OnePlus recently launched its OnePlus 13s. While it sits between the flagship OnePlus 13 and the flagship filler OnePlus 13R, its real-world performance, particularly in battery and charging, has raised some interesting questions. In this story, we put all three phones through a series of controlled battery and charging tests conducted by our in-house testing team. Everything you’re about to read is based on actual performance data from these devices, not just specs on paper.
Battery Capacities and Charging Setup
Here’s how the battery hardware stacks up across the three OnePlus 13 series models:
Both the OnePlus 13R and 13 offer a larger 6000mAh battery, while the 13s is just shy of that at 5850mAh. However, charging wattage is where the OnePlus 13 takes the lead with 100W SuperVOOC, compared to 80W on the other two.
Charging Speed: How Fast Do They Really Charge?
We charged each device from 0% to 100% using the official bundled charger and cable, under identical test conditions.
The OnePlus 13s was the fastest to reach a full charge, taking just 42 minutes, while the 13R took a full 1 hour. We couldn’t complete the full charge cycle test on the OnePlus 13, but given its 100W support, it’s likely to be faster than both under ideal conditions.
Key Takeaway:
Despite a slightly smaller battery, the OnePlus 13s outpaced the 13R by a solid 18 minutes, proof that optimisations play as big a role as raw battery size or wattage.
Battery Endurance: Which Phone Lasts the Longest?
To assess real-world endurance, we ran the PCMark Work 3.0 battery test, which simulates common smartphone tasks like document editing, video browsing, and web scrolling. Here’s how they fared:
The OnePlus 13R came out on top with nearly 19 hours and 38 minutes of screen-on time. The 13s also impressed with 19+ hours, while the flagship OnePlus 13 was just a step behind at 18h 28m.
Key Takeaway:
The 13R’s power efficiency clearly shines through here, making it the most battery-enduring phone of the three despite similar specs on paper.
Summary Breakdown: What Each Model Offers
OnePlus 13s
- The OnePlus 13s stood out in our tests for its blazing-fast charging speed, going from 0–100% in just 42 minutes, quicker than both its siblings. It also delivered strong battery life with over 19 hours of screen-on time in the PCMark test.
- But there’s more to the 13s than numbers. Priced at ₹54,999, this phone is ideal for users seeking flagship-level performance in a compact design. With the latest Qualcomm chip, refined design, and smart AI features like the Plus Key, it manages to hit the sweet spot between power and practicality.
- Yes, it skips the ultra-wide camera, but everything else feels deliberate and well thought out. It’s built for those who want speed, style, and top-tier performance, without the bulk of a full-sized flagship.
OnePlus 13R
- The OnePlus 13R delivered the longest battery life in our test, lasting an impressive 19 hours and 38 minutes on PCMark. However, its charging time of 60 minutes was notably slower than the 13s, despite both supporting 80W charging.
- That said, at Rs 42,999, the 13R continues the tradition of offering value-driven performance. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, with a vibrant display, decent cameras (including a useful telephoto lens), and minimal software bloat.
- If you’re someone who values reliability, screen time, and a feature-rich Android experience, the 13R won’t disappoint. It may not be the flashiest in design, but it quietly excels where it matters most.
OnePlus 13
- Although we couldn’t complete the full charging test for the OnePlus 13, its 100W SuperVOOC support puts it in pole position for theoretical charging speed, likely capable of topping up faster than both the 13s and 13R. It lasted 18 hours and 28 minutes in our battery test, slightly lower than the other two.
- Still, battery aside, the OnePlus 13 is a performance-first flagship built around the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. It excels in areas like gaming, heat management, and overall smoothness, offering a noticeably more refined experience.
- Yes, the camera system hasn’t improved dramatically, but for users looking for reliability, raw power, and rapid charging, this is the OnePlus flagship to consider.
Final Thoughts
Our internal testing reveals that OnePlus is segmenting its 13 series with clear trade-offs. The OnePlus 13s strikes a sweet spot by delivering top-tier charging speeds and solid endurance, while the 13R is ideal for users seeking all-day power without needing to rush for the charger. The flagship 13, although powerful, shows that high-end hardware can come at the cost of battery life.
If you’re choosing between these three, your decision should be guided by what matters most to you: charging speed, all-day usage, or raw power.
