The upcoming OnePlus 13 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, but it may come at a higher cost, according to recent leaks from Chinese social media platform Weibo.
Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor Upgrade
One of the most notable improvements is the rumored switch from an optical to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. This technology, similar to that used in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro, offers faster, more accurate, and more secure unlocking. It's also expected to work better with wet or dirty fingers, enhancing the user experience.
Potential Price Increase
However, these upgrades may come at a price. The leak suggests a potential 10.4% price increase for the Chinese market. If this translates to global pricing, the OnePlus 13 could see:
- 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model: Approximately $883
- 16GB RAM / 512GB storage model: Around $993
While still competitive, this represents a significant jump from current OnePlus 12 pricing.
Impressive Specifications
The OnePlus 13 is rumored to feature:
- 6.82-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor (possibly renamed Snapdragon Extreme Edition)
- Up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage options
- Triple rear camera system:
- 50MP main (Sony LYT-808 sensor)
- 50MP ultra-wide (Samsung JN5 sensor)
- 50MP periscope with 3x optical zoom (Sony LYT-600 sensor)
- 6000mAh battery
- 100W wired charging
- 50W wireless fast charging
- Magnetic wireless charging support
- IP68/69 dust and water resistance rating
Analysis
While the potential price increase may disappoint some fans, the OnePlus 13 appears to be pushing the envelope in terms of hardware. The combination of a cutting-edge processor, massive battery, versatile camera system, and enhanced durability could justify the higher cost for power users.
The addition of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a common pain point in smartphone usability. This upgrade, along with the potential for extreme performance and photography capabilities, positions the OnePlus 13 as a serious contender in the premium smartphone market.
As always with leaks, it's important to approach this information with caution. Official details and global pricing strategies will likely be revealed closer to the phone's launch, which is expected in China soon, with a global release likely in early 2025.