OnePlus 12 vs. OnePlus 13: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 13 are two fantastic phones from OnePlus, a brand known for giving powerful devices at nice prices. Launched in December 2023, the OnePlus 12 impressed users with its fast performance, stunning display, and excellent cameras. OnePlus 13, released in October 2024 in China and January 2025 globally, brings exciting upgrades like a stronger processor, bigger battery, and refreshed design. Both phones cater to tech lovers who want flagship features without breaking the bank. But with the OnePlus 13 hitting the shelves, is it worth upgrading from the OnePlus 12? This article breaks it down in simple terms, comparing their specs, features, and more, so you can decide which one suits you best. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s new with these gadgets!

Key Specs 🔑

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM12GB / 16GB12GB / 16GB / 24GB
Storage256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Display6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED6.82-inch LTPO OLED
Battery5400mAh6000mAh
Main Camera50MP + 64MP + 48MP50MP + 50MP + 50MP
Front Camera32MP32MP
Operating SystemOxygenOS 14 (Android 14)OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
Charging100W wired, 50W wireless100W wired, 50W wireless

Camera 📸

Both phones shine in photography, but the OnePlus 13 tweaks the setup for better results. The OnePlus 12 offers a versatile triple camera, while the OnePlus 13 upgrades sensors for sharper, more vibrant shots, especially in low light.

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FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Camera SetupTriple (Rear), Single (Front)Triple (Rear), Single (Front)
Main Camera50MP Sony LYT-80850MP Sony LYT-808
Primary Camera50MP, f/1.6, OIS50MP, f/1.6, OIS
Resolution50MP + 64MP + 48MP50MP + 50MP + 50MP
AutofocusYesYes
OISYesYes
FlashLED FlashLED Flash
Image Resolution8160 x 6144 Pixels8160 x 6144 Pixels
ISO ControlYesYes
Shooting ModesNight, Portrait, MacroNight, Portrait, Burst
HDRYesYes
Face DetectionYesYes
Touch to FocusYesYes
Video Recording8K @ 24fps8K @ 30fps
Video FeaturesDolby Vision, HDRDolby Vision, 4-mic setup
Front Camera32MP, f/2.432MP, f/2.4
Front AutofocusNoNo
Front Video4K @ 30fps4K @ 30fps

Battery 🔋

Battery life is a big deal, and the OnePlus 13 takes the lead with a larger capacity. Both support super-fast charging, but the OnePlus 13’s bigger battery means longer usage between charges.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Capacity5400mAh6000mAh
Battery TypeLi-PolymerLi-Polymer
RemovableNoNo
Charging TypeWired & WirelessWired & Wireless
Quick Charging100W SuperVOOC100W SuperVOOC
Charging Time~30 mins (full charge)~36 mins (full charge)
USB Type-CYesYes

Design and Dimensions 🎨

The OnePlus 13 switches to a flatter, lighter design compared to the curvy OnePlus 12. Both look premium, but the newer model adds better water resistance and a fresh style.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Height164.3 mm162.9 mm
Width75.8 mm75.7 mm
Thickness9.2 mm8.5 mm (8.9 mm Midnight Ocean)
Weight220g210g (213g Arctic Dawn/Black)
Build MaterialGlass back, Aluminum frameGlass/Leather back, Aluminum frame
ColoursFlowy Emerald, Silky BlackArctic Dawn, Black Eclipse, Blue
WaterproofYesYes
Water ResistantIP65IP68/IP69
IP68NoYes
RuggednessDust resistantDust & water resistant

Sensors 🕵️‍♂️

Both phones come with plenty of sensors for a smooth experience. The OnePlus 13 keeps the same reliable setup as the OnePlus 12, with no major changes here.

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FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Fingerprint SensorYesYes
Sensor PositionUnder displayUnder display
Sensor TypeOpticalOptical
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro, ProximityAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity

Display 📺

The screens on both phones are gorgeous, but the OnePlus 13 adds slight improvements like better eye care features. Both offer vibrant colors and smooth scrolling for an awesome viewing experience.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Display TypeLTPO AMOLEDLTPO OLED
Screen Size6.82 inches6.82 inches
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels1440 x 3168 pixels
Peak Brightness4500 nits4500 nits
Refresh Rate120Hz120Hz
Aspect Ratio19.8:919.8:9
Pixel Density510 ppi510 ppi
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus 2Crystal Shield Ceramic
Bezel-less DisplayYesYes
Touch ScreenYes, CapacitiveYes, Capacitive
HDR 10 / HDR+ SupportYesYes

Fingerprint and Facelock 🔓

Unlocking is fast and secure on both devices. The OnePlus 12 and 13 use the same under-display fingerprint tech and face unlock, keeping things simple and reliable.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Fingerprint SensorYes, Under-displayYes, Under-display
FacelockYesYes

Launch 🗓

The OnePlus 12 hit the market first, while the OnePlus 13 is the shiny new option. Knowing their release dates helps you see how fresh each phone is.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
AnnouncedDecember 2023October 2024 (China)
ReleasedJanuary 2024 (Global)January 2025 (Global)

Network & Connectivity 🌐

Both phones support fast 5G networks and modern connectivity options. The OnePlus 13 adds 5.5G support in some regions, making it slightly more future-proof.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
SIM Slot(s)Dual SIMDual SIM
SIM SizeNano + NanoNano + eSIM
Network Support5G, 4G, 3G, 2G5G, 5.5G, 4G, 3G, 2G
VoLTEYesYes
5G Bands (SIM 1)Multiple bandsMultiple bands
5G Bands (SIM 2)Multiple bandsMultiple bands
GPRSYesYes
EDGEYesYes
SAR ValueWithin limitsWithin limits
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi DirectYesYes
Bluetoothv5.3v5.4
GPSDual-band GPSDual-band GPS
NFCYesYes
USB ConnectivityUSB 3.2 Gen 1USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB ChargingYesYes

Sound 🔊

Audio is loud and clear on both phones, thanks to stereo speakers. Neither has a headphone jack, but they deliver great sound for music and calls.

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FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
LoudspeakerYesYes
Audio JackNoNo
Audio FeaturesDolby AtmosDolby Atmos

Processor ⚙️

The OnePlus 13’s Snapdragon 8 Elite outshines the OnePlus 12’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s faster and more efficient, making the newer phone a powerhouse for gaming and multitasking.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Elite
CPUOcta-core (3.3 GHz)Octa-core (4.32 GHz)
Architecture64-bit64-bit
Fabrication4nm3nm
GraphicsAdreno 750Adreno 830

Multimedia 🎵

Enjoy movies and music with rich sound and visuals on both phones. They skip the FM radio and audio jack but focus on wireless audio quality.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
FM RadioNoNo
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
LoudspeakerYesYes
Audio JackNoNo
Audio FeaturesDolby AtmosDolby Atmos

Software 💻

The OnePlus 13 runs the latest Android 15 with OxygenOS 15, adding cool AI features. The OnePlus 12 started with Android 14 but can update to match, though it gets fewer years of support.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Operating SystemOxygenOS 14 (Android 14)OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
Software Support4 OS updates, 5 years security4 OS updates, 6 years security

Performance 🚀

Performance is where the OnePlus 13 shines with its Elite chipset and extra RAM options. The OnePlus 12 is still speedy but can’t match the newer model’s raw power.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 3Snapdragon 8 Elite
CPUOcta-core (3.3 GHz)Octa-core (4.32 GHz)
Operating SystemOxygenOS 14 (Android 14)OxygenOS 15 (Android 15)
Software Support4 OS updates, 5 years security4 OS updates, 6 years security
Architecture64-bit64-bit
Fabrication4nm3nm
GraphicsAdreno 750Adreno 830
RAM12GB / 16GB12GB / 16GB / 24GB
RAM TypeLPDDR5XLPDDR5X

Storage 💾

Storage options are generous on both phones, with no expandable memory. The OnePlus 13 matches the OnePlus 12 but pairs it with faster performance.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Internal Memory256GB / 512GB / 1TB256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Expandable MemoryNoNo
Available Storage~230GB (256GB model)~230GB (256GB model)
USB OTGYesYes

Ports 🔌

Both phones stick to a single USB-C port for charging and data. They’re modern and simple, with no extra ports like a headphone jack.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
USB Type-CYes, v3.2 Gen 1Yes, v3.2 Gen 1
Audio JackNoNo

Other Important Features 🌈

The OnePlus 13 adds handy extras like AI tools and better water resistance. The OnePlus 12 keeps it solid with its own set of cool features.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
AI FeaturesBasic AIAI Unblur, Intelligent Search
Haptic FeedbackYesYes
Alert SliderYesNo
Cooling SystemVapor chamberEnhanced vapor chamber

Price (INR) 💰

The OnePlus 13 costs a bit more, reflecting its upgrades. The OnePlus 12 is now cheaper, making it a budget-friendly pick.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Price (INR)₹56,998 (12GB/256GB)₹64,820 (12GB/256GB)
Top Variant₹64,999 (16GB/512GB)₹79,999 (24GB/1TB)

Availability on Stores 🏬

Both phones are widely available, but the OnePlus 13 is the hot new item. Check your favorite stores for deals on the OnePlus 12.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
Online StoresAmazon, Flipkart, OnePlus.inAmazon, Flipkart, OnePlus.in
Offline StoresAuthorized retailersAuthorized retailers
Launch DiscountOften available₹64,999 (initial offer)

Pros and Cons ✅❌

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s great and what’s not. The OnePlus 13 offers more power, while the OnePlus 12 is a solid value option.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
ProsAffordable, Great display, FastPowerful chipset, Bigger battery
ConsOlder chipset, Smaller batteryHigher price, No alert slider

Top Competitors 🏅

The OnePlus 13 and 12 face tough rivals. Here’s who they’re up against in the flagship race.

FeatureOnePlus 12OnePlus 13
CompetitorsSamsung Galaxy S24, iPhone 15Samsung Galaxy S25, iPhone 16

So, is the upgrade worth it? If you love the latest tech and want top performance, the OnePlus 13 is a fantastic choice. But if your OnePlus 12 still works great, you might not need to switch just yet—it’s still a champ!

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