iPhone 16 Plus vs OnePlus 13s: A Deep Dive into Apple's Efficiency and OnePlus's Power

The iPhone 16 Plus and OnePlus 13s represent two distinct philosophies in smartphone design. Apple continues to refine its ecosystem with the A18 chip, prioritizing efficiency and integration. OnePlus, meanwhile, leverages Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, aiming for raw performance and rapid charging. This comparison dissects these approaches, revealing which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term software support and a seamless ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Plus is the better choice. Its 48-hour battery endurance and optimized A18 chip offer a consistently smooth experience. However, power users and gamers will find the OnePlus 13s’ Snapdragon 8 Elite and 80W charging more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 16 Plus OnePlus 13s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66 - A32901, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A32901, 3, 5, 8, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 092025, June 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 20Available. Released 2025, June 12
Body
BuildGlass front (Ceramic Shield), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)150.8 x 71.7 x 8.2 mm (5.94 x 2.82 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glass (2024 gen), Mohs level 4Crystal Shield Glass
Resolution1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1216 x 2640 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.32 inches, 97.9 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetApple A18 (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUApple GPU (5-core graphics)Adreno 830
OSiOS 18, upgradable to iOS 26.1Android 15, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec.4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec.HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm, AF
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only) 15W wireless (Qi2) 4.5W reverse wired80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 18W QC 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 4674 mAh5850 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineGreen Silk, Black Velvet, Pink Satin
ModelsA3290, A3082, A3289, A3291, iPhone17,4CPH2723
Price€ 700.00 / $ 498.74 / £ 599.99 / ₹ 76,490₹ 52,999
SAR1.13 W/kg (head)     1.16 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.24 W/kg (head)     1.33 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery48:00h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Apple iPhone 16 Plus

  • Exceptional 48-hour battery endurance
  • Optimized A18 chip for efficiency
  • Long-term software support and ecosystem integration

  • Slower charging speeds compared to OnePlus
  • Less customization options than Android

OnePlus 13s

  • Blazing-fast 80W wired charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
  • Android’s flexibility and customization

  • Potentially shorter battery life than iPhone
  • Software update support may be less consistent

Display Comparison

The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a measured peak brightness of 1823 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the OnePlus 13s’ display specs are currently unavailable, OnePlus typically employs high-quality AMOLED panels. The iPhone’s advantage likely lies in its color accuracy and potentially a higher PWM dimming rate, benefiting users sensitive to flicker. Apple’s continued refinement of its display technology, coupled with the brightness figure, suggests a superior viewing experience, though a direct comparison requires the OnePlus 13s’ full display specifications.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, both manufacturers are known for producing high-quality camera systems. The iPhone traditionally excels in computational photography and video recording, offering natural-looking images and excellent dynamic range. OnePlus has significantly improved its camera performance in recent generations, focusing on color science and detail. The presence of OIS on both devices is expected, but sensor size and lens apertures will be crucial differentiators. We anticipate both phones will offer excellent image quality, but the iPhone’s software processing may provide a more consistent experience across various lighting conditions.

Performance

The core battleground is the Apple A18 (3nm) versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm). The A18’s hexa-core configuration (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz) focuses on efficiency, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s octa-core setup (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) prioritizes sustained performance. The Oryon cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite are designed for high single-core and multi-core performance, potentially giving it an edge in demanding tasks. However, Apple’s chip design often excels in real-world responsiveness and power efficiency, meaning the A18 could feel faster despite lower clock speeds. Both chips utilize a 3nm process, suggesting comparable thermal efficiency, but the Snapdragon’s more aggressive core configuration may lead to slightly higher temperatures under sustained load.

Battery Life

The iPhone 16 Plus claims a remarkable 48-hour endurance and 18:49 hours of active use, backed by 1000 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The OnePlus 13s counters with an impressive 80W wired charging, capable of rapidly replenishing the battery. While the iPhone offers 25W MagSafe wireless charging and 15W Qi2, the OnePlus 13s’ 80W wired charging significantly reduces downtime. The iPhone’s longevity and efficiency are compelling, but the OnePlus 13s’ charging speed is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Plus if you need a phone with exceptional battery life, guaranteed software updates for years to come, and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. Buy the OnePlus 13s if you prioritize peak performance for demanding tasks like gaming, require the fastest possible charging speeds, and prefer the flexibility of Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the A18 chip's efficiency translate to real-world usage on the iPhone 16 Plus?
The A18's 3nm process and optimized core configuration mean it can handle demanding tasks with less power consumption. This translates to longer battery life, less heat generation, and a smoother overall experience, even during extended gaming sessions or video editing.
❓ Will the OnePlus 13s’ 80W charging degrade the battery faster over time?
While faster charging generates more heat, OnePlus employs charging algorithms and thermal management systems to mitigate battery degradation. The phone dynamically adjusts the charging speed to protect the battery's long-term health. However, the iPhone 16 Plus’ slower charging, coupled with its 1000 charge cycle rating, suggests potentially longer battery lifespan.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the OnePlus 13s offer a noticeable gaming advantage over the iPhone 16 Plus?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Oryon cores are designed for high performance, potentially providing a slight edge in graphically intensive games. However, Apple’s Metal graphics API and A18’s optimization may close the gap. The actual gaming experience will depend on game optimization and thermal throttling.
❓ What wireless charging standards does the iPhone 16 Plus support, and how does it compare to the OnePlus 13s?
The iPhone 16 Plus supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging and 15W Qi2. While the OnePlus 13s supports 33W PPS, 18W PD, and 18W QC, the iPhone’s MagSafe offers a more secure and convenient wireless charging experience, particularly with compatible accessories.