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Compare the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13R in design, performance, cameras, battery life, and price.
Perhaps the only thing missing from the smartphone market in 2025 is a lack of choices. There are several smartphones designed to cater to the different needs of people. Among these smartphones, this year, two models have stood out from the crowd: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13R. The S25 Ultra helps you reach new realms of flagship luxury, while the 13R redefines what can be expected from a wallet-friendly premium phone.
Without further delay, we should start by addressing the elephant in the room. How do these latest devices stack up against each other? In this post, we will compare the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13R and help you decide which is the overall better Android phone.
Design: Premium Feel vs Everyday Practicality
Every shred of the Galaxy S25 Ultra gives off the premium flagship feel when we talk about its design. The sleek aluminum frame, combined with the Gorilla Armor 2 glass, as well as the IP68 water resistance rating, makes this smartphone one tough nut to crack. When you add to that the iconic S Pen for productive workloads, you realize that you own a sophisticated device that you would happily show off.
Note: This is a friendly reminder that the S Pen will not be supporting Bluetooth functionality this year.
As you probably saw coming, the OnePlus 13R is by no means as flashy as the S25 Ultra. Even though it does not give off the same feeling of luxury, it is no slouch when it comes to the design department. It definitely sports a more understated design. The phone has a flat glass back, crafted with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, providing a reliable level of resistance when it comes to scratches and impacts. Unfortunately, due to an IP65 rating, the 13R falls slightly short of the S25 Ultra’s ability to withstand water and dust.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 Ultra has an edge when it comes to overall durability and a luxurious feel. Still, the OnePlus 13R offers a solid and stylish build, thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i at this price range.
Display: Clarity Meets Brightness
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung shows off its undeniable expertise when it comes to displays. The 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED screen features a crisp 3,120 x 1,440 resolution along with a fluid-like refresh rate of 120Hz, helping this beast of a phone deliver unparalleled visuals in any scenario.
Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13R makes the display’s brightness its selling point. The 13R sports a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 4,500-nit peak brightness. Although the resolution of 2,780 x 1,264 is not as sharp as the S25 Ultra’s, the brilliantly lit-up display makes sure you can use the device comfortably in outdoor settings.
Verdict: If you crave sharper visuals and want a better resolution, the S25 Ultra is clearly the better pick for you. However, if you have to be in outdoor settings more often than not, the OnePlus 13R’s ultra-bright display will make sure you don’t have to squint your eyes or cover the screen with your hands as shade to read what is on the screen.
Performance: Cutting Edge Power vs Reliable Capability
There is no denying that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be one of the leading smartphones in the market in terms of performance in 2025. Of course, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is the powerhouse behind this outstanding performance capability. Be it intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, the S25 Ultra handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Despite not being equipped with the latest chipset in the market, the OnePlus 13R should not be underestimated. The smartphone is fitted with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, capable of offering smooth performance while gaming, productivity, and day-to-day workloads.
Verdict: Naturally, if you desire the very best performance, the S25 Ultra will not disappoint you. However, if that performance is overkill for your needs, investing in a quality budget device like the 13R will be the right call for you.
Battery: Endurance vs Versatility
When comparing the batteries, the OnePlus 13R comes out ahead of the two. The hefty 6,000mAh capacity easily lasts two days with moderate usage. Although the device supports 100W wired charging, the charger included in the box is only 55W. Sadly, you can’t charge this device wirelessly.
On the other hand, the S25 Ultra aims to strike a balance between endurance and versatility. Even if you are a heavy user, the 5,000mAh battery comfortably lasts you a full day. It also features more charging options than the 13R; however, they might not be as powerful: 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Verdict: You should opt for the OnePlus 13R if battery longevity matters the most to you. However, if you prefer flexibility along with various charging options, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the right fit for you.
Camera: Versatility vs Simplicity
Even the most casual photography enthusiasts know that Samsung only brings its A-game when it comes to luxurious flagship smartphones. They do just that with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s quad-camera system. The primary sensor of this camera is 200MP, along with dual telephoto lenses as well as advanced features like Nightography, crowning this device as the king of smartphone photography.
Offering a triple-camera setup, the OnePlus 13R features a 50MP Sony sensor as its primary lens. Although the results are satisfying in good lighting, they leave you somewhat disappointed in dimly lit settings. Besides that, you also miss out on the versatility of the S25 Ultra.
Verdict: If you have a deep passion for smartphone photography, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will make sure your photos leave everyone’s jaws on the floor. While the OnePlus 13R’s camera is competent, it is better suited for casual photographers.
Software: Features vs Simplicity
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra runs on the One UI 7 OS. Thanks to this OS, the device is simply overflowing with productivity-enhancing tools and AI-powered features. An example of such a feature is DeX, which gives the user a desktop-like experience by allowing you to connect your phone to an external display and peripherals. As expected from seven years of software updates, your smartphone is definitely built to last while providing the latest AI features.
The operating system of the OnePlus 13R is OxygenOS 15. No doubt, it is one of the cleanest and fastest OS in the industry, especially for people who hate bloatware. Not only is it intuitive, but it is also highly customizable. Unfortunately, there is nothing of note here that gives it an edge over One UI 7. It is, at most, just as good as One UI 7 in many use cases.
Verdict: Fans who want to experience the latest AI features along with several productivity-enhancing tools, should opt for the S25 Ultra. Instead, if you seek simplicity and a lighter interface, the OxygenOS 15 of the 13R won’t disappoint you.
Price & Value: Ultimate Luxury vs Affordable Performance
In terms of value for money, the OnePlus 13R is the indisputable winner. Quoted at a price of $599.99, this phone offers reliable performance and premium features that are really impressive for a device in this price range. Moreover, with the OnePlus trade-in, you can get an additional $100 off the price, increasing the value for the money of this phone.
On the flip side, you will need to shell out $1,299.99 (256GB) / $1,419.99 (512GB) for a brand-new Galaxy S25 Ultra. Similar to the 13R, you can opt for the Samsung trade-in to save up to $900 or select carrier trade-in values of up to $800 with carrier financing. While the exorbitant price is justified by the cutting-edge technology and features, it is still a significant investment in a smartphone.
Verdict: If you are one of the people who are willing to pay for luxury and innovation, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth every penny. However, if you want a reliable smartphone at an affordable price, the OnePlus 13R fits the bill perfectly.
Conclusion
While both the S25 Ultra and 13R are fantastic devices, they are built to cater to different audiences. People who want the best of the best—whether in performance, features, or cameras—will naturally be drawn to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, with the OnePlus 13R, you get an impressive smartphone experience without spending a fortune. As you can see, both devices have their pros and cons.
The choice ultimately boils down to your needs and budget. Either way, you will be a proud owner of an excellent Android device in 2025.
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