The best Android phones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
Why we like it: The OnePlus 13 delivers one of the more well-rounded flagship experiences we've tested, with a large 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple camera setup with a competent 50MP main lens at the helm, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and more. For $899, it's very difficult to find a better flagship phone deal right now.
Putting the value aspect aside, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging speed; it's something I've learned to not take for granted, as competing Android flagships tend to require hours longer to top up. From my tests, the phone's 80W wired charging can power it from 0% to 50% within 10 minutes, with a full charge taking less than 30 minutes.
That's compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for example, which takes more than an hour to fully charge with its 45W standard. OnePlus also includes the 80W charger in the box, a free bonus that will benefit users who don't want to spend any more on accessories and are always on the go.
Another vantage point is the OnePlus 13's IP69 rating, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 standards, the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity changes. In other words, leaving the device in a washer and dryer, or even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, won't damage it.
Review: OnePlus 13
Who it's for: The OnePlus 13 starts at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (current) competitors, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro. The price point alone makes it worthy of recommending to consumers looking for a flagship phone experience without needing to fork up $1,000 or more. For the money, you'll also get the fastest charging speeds on the US market, great for users who are always on the go or require as much power as possible in a given time.
Who should look elsewhere: While the OnePlus 13 hits almost every mark from our testing, alternatives like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are more readily available at carrier stores and promise longer software support, both of which are ideal for users looking for a device they can hold onto for the next 5+ years.
The OnePlus 13 also falls short when it comes to video-recording, with our tests exposing its inconsistent HDR capturing, color processing, and imperfect stabilization. Therefore, users who may lean heavier on video-recording should consider other flagship phones like the iPhone 16 Pro.
OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Price: Starting at $899
Pros
- Performs well in benchmark tests, with reliable graphics processing throughout.
- 80W fast-charging (and 50W wireless) with charger in the box
- Premium build quality with an aluminum frame and Ceramic Guard display
- IP69 rating to sustain harsher conditions
- Curved glass/frame design can be slippery for some
- Video recording and AI tuning are not the best
- Still not available at carrier stores
OnePlus 13
Best fast-charging Android phone
4.2 / 5 ScoreWhy we like it: The OnePlus 13 delivers one of the more well-rounded flagship experiences we've tested, with a large 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple camera setup with a competent 50MP main lens at the helm, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and more. For $899, it's very difficult to find a better flagship phone deal right now.
Putting the value aspect aside, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging speed; it's something I've learned to not take for granted, as competing Android flagships tend to require hours longer to top up. From my tests, the phone's 80W wired charging can power it from 0% to 50% within 10 minutes, with a full charge taking less than 30 minutes.
That's compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for example, which takes more than an hour to fully charge with its 45W standard. OnePlus also includes the 80W charger in the box, a free bonus that will benefit users who don't want to spend any more on accessories and are always on the go.
Another vantage point is the OnePlus 13's IP69 rating, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 standards, the phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity changes. In other words, leaving the device in a washer and dryer, or even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, won't damage it.
Review: OnePlus 13
Who it's for: The OnePlus 13 starts at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (current) competitors, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro. The price point alone makes it worthy of recommending to consumers looking for a flagship phone experience without needing to fork up $1,000 or more. For the money, you'll also get the fastest charging speeds on the US market, great for users who are always on the go or require as much power as possible in a given time.
Who should look elsewhere: While the OnePlus 13 hits almost every mark from our testing, alternatives like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are more readily available at carrier stores and promise longer software support, both of which are ideal for users looking for a device they can hold onto for the next 5+ years.
The OnePlus 13 also falls short when it comes to video-recording, with our tests exposing its inconsistent HDR capturing, color processing, and imperfect stabilization. Therefore, users who may lean heavier on video-recording should consider other flagship phones like the iPhone 16 Pro.
OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Price: Starting at $899
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