Samsung Galaxy S25 vs OnePlus 13 5G: Both the OnePlus 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 5G are flagship-tier Android phones released in 2025, each catering to slightly different priorities. The OnePlus 13 focuses on delivering strong hardware specs and value for money, while the Galaxy S25 5G emphasizes a compact design and unmatched software support.
Design: The Galaxy S25 retains the design language of its predecessor, featuring a compact form factor with a flat frame. In contrast, the OnePlus 13 boasts a redesigned look with a circular camera module on the back and a flat frame, departing from the curved edges of the OnePlus 12. It is also slightly heavier than the S25. The OnePlus 13 offers a unique vegan microfiber back option, adding to its distinctiveness.
Durability: The OnePlus 13 comes with an IP69 rating, offering superior protection against water and dust compared to the Galaxy S25's IP68 rating.
Display: The OnePlus 13 features a larger 6.82-inch 2K+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it suitable for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S25 sports a smaller 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a lower peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Both phones have an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, HDR10+ support, and Dolby Vision (on the OnePlus 13 only).
Performance and battery
Performance: Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, offering top-tier performance for all tasks. The Galaxy S25 comes with 12GB of RAM, while the OnePlus 13 offers configurations up to 24GB.
Battery and Charging: The OnePlus 13 boasts a substantial 6,000mAh Si/C battery with incredibly fast 100W wired and 50W wireless charging speeds. The Galaxy S25 features a smaller 4,000mAh battery with slower 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The OnePlus 13 includes an 80W charger in the box, whereas Samsung does not bundle a charger with the S25.
Rear cameras: The OnePlus 13 has a triple 50MP setup, including main, ultrawide, and periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 also features a triple camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The OnePlus 13 excels in low-light photography, while the Galaxy S25 generally produces better video, especially in low light. The Galaxy S25 struggles with blurry shots of fast-moving objects. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features a dedicated 5x telephoto camera that the OnePlus 13 lacks.
Front camera: The OnePlus 13 comes with a 32MP fixed-focus selfie camera, while the Galaxy S25 has a 12MP autofocus front-facing camera.
Video: The Galaxy S25 offers more consistent video quality and better stabilization compared to the OnePlus 13.
Software and pricing
Software: Both phones run Android 15. The OnePlus 13 uses OxygenOS 15, and the Galaxy S25 utilizes One UI 7. Samsung provides seven years of software updates for the Galaxy S25. OnePlus offers four years of OS updates and six years of security patches for the OnePlus 13. Both devices include AI features powered by Google's Gemini Nano.
Pricing: The OnePlus 13 is the more affordable option, starting at ₹69,999. The Galaxy S25 starts at ₹81,999 for the base variant.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13 offers better value with its larger, higher-resolution display, faster charging, and bigger battery. Its camera system provides excellent low-light performance and competitive image quality in most situations. The Galaxy S25 5G appeals to users who prefer a compact design and prioritize long-term software support and video features. It boasts a superior video experience and an industry-leading seven years of updates. The best choice depends on individual priorities and budget constraints.