OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 13, in its global version, will retain the improved dust and water resistance, already present on the Chinese model. While the international launch is scheduled for this week and some key specifications have been revealed, the Chinese manufacturer has some surprises in store, notably on features related to protection against water infiltration.
In recent years, OnePlus has often favored lower protection ratings. For example, last year’s OnePlus 12 ( review ) only offered an IP65 rating, well below the IP68 rating adopted by many competing flagships. This trend is evolving with the OnePlus 13, which, upon its launch in China, was distinguished by an IP68/IP69 certification, offering significantly greater protection.
How robust is the new OnePlus 13?
In a statement to Android Authority, OnePlus confirmed that the global version of the OnePlus 13 will retain the same IP68/IP69 certification as the Chinese variant. This means that the smartphone is not only protected against dust, but also able to withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1.5 meters for more than an hour. Additionally, IP69 certification provides additional protection against high pressure and high temperature water impacts.
This move from the IP65 rating of the OnePlus 12 to IP68/IP69 represents a major step forward in terms of durability. This puts the OnePlus 13 on par with competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra (test) and the Xiaomi 15 Pro, both IP68 certified, while outperforming the latter in some aspects related to water resistance.
The OnePlus 13 comes in a new eco-leather finish that uses scratch-resistant micro-fiber vegetable leather. / OnePlus
Beyond better dust and water resistance, the OnePlus 13 features a custom crystalline ceramic glass shield, providing better scratch and crack resistance than the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 used in the OnePlus 12. The premium smartphone also features an aluminum chassis and is available with eco-leather or glass back panels. Despite these durability improvements, the OnePlus 13 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
The OnePlus 13 should share many features with its Chinese counterpart. We can cite, a slightly improved and brighter Amoled screen, the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and a larger 6000 mAh battery. As for the photo module, the flagship retains the 50 MP main lens while introducing a new 50 MP telephoto lens and a 50 MP ultra-wide angle.
The global launch of the OnePlus 13 is scheduled for January 7, accompanied by the more budget-friendly OnePlus 13R and the new OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
Have you ever used a OnePlus smartphone? If so, which model do you currently own? What features are you mainly looking for in a high-end smartphone?
To go further, discover our selection of the best Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones that powered 2024. Also read our selection of the best smartphones under 300 euros tested and compared.
