. The OnePlus 13R, however, switches over to the devoted sensor, permitting it to seize a crisper shot of the pink flower on the banana tree.
The devoted sensor with an extended focal vary additionally permits a naturally shallow depth of area. This results in a stronger bokeh, even when capturing with out the portrait mode. The one requisite is that there should be an inexpensive distance between the first topic and its background.
In addition to, the telephoto has different advantages, reminiscent of taking barely clearer pictures even at excessive zoom ranges, reminiscent of the next ones at 5X zoom. Taking pictures with the devoted 2X digicam on the OnePlus 13R leads to a a lot sharper picture than the one shot with the OnePlus 12R’s major 1X digicam.
Whereas the telephoto digicam is evidently helpful, it additionally poses a drawback when it comes to lighting as a result of smaller aperture and an inferior sensor. Regardless of the sharpness, the picture seems darker — with dimmer shadow areas, until a powerful gentle shines over. However, I’d willingly make this compromise for crisper pictures of faraway objects in daylight, however could hesitate in low gentle.
Portraits are distinctive
Enabling the Portrait Mode clearly boosts the depth of area artificially over the already enhanced depth of the 2X sensor. That is exemplified by the next shot, the place a single flower seems distinctly in focus for an artsy contact.
The 2X sensor’s longer focal vary permits us to seize the identical topics with element with out ever actually getting too near them. This may be useful whereas specializing in toxic vegetation, ornate bugs, unique animals, or different issues we’re anticipated to keep away from.
Like objects, the sensor additionally helps with sharper deal with faces that will not essentially be human. Whereas each pictures captured utilizing the portrait mode have ample particulars and a superb bokeh, the one shot with the OnePlus 13R captures a tad bit extra particulars, particularly round my canine’s neck, snout, and whiskers.
Moreover, the colours on the OnePlus 12R’s shot look washed out and fewer pleasing than what the OnePlus 13R captured.
However what about precise human faces captured with the portrait modes on each telephones? The following part digs deeper into that.
Human faces look nice… typically
Despite the fact that the 2X telephoto on the OnePlus 13R is healthier suited to portraits, it’s not the one choice to decide on. You should utilize each 1X and 2X cameras to shoot portraits. In the meantime, the OnePlus 12R, which lacks a devoted telephoto fully, additionally shoots at 1X and 2X zoom however utilizing the identical major digicam.
To learn the way Portrait modes on each telephones examine at totally different focal lengths, I examined them below each situations. First, let’s examine portraits shot on the first cameras.
Like the remainder of wide-angle pictures in contrast above, the OnePlus 13R cranks up the saturation in portrait mode. However to my shock, the picture right here feels extra saturated than likeable. The picture shot with the OnePlus 13R leans has extra heat, which makes it much less pleasing than the OnePlus 12R. For a change, the OnePlus 12R truly recreates extra pure colours, particularly across the face.
The OnePlus 13R does seize brighter shadows on this case, however the extreme heat makes me lean within the 12R’s favor. As with different pictures utilizing the first cameras, each photos have a really comparable degree of particulars.
Nevertheless, the stability suggestions again within the 13R’s favor when capturing at 2X zoom. The devoted telephoto permits for a extra refined bokeh, nearly replicating the identical as increased pictures.
The OnePlus 12R does artificially plaster a bokeh over the background, nearly resembling a cellphone from a better worth bracket. My pores and skin and beard have a extra seen texture on the OnePlus 13R’s shot whereas the OnePlus 12R provides a flatter, extra pasty look to my face. The main points on my cardigan are additionally extra exact, and these elements make the OnePlus 13R is clearly the extra convincing choice for facial portraits.
Night time portraits are meh
In low gentle, I really feel lots much less satisfied about both cellphone’s talents to take good portraits, particularly at 1X zoom. Despite the fact that each the OnePlus 13R and the 12R handle to seize notable particulars, they, fairly understandably, lack the identical attraction as daylight pictures.
However switching over to the 2X lens makes the variations extra evident. Whereas the portraits nonetheless aren’t anyplace near these from daytime, the OnePlus 13R’s shot captures barely extra particulars, together with higher textures on the face and the sweater. In the meantime, the OnePlus 12R fails to seize the precise textures and as a substitute has an oil portray impact over the face and the letters on the sweater.
The sting of the wall and the faux lily within the background additionally appears to be like higher blurred within the shot on the left, making the shot on the left comparatively higher.
The one caveat price declaring is that you just can not regulate the depth of area from the Images app after taking the image on the OnePlus 13R. That is in all probability only a bug as all earlier telephones supply the performance, and I hope OnePlus would repair this in an replace quickly.
What about moon pictures
Discounting its lower than spectacular efficiency in low gentle, the freshly included telephoto has a transparent benefit. However what if we flip down the sunshine additional and deal with a single object, just like the moon in a darkish sky?
It’s as far-fetched to just accept these mid-range telephones would match to flagships such because the Galaxy S25 Extremely or the OnePlus 13 for capturing pictures of the moon. So, I changed the precise moon with an inexpensive moon lamp that supposedly replicates the identical construction because the moon. Whereas I did not set off any moon mode with AI-generated overlays of the moon, I got here to an attention-grabbing statement.
At 1X, each telephones seize the scene with comparable dexterity. The lit sections of the body have some particulars, however each pictures have loads of chromatic distortions or fringes alongside dimly lit edges. A strong 5 on 10, I’d say.
Nevertheless, once I transfer away and swap to zooming on the photographs, I see a bizarre inexperienced hue on the OnePlus 13R because it tries to compensate for the nice and cozy white gentle coming from the globe. At 5X, the OnePlus 13R’s shot is technically sharper, however the colours put me off and as a substitute encourage me to love the OnePlus 12R’s shot higher. That is maybe one other bit OnePlus may iron out in a software program replace.
Helpful macros, lastly
Lastly, we come to the OnePlus 12R’s devoted macro sensor that was relinquished on this technology to rectify an enormous mistake. That’s as a result of the 2MP macro digicam has restricted utility due to its disagreeable image high quality, additional worsened by its lack of autofocus.
On the OnePlus 13R, macro pictures are actually captured utilizing the first digicam, which permits the cellphone to focus higher on a tiny object, reminiscent of this bunch of wildflowers.
The enhancements to macro images are instantly obvious from the images. Nevertheless, OnePlus eliminated the devoted mode, and also you now solely depend upon an computerized macro mode that doesn’t instantly set off, particularly in low gentle. I want OnePlus identifies and rectifies this too.
OnePlus 13R’s cameras are steps forward
The OnePlus 13R makes notable leaps over the OnePlus 12R, particularly with improved cameras. Whereas the brand new telephoto sensor is a evident enchancment, it’s straightforward to suggest the OnePlus 13R for higher digicam modes total. The 13R’s improved digicam algorithms end in higher colours in a lot of the situations, although a couple of exceptions, reminiscent of facial portraits at 1X or long-range pictures at night time, positively require some extra dedication from OnePlus.
Whereas it’s delusive to anticipate anybody who already owns the OnePlus 12R to improve to a 13R, it makes clear sense to spend the $100 additional and get the OnePlus 13R over the 12R if you’d like respectable cameras — whereas additionally having fun with different upgrades that the 13R presents.
