The next mid-range offering from OnePlus is shaping up to be anything but mid-range, if recent rumors are to be believed. While the flagship OnePlus 13 is set to launch in China later this month, leaks about its more affordable sibling - likely to be called the OnePlus 13R - are already making waves in the tech community.
According to information shared by reliable tipster Digital Chat Station on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the OnePlus 13R could come equipped with some seriously impressive hardware:
- Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- Display : 1.5K resolution BOE X2 flat panel
- Battery : 6,000 mAh
- Camera : Sony IMX906 main sensor (1/1.56-inch) with a 50MP telephoto lens
If these specs prove accurate, the OnePlus 13R would be pushing the boundaries of what we typically expect from a mid-range device. The inclusion of Qualcomm's yet-to-be-announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset is particularly noteworthy, as it would place the 13R on par with - or even ahead of - many current flagships in terms of processing power.
The rumored 6,000 mAh battery capacity is another standout feature. This would be significantly larger than what's commonly found in smartphones sold in the United States, where 5,000 mAh is typically the upper limit.
However, it's important to approach these rumors with some skepticism. Previous R series phones from OnePlus have typically featured slightly older processors to keep costs down. It's possible that the final product may opt for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 instead, especially considering the reported 20% price increase for the Gen 4 chip.
The OnePlus 13R is expected to be part of the company's Ace series in China, potentially launching as the Ace 5. For global markets, it would likely follow the naming convention of its predecessors, the OnePlus 11R and 12R.
While an exact release date hasn't been mentioned, the OnePlus 13R is anticipated to launch sometime in 2025, following the global release of the OnePlus 13 in early 2025.
As always with pre-release rumors, it's wise to wait for official announcements from OnePlus before getting too excited. However, if even some of these specs materialize, the OnePlus 13R could be a compelling option for those seeking near-flagship performance at a more accessible price point.