OnePlus 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Deep Dive into Battery, Performance, and Display

The OnePlus 13 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represent the pinnacle of Android flagship technology, but cater to slightly different priorities. The OnePlus 13 aggressively targets charging speed and overall endurance, while the S25 Ultra focuses on longevity and a premium display experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and incredibly fast charging, the OnePlus 13 emerges as the winner. Its 61:36h endurance and 100W charging significantly outperform the S25 Ultra, despite Samsung's superior battery cycle count. However, the S25 Ultra’s brighter display and longer-term battery health are compelling advantages for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 13 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, October 312025, January 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, November 01Available. Released 2025, February 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Ceramic Guard), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frameGlass front (Corning Gorilla Armor 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), titanium frame (grade 5)
Dimensions162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - INT· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - USA· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - CN
Weight210 g or 213 g (7.41 oz)218 g (7.69 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Guard glass, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Armor 2, Mohs level 6
Resolution1440 x 3168 pixels (~510 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~498 ppi density)
Size6.82 inches, 113.0 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~92.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 800 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 830Adreno 830 (1200 MHz)
OSAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 (International), ColorOS 15 (China)Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 24GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser focus, Hasselblad Color Calibration, color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Quad-200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 1/1.3", 0.6µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/3.4, 111mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.52", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/1.9, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.6, 73mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, 3x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/480fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, HDR10+
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 55.4, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual or tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired, PD, QC, 50% in 13 min, 100% in 36 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi2 Ready) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack Eclipse, Arctic Dawn, Midnight OceanTitanium Silver Blue, Titanium Black, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold
ModelsCPH2655, CPH2653, PJZ110, CPH2649SM-S938B, SM-S938B/DS, SM-S938U, SM-S938U1, SM-S938W, SM-S938N, SM-S9380, SM-S938E, SM-S938E/DS
Price€ 779.00 / $ 669.99 / £ 669.99 / ₹ 65,999€ 895.00 / $ 859.98 / £ 799.99 / ₹ 110,498
SAR1.13 W/kg (head)     1.15 W/kg (body)1.26 W/kg (head)     0.64 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.25 W/kg (head)     1.42 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery61:36h endurance, 1000 cycles44:54h endurance, 2000 cycles
EnergyClass AClass B
Free fallClass D (45 falls)Class A (270 falls)
RepairabilityClass BClass C

OnePlus 13

  • Incredibly fast 100W charging
  • Superior battery endurance (61:36h)
  • Competitive Snapdragon 8 Elite performance

  • Lower battery cycle count (1000)
  • Slightly dimmer display compared to S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

  • Brighter display (1417 nits)
  • Exceptional battery cycle life (2000)
  • Potentially better thermal management

  • Slower charging speed (45W)
  • Lower battery endurance (44:54h)

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1417 nits compared to the OnePlus 13’s 1204 nits. This difference is immediately noticeable in direct sunlight. Both utilize advanced panel technology, likely LTPO AMOLED for adaptive refresh rates, but Samsung’s higher peak brightness provides a more vivid outdoor viewing experience. While both will likely offer excellent color accuracy, the S25 Ultra’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs are missing, the focus should be on image processing and sensor size. Given Samsung’s history, the S25 Ultra will likely prioritize vibrant, saturated colors, while OnePlus tends towards a more natural look. The larger sensor on the S25 Ultra (assuming it follows Samsung’s trend) will excel in low-light conditions, capturing more detail and reducing noise. Ignoring the likely inclusion of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the primary sensor and its associated OIS system will be the defining factor in image quality.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8750-AB/AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration with 2x Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores at slightly different clock speeds (4.32 GHz vs 4.47 GHz). The S25 Ultra’s marginally higher CPU clock speed may translate to a small performance edge in synthetic benchmarks, but real-world differences will likely be negligible. The key differentiator will be thermal management; Samsung’s larger chassis may allow for more effective heat dissipation, potentially preventing throttling during sustained workloads. Both utilize LPDDR5x RAM, ensuring fast memory access.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 13 delivers a remarkable 61:36h endurance score, significantly exceeding the S25 Ultra’s 44:54h. This is coupled with an impressive 100W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 13 minutes and a full charge in 36 minutes. The S25 Ultra, while offering 2000 battery cycles compared to the OnePlus 13’s 1000, charges much slower at 45W, taking 30 minutes to reach 65% charge. The OnePlus 13’s faster charging is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost, while the S25 Ultra prioritizes long-term battery health and longevity.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 13 if you need a phone that can easily last a full day with heavy use and recharge from 0-100% in under an hour. It’s ideal for users who frequently travel or dislike battery anxiety. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display, and value long-term battery health with its 2000 charge cycles, even if it means slower charging speeds and slightly less overall endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the S25 Ultra exhibit thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a powerful chip, sustained workloads can generate heat. Samsung’s larger chassis in the S25 Ultra likely provides better thermal dissipation compared to the OnePlus 13, potentially mitigating throttling. However, aggressive thermal management profiles could still limit peak performance over extended periods.
❓ How does the 2000 battery cycle count of the S25 Ultra translate to real-world longevity?
A battery cycle represents a full charge and discharge. The S25 Ultra’s 2000 cycle rating suggests it can maintain 80% of its original capacity after 2000 full charges, significantly extending its usable lifespan compared to the OnePlus 13’s 1000 cycles. This is particularly beneficial for users who charge their phones daily.
❓ Is the 100W charging of the OnePlus 13 compatible with all USB-PD chargers?
The OnePlus 13 supports USB-PD, but to achieve the full 100W charging speed, you’ll need a compatible USB-PD charger and cable rated for that wattage. Using a lower-wattage charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate.