Introduction
If you're wondering whether to buy the OnePlus 15 5G or the OnePlus 13, you're not alone. Many people in India are trying to figure out the real difference between these two smartphones.
In this blog, I'll break down everything—design, display, performance, cameras, battery, price in India, and my personal take. I'll also share quick comparison tables so you can decide easily.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones follow OnePlus's premium design language, but the OnePlus 15 5G feels slightly more futuristic.
- OnePlus 13 – Slim design, curved edges, and dust resistance rating. It's lightweight and easy to carry.
- OnePlus 15 5G – Expected to have refined finishing with more durable materials and enhanced dust resistance.
When I tried the OnePlus 13 in-store, it felt compact and elegant. But I've seen early leaks of the OnePlus 15 5G, and it looks slightly bolder with new color options.
Display Comparison
A good display makes a huge difference when gaming or streaming.
OnePlus 13
- 6.7-inch display
- ProXDR technology
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Brightness: up to 3000 nits
OnePlus 15 5G
- 6.8-inch ProXDR display
- Higher brightness: 4500 nits (great for outdoors)
- 120Hz refresh rate with improved touch response
- Better color depth for sharper visuals
When I compared side by side, the ProXDR display on the OnePlus 13 already looked stunning, but the OnePlus 15 5G is expected to push visuals to another level with extra brightness and clarity.
Performance and Processor
This is where most people really care.
- OnePlus 13 – Runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Smooth, powerful, and handles gaming with ease.
- OnePlus 15 5G – Expected to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform. This chipset is designed for high-end gaming and multitasking.
Both devices support up to 16GB RAM, which means switching between heavy apps is seamless. But from what I've read, the OnePlus 15 5G could manage heat better during extended gaming sessions.
Camera Setup
Cameras are often the deciding factor, and here's how they compare:
OnePlus 13 Cameras
- Triple rear camera system
- 50MP primary sensor
- Ultra-wide + telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- Front camera: 32MP
OnePlus 15 5G Cameras (expected)
- Upgraded 50MP triple camera system
- Improved ultra-wide and telephoto lenses
- Better focal length adjustments for portraits
- Enhanced digital zoom without much quality loss
I tried the OnePlus 13's rear camera in daylight, and the shots were sharp with excellent detail. But low light still had some noise. The OnePlus 15 5G is said to handle low light photography better, thanks to software tuning and sensor upgrades.
Battery and Charging
- OnePlus 13 – 5400mAh battery with 100W fast charging. Charges from 0–100% in under 30 minutes.
- OnePlus 15 5G – Expected to pack a similar or slightly larger battery with 120W fast charging.
When I tested the OnePlus 13, a 15-minute charge gave me almost a day's backup. If the OnePlus 15 5G improves this with faster charging, it'll be a big plus for heavy users.
Price in India
Now the most important question:
- OnePlus 13 price in India – Around ₹59,999 for the base model.
- OnePlus 15 5G price in India – Expected to launch slightly higher, possibly around ₹64,999–₹69,999.
If you're on a tighter budget, the OnePlus 13 is still a solid choice. But if you want the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite and better display brightness, the OnePlus 15 5G may justify the extra money.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | OnePlus 13 | OnePlus 15 5G (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7" ProXDR, 3000 nits | 6.8" ProXDR, 4500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (better touch response) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP triple system, 3x zoom | 50MP triple system, better ultra-wide + zoom |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 32MP (improved software) |
| Battery | 5400mAh, 100W fast charging | ~5500mAh, 120W fast charging |
| Price in India | ₹59,999 | ₹64,999–₹69,999 (expected) |
Which One Should You Buy?
If you want a powerful phone right now, the OnePlus 13 is already a great deal. It supports ProXDR display, 50MP cameras, and fast charging.
But if you don't mind waiting a bit and want the absolute latest, the OnePlus 15 5G is expected to bring stronger brightness, a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and camera upgrades.
FAQs
Q: Does the OnePlus 15 5G support dust resistance?
A: Yes, like the OnePlus 13, it is expected to come with dust and water resistance.
Q: Is the OnePlus 15 5G better for gaming?
A: Yes, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform and improved heat management.
Q: Will the OnePlus 13 price drop after the OnePlus 15 5G launch?
A: Most likely, yes. Once the new model launches, older OnePlus models usually get discounts.
Q: Which phone has better zoom – OnePlus 13 or 15?
A: The OnePlus 13 already has 3x optical zoom, but the OnePlus 15 5G may enhance both optical and digital zoom.
Q: Which should I buy for long-term use?
A: If you're planning to use your phone for 3–4 years, the OnePlus 15 5G might be a better long-term investment.
Conclusion
Both smartphones are excellent, but your choice depends on timing and budget. The OnePlus 13 is powerful, affordable, and already available, while the OnePlus 15 5G is expected to deliver extra performance, brighter display, and camera improvements.
If you're asking me personally, I'd say: if you need a new phone today, go for the OnePlus 13. But if you can wait and want the cutting edge, the OnePlus 15 5G will be worth it.