OnePlus 13R vs Nothing Phone (2): A Deep Dive Comparison

The OnePlus 13R and Nothing Phone (2) represent compelling options in a crowded mid-to-high range smartphone market. The 13R arrives with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, promising flagship-level performance, while the Nothing Phone (2) distinguishes itself with a unique design and a focus on software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users prioritizing raw performance and fast charging, the OnePlus 13R emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 80W charging significantly outperform the Nothing Phone (2)'s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and 45W charging. However, the Nothing Phone (2)'s distinctive design and software experience may appeal to those seeking something different.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus 13R Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 800 / 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, January 072023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, January 14Available. Released 2023, July 17
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), aluminum frame, glass backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.7 x 75.8 x 8 mm (6.37 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight206 g (7.27 oz)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7iCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 730
OSAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 55.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band (6e is market specific)Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, 50% in 20 min, 100% in 52/54 min45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 6000 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsAstral Trail, Nebula NoirWhite, Dark Gray
ModelsCPH2645, CPH2691, CPH2647A065
Price$ 529.99 / £ 459.00 / € 504.00 / ₹ 39,999$ 379.99 / £ 370.00
SAR1.19 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)-

OnePlus 13R

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
  • Much faster wired charging (80W)
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Camera details are currently unknown

Nothing Phone (2)

  • Unique design with Glyph Interface
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Clean software experience

  • Older processor (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Slower wired charging (45W)

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 13R boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 1223 nits, compared to the Nothing Phone (2)'s 998 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display brightness difference is a tangible benefit for outdoor users. We lack panel technology details (LTPO, refresh rate) but the brightness advantage clearly favors the 13R. Bezels appear comparable based on available imagery, and color accuracy will require dedicated testing, but the 13R’s higher peak brightness is a clear win.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed camera specifications for both devices. However, the Nothing Phone (2) explicitly mentions 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting a greater emphasis on camera features. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, a direct comparison is difficult. We can assume the Nothing Phone (2) will likely offer more software-driven camera enhancements and potentially a more versatile camera system, given Nothing’s marketing focus. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this price range are generally of limited utility on both devices.

Performance

The OnePlus 13R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents a significant leap in performance over the Nothing Phone (2)’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The 8 Gen 3’s octa-core configuration (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520) offers a more modern architecture and higher clock speeds than the 8+ Gen 1’s (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. While the 8+ Gen 1 remains capable, the 8 Gen 3 provides a future-proofed experience. Thermal management will be crucial; the 4nm process of both chips should help, but the 8 Gen 3’s increased power demands may necessitate a more robust cooling solution.

Battery Life

The OnePlus 13R achieves an active use battery score of 15:09h, exceeding the Nothing Phone (2)'s 14:21h. While the Nothing Phone (2) has an older 'Endurance rating' of 103h, this metric is less reliable than real-world active use testing. Crucially, the 13R supports 80W wired charging, reaching 50% in 20 minutes and 100% in 52-54 minutes, significantly faster than the Nothing Phone (2)'s 45W charging (100% in 55 minutes). The Nothing Phone (2) adds 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the 13R, offering convenience for compatible users.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus 13R if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value the fastest possible charging speeds. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prioritize a unique aesthetic, a clean software experience with the Glyph Interface, and are willing to trade some raw power for a distinctive user experience and wireless charging capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus 13R get noticeably hotter during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Nothing Phone (2)?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more powerful and therefore generates more heat under sustained load. However, both chips are built on a 4nm process, which improves thermal efficiency. The OnePlus 13R will likely require a more sophisticated cooling system to prevent throttling during prolonged gaming. Real-world testing is needed to determine the extent of any thermal throttling.
❓ Does the Nothing Phone (2)'s Glyph Interface offer practical benefits beyond aesthetics, or is it primarily a visual gimmick?
The Glyph Interface offers some practical functionality, such as displaying charging progress, incoming call notifications, and timer countdowns. While its usefulness is subjective, it provides a unique way to interact with the phone and can be customized to suit individual preferences. It's more than just a visual gimmick, offering a degree of functional utility.
❓ How does the charging speed of the OnePlus 13R compare to other phones in its price range?
The OnePlus 13R's 80W charging is exceptionally fast for its price range. Many competitors offer 33W or 65W charging, making the 13R significantly quicker to fully charge. This is a major advantage for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.