The OnePlus 13R is a midrange phone that promises to deliver excellent battery life and a great screen, but at a cost. In our review, we found that the phone lacks water resistance and wireless charging, making it a compromised option for those looking for a budget-friendly device. Despite its limitations, the 13R still offers a lot to like, including a big 6.78-inch OLED panel with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.

The phone's screen is one of its standout features, with a high resolution and peak brightness that makes it easy to use in direct sunlight. The always-on display is also a nice touch, although it can be hard to see in bright light without waking the screen. However, the phone's IP65 rating means it's not fully water-resistant, which may be a concern for some users.

Performance-wise, the 13R is a beast, with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM. This means it can handle demanding tasks with ease, and we didn't experience any lag or stuttering during our testing. The phone also comes with 256GB of storage, which is plenty for most users.

One of the phone's biggest strengths is its battery life. With the always-on display and high-performance mode enabled, we still managed to get over 50% battery life at the end of the day, even with heavy use. This makes it a great option for those who need a phone that can last all day.

However, the 13R lacks wireless charging, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. The phone does come with fast wired charging, but it's not the same as being able to simply drop your phone on a wireless charger. Additionally, the phone's software updates are limited to four major OS upgrades and six years of security updates, which is less than what's offered by some competitors.

In comparison to the Google Pixel 9A, the 13R falls short in some areas. The Pixel 9A offers full water resistance, wireless charging, and seven years of OS upgrades, making it a more compelling option for those who want a phone that will last. However, the 13R's battery life and screen are still worth considering, especially at its discounted price of $499.

Ultimately, the OnePlus 13R is a midrange phone that makes some compromises to keep its price down. While it offers excellent battery life and a great screen, it lacks some features that are becoming standard in this price range. If you're willing to overlook these limitations, the 13R may still be a good option for you. But if you're looking for a phone that checks all the boxes, you may want to consider other options.