The OnePlus 13: A Masterclass in Year-Over-Year Upgrades, While Samsung Snoozes
As we approach the midpoint of 2025, the smartphone landscape is already abuzz with excitement. Two of the biggest launches of the year have already taken place, with OnePlus kicking things off with the OnePlus 13 in January, followed by Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series earlier this month. While both phones have received positive reviews, the contrast between the two couldn’t be more striking.
The OnePlus 13 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, with meaningful internal and external changes that make it a thoroughly impressive year-over-year upgrade. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is a relatively tame update over the S24, with few notable changes that set it apart from its predecessor.
Design and Hardware: A New Era for OnePlus
The OnePlus 13’s design is a major departure from its predecessor, with a new “Midnight Blue” color that’s one of the most handsome-looking phones I’ve ever seen. The vegan leather finish is grippy and immune to fingerprints, making it a joy to hold and use. The phone’s flat frame and display are also a welcome change, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
But it’s not just the design that’s improved. The OnePlus 13 also boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings, a massive upgrade over the OnePlus 12’s paltry IP65 protection. This is a significant improvement, especially for those who want a phone that can withstand the elements.
Software and Cameras: A New Era for OxygenOS
The OnePlus 13’s software is also a major highlight, with OxygenOS 15 being a massive improvement over previous versions. The new ultrawide and telephoto cameras are a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 12, and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is outstanding. The fingerprint sensor is also better, going from an old optical sensor to a newer and faster ultrasonic one.
Samsung’s Snooze: The Galaxy S25 Series
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is a relatively tame update over the S24. The designs are the same, the displays are identical, and the cameras are virtually unchanged. The battery capacity and charge speeds are also the same, with the only notable change being the new 50MP ultrawide camera on the S25 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus are in a similar boat, with the same designs, displays, and cameras. The only notable change is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and some new AI features. It’s hard to argue that Samsung doesn’t need to change as much with its phones every year, especially when you consider that the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus are priced at $800 and $1,000, respectively.
Actionable Insights and Conclusion
The OnePlus 13 is a masterclass in year-over-year upgrades, with meaningful changes that make it a thoroughly impressive phone. Samsung, on the other hand, seems to be asleep at the wheel, with a relatively tame update that fails to impress.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the OnePlus 13 is definitely worth considering. Its impressive design, hardware, and software make it a compelling option, especially when compared to the Galaxy S25 series.
Summary
The OnePlus 13 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with meaningful internal and external changes that make it a thoroughly impressive year-over-year upgrade. The phone’s design, hardware, and software are all major highlights, making it a compelling option for those in the market for a new smartphone. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is a relatively tame update over the S24, with few notable changes that set it apart from its predecessor.