While there’s plenty of stiff competition from the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi, OnePlus continues to put out top-quality smartphones year after year. The problem is that with options available at the budget, mid-range and flagship levels, it can be tricky to know exactly which OnePlus phone is worth buying, and that’s why we’ve reviewed and ranked the best.
The first thing to understand (because the naming conventions can get a bit confusing) is what the moniker of each OnePlus phone actually means. The standard numbered phones, such as the OnePlus 13, are the company’s flagship models. Any phones that have an ‘R’ in the name, or carry Nord (without a CE) in the title, are mid-range handsets. For the budget crowd, the Nord CE line is where you want to invest your time.
With each OnePlus phone, however, you’ll be getting access to the company’s OxygenOS platform which, as far as our experts are concerned, is one of the best Android overlays on the market, going head to head with Samsung’s One UI and being just a touch behind Google’s stock Android.
There’s a good amount of range here so the chances are that you will be able to find a OnePlus phone for your budget, but if you want to see what the company’s more affordable options are up against, you can see our current line-up of the best mid-range phones and the best budget phones. Alternatively, the ongoing ranking of the best phones overall can provide a better understanding of the smartphone market at large.
Best OnePlus phone reviews
1. OnePlus 13 – Best Overall
Pros
- Best-in-class performance
- Great user experience with nice AI additions
- Outlandish battery life
- Super fast charging
Cons
- Some camera niggles
- Magnetic accessories only work with case
Price When Reviewed:
From $899.99
OnePlus has continued to deliver on being one of the top companies in the flagship Android space with the OnePlus 13.
The performance is best-in-class thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which allows it to go toe-to-toe with some dedicated gaming phones and handle some very heavy-duty apps.
The monster 6000mAh battery means you can get around two days of typical usage – higher than many rivals of a similar price. There’s no scrimping on charging either, with 100W wired support that can juice it from flat to full in just over half an hour.
OxygenOS 15 implements new and meaningful AI features, including photo editing enhancements, AI replies for messaging services and AI assistant in the native Notes app for refining and reformatting copy.
The 50Mp camera array features a main Sony LYT-808 sensor and a 3x telephoto, similar to what is found on Oppo’s Find X8 Pro. The results are incredible true-to-life shots, with accurate shadows and dynamic range – though there are some niggles with the digital zoom.
The OnePlus 13 also boasts rare IP69 and IP68 certifications, meaning it’s incredibly durable and able to withstand dust ingress, submersion in water and pressurized jets (at up to 80°C) of water. No flagship from Samsung, Google or Apple can compete with this durability.
The vegan leather back may be a bit more polarising than the flowy design of the OnePlus 12, but it still looks and feels premium – as does the bold and bright 6.82-inch display, which is also tough thanks to the new Ceramic Guard cover.
Overall, this is a solid Android flagship phone, and without a doubt the best OnePlus you can buy right now. Just bear in mind that the OnePlus 15 is almost on the market, so it might be worth holding off buying the 13 until we know how well its successor can perform.
Who should buy the OnePlus 13?
Anyone after a flagship Android phone that ticks every box imaginable.
OnePlus 13: Further considerations
The ability to work with MagSafe products requires the included case to be attached at all times.
Read our full
OnePlus 13 review
2. OnePlus Nord 5 – Best Mid-Range
Pros
- Attractive design
- Rich, elegant user experience
- Big screen with fast refresh rate
- Fast charging
Cons
- Some downgrades vs predecessor
- Rivals offer better value performance
- Lost stand-out metal chassis
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
Best Prices Today:
The OnePlus Nord 4 was easily one of the best mid-range handsets upon its release and was always going to be a tough act to follow, but the OnePlus Nord 5 does a respectable job by bringing in some handy new features into the mix. Unfortunately, the eye-catching aesthetic of the Nord 4 is gone, but it’s been replaced by something far more confident instead.
It won’t be turning any heads (unless you have Marble Sands colourway) but the Nord 5 has a sleek uniform backing that feels very comfortable in the hand and looks not at all dissimilar to flagship phones from Samsung and Apple. There’s also IP65 water and dust resistance to ensure that the phone doesn’t fall foul of any mishaps during your time with it.
There’s now a slightly larger 6.83-inch AMOLED display for users to enjoy, which makes the phone better suited for streaming a bit of Netflix or Disney Plus. The 144Hz refresh rate also goes hand in hand with a spot of gaming, although we don’t advise playing high-end 3D titles as the phone’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset can struggle to keep up under demanding circumstances.
The cameras have also been given an uplift, the most prominent of which is the move to having a 50Mp selfie camera. It’s easily one of the best front-facing sensors you’ll find on a mid-range phone so if you are someone who enjoys taking regular group selfies, you’ll appreciate the amount of detail and colour that this camera can capture.
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord 5?
Mid-range buyers after a smart looking phone with a great selfie-camera
OnePlus Nord 5: Further considerations
It’s not quite as eye-catching as the OnePlus Nord 4.
Read our full
OnePlus Nord 5 review
3. OnePlus Nord CE 5 – Best Budget
Pros
- Nice design and build quality
- Rich, elegant user experience
- Fast charging
Cons
- Disappointing loudspeaker and haptics
- Rivals offer better value performance
- Cameras struggle in low light
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
The OnePlus Nord CE 5 is one of those rare budget phones that looks like anything but. The sleek panel follows in the footsteps of the regular Nord 5, with a uniform colour that extends into a border surrounding the camera bump, alongside a polycarbonate frame that’s comfortable to hold. Throw in IP65 dust and water resistance and it’s hard to argue with the build quality on offer.
Compared to a lot of budget phones where the software experience can feel a bit cluttered and downgraded against pricier phones, the Nord CE 5 has no such issues thanks to the effortlessly clean OxygenOS overlay. It’s wonderfully free of bloatware and very easy to get to grips with.
We only wish that there was a slightly better-performing chipset inside to really elevate the benefits of OnePlus’ software, as the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Apex can struggle under more demanding tasks. You can get by just fine with most games but more intensive 3D titles like Zenless Zone Zero see immediate drops in frame rate.
Still, for day to day tasks the CE 5 more than gets the job done, and it’s propped up by a sizeable 5200mAh battery. We had no issues with getting the phone to the end of more demanding days, and when you do need to top it up, the super-fast 80W wired charging can get you back a full battery from 0% in under 50 minutes.
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5?
Budget buyers who want a smartphone that looks like a flagship.
OnePlus Nord CE 5: Further considerations
The performance can fall apart with more demanding 3D games.
Read our full
OnePlus Nord CE 5 review
4. OnePlus 13R – Best Value Flagship
Pros
- Much faster storage compared to predecessor
- Great user experience with nice AI additions
- Solid battery life
- Super-fast charging
Cons
- Camera needs fine tuning
- Lesser water resistance than some high-end phones
- No wireless charging
- Magnetic accessories only work with case
The OnePlus 13R follows in the steps of its predecessor by striking a good balance between features and price.
The best qualities about this phone are its display and battery life. The 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO 4.1 OLED ProXDR panel benefits from the same upgrades seen on the flagship OnePlus 13, with a faster and more dynamic refresh rate and improved auto-brightness responsiveness to surroundings.
Meanwhile, the phone is packed with the same 6000mAh battery as its big brother, making it an excellent choice for power users. The 80W wired charging isn’t as fast as what you’ll find on the 13, but 55 minutes from flat to full with a battery this size is nothing to be sniffed at.
While the camera doesn’t measure up to the 13, it’s still a marked improvement over what we saw on 2024’s 12R. The underwhelming secondary snappers have been ditched for a new 50Mp 2x optical zoom telephoto and an 8Mp ultrawide, which result in more versatile photos and better colours.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – the processor also seen on the OnePlus 12 – remains plenty capable one year on, with this phone being snappy to use and out-performing others with the same chipset.
If durability is a concern for you, the IP65 rating may come as a disappointment – especially when you consider that many other cheaper rivals offer IP68. Nonetheless, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the OnePlus 13R is a decently priced phone if you’re happy to compromise in some areas.
Who should buy the OnePlus 13R?
Anyone after a collection of flagship features but at a price that undercuts the sector.
OnePlus 13R: Further considerations
No wireless charging is a big setback compared to the competition.
Read our full
OnePlus 13R review
5. OnePlus 12 – Best Previous-Gen Flagship
Pros
- Elegant, distinctive design
- Show-stopping screen
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Great main and telephoto cameras
Cons
- Fewer OS updates than rivals
- So-so wide-angle and selfie cameras
- Limited water resistance
Price When Reviewed:
From $799 | Model reviewed $899
The OnePlus 12 is last year’s flagship, and now it’s come down in price it’s more of a steal than ever.
The phone sports the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a variable 120Hz display with an amazing peak brightness of 4,500 nits, nippy 80W wired charging alongside a 50W wireless option – something that wasn’t present on the 11. It’s also got a distinctive design, with the Flowy Emerald colour stealing the show.
There are downsides. The IP65 rating isn’t as durable IP68, which many flagships have. In addition, both the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series offer seven years of OS and security updates, whilst OnePlus only offers four years of Android support and five years of security updates.
The main and telephoto cameras are very impressive, though the same can’t be said for the wide-angle and selfie cameras. While the OnePlus 13 has made some improvements on this phone, this is still an excellent buy and certainly won’t feel out of date.
Who should buy the OnePlus 12?
Bargain hunters who want yesteryear’s flagship at a much cheaper price.
OnePlus 12: Further considerations
The OnePlus 13R will be supported for longer.
Read our full
OnePlus 12 review
6. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite – Best Budget Alternative
Pros
- Vibrant OLED display
- Rapid 80W charging support
- Decent battery life
- Keenly priced
Cons
- Poor performance from ageing chip
- Hit-and-miss camera
- No ultra-wide camera
- No charger in box
Best Prices Today:
The Nord CE 4 Lite is one of the most affordable OnePlus devices you can buy in the UK – though it faces stiff competition in the sub-£300 market.
This is a solidly built yet affordable phone, with an impressively bold 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate. The battery can last up to two days with moderate usage, and the phone supports up to 80W fast charging – though no brick is included in the box.
However, the processor doesn’t offer the best performance, and the cameras are very much a mixed bag. Plus, Samsung and Google both offer models with better specs for similar prices.
Nonetheless, this is still a competent OnePlus phone in the UK.
Who should buy the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite?
Anyone who appreciates a budget phone with an eye-catching design.
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite: Further considerations
The lack of an ultra-wide camera does hold it back.
Read our full
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G review
Other OnePlus phones tested
Given that we’ve been reviewing OnePlus phones for years now, there are plenty of other devices within the company’s wares that don’t currently feature within the list above, either because they’ve been discontinued and are no longer available for sale, or that they’ve been supplanted by something better that we currently recommend instead.
One such example is the OnePlus Open which, despite being one of the best foldable phones we’ve ever had the pleasure of testing, can now only be found second-hand. Still, if you are able to find a pre-loved model that isn’t too worn down, then it will still make for a decent book-style foldable phone.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Despite leaps that have been made by the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Honor Magic V5, the OnePlus Open still stands out for having some of the best software, as OnePlus’ Open Canvas allows for seamless multitasking that makes using the device for productivity feel like a breeze.
On the other end of the scale, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a tricky phone to track down these days, and even though it’s since been supplanted by the equally excellent OnePlus Nord 5, it’s still worth keeping an eye out for it if you can find it at a bargain price.
Not only does it have a more eye-catching design than its successor, but the Nord 4 still provides a great main camera and has years of software updates headed its way.
It’s worth noting that OnePlus has other families of phones, such as the Ace series, but these are often limited to markets such as China, while others, such as the OnePlus 13s can be exclusive to India. Typically, though, OnePlus will launch an almost identical handset with a different name in Western markets.
OnePlus phone news that could affect your buying decision
As you may have already heard, the curtain has been semi-pulled back on the OnePlus 15, and it has now been confirmed that the phone will launch 27 October. In addition to being the first phone anywhere that sports the all-new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, it’ll also have a big 7300mAh battery and 120W charging.
With that in mind, it’s arguably worth holding off on buying any of the flagship-level OnePlus devices until we get the OnePlus 15 in for testing and can verify whether or not it’s a better option than the still fairly recent OnePlus 13. At the very least, even if you do decide to go with the previous flagship, it’ll likely be cheaper after its successor hits the scene.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s expected to be a Chinese launch to start with other markets to follow. How quickly is the question so you might want to hold off that OnePlus 13 purchase for a little while.
@TechKard
With the recent news of OxygenOS 16 coming out, it’s worth checking to see if your existing OnePlus phone will be included in the latest update. If not, now is probably a good time to start looking for an upgrade to ensure that you don’t miss out on OnePlus’ all-new AI-powered features and revamped layout.
Can I get a better OnePlus phone deal?
OnePlus is one of the few company’s that’s well known for offering fairly generous pre-order incentives which oftentimes continue into the launch period of a given phone. This can involve money off, as well as additional OnePlus devices (such as a OnePlus Watch) thrown in at no extra cost. With that in mind, it’s always worth keeping an eye on OnePlus’ own-brand store whenever a new device is announced.
At all other times of year, you can rest assured that this very page will give you the most up to date prices thanks to our intelligent deals widgets. These digital personal shoppers do the hard work for you by scanning the web and presenting you with the best price that’s currently available, so once you decide on the phone that’s right for you, you can make use of a price cut right away.
There’s always a chance that OnePlus phones see additional price cuts during big sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. In either case, those cuts will also be reflected here, so you won’t have to spend time chasing after them.
Alternatively, you can check out our breakdown of the best refurbished phone deals to see if any additional savings can be had with second-hand OnePlus devices.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
How we test phones
Just like with every other type of smartphone that we test, OnePlus phones are used by one of our experts for at least a week to better understand how they perform in everyday scenarios. The testing period also involves subjecting the phones to a series of benchmarking apps including Geekbench 6 and PCMark, giving us concrete data on how their chipsets and batteries perform against the competition.
Read more about how we test smartphones.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for phone reviews and buying advice
Tech Advisor has been covering smartphones ever since the first iPhone hit the scene, and that means we’ve also witnessed the trajectory of OnePlus from a budding brand into one of the world’s big smartphone players. That context, paired with our goal to help consumers make the right choice when buying any type of gadget, is why our coverage stands out.
Who curated this article?
As Tech Advisor’s Mobile Editor, Anyron Copeman can let you know at the drop of a hat whether the latest OnePlus software updates outdo recent developments in iOS, and so on. His understanding of the smartphone market is unparalleled, which is exactly why he gets final say on which OnePlus phones are included in this list.
How to choose the best OnePlus phone
Much like with Xiaomi, OnePlus has a phone to suit every type of budget, which makes the process of buying one feel just that bit easier, as you can get a great experience across the board regardless of how much you have available to spend.
What this boils down to is that budget buyers should only seek out phones that carry the CE or CE Lite branding, whilst mid-range hopefuls can opt for the standard OnePlus Nord phone, or a numbered device that carries an ‘R’ at the end of its name, like the OnePlus 13R.
Those with more cash to splash can go all in on the numbered entries like the OnePlus 15 and the OnePlus 13, as these are the phones designed to compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung at the high-end.
OnePlus phone FAQ
What are the different OnePlus ranges?
The OnePlus phone range is relatively simple. At the top end you get its numbered flagship series – currently the OnePlus 13 line, which for now includes the regular 13 and the 13R.
Below that you find the Nord series. These are cheaper, covering the gamut from budget phones up to the heart of the mid-range. The only complication here is that different markets get different Nord phones – models like the Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 launch in Europe and Asia, while the US gets different phones with names like Nord N300 and N20.
Note that Ace models typically come out in China but often arrive elsewhere with different names.
Is OnePlus the same as Oppo?
Sort of. OnePlus originally spun off from Chinese phone giant Oppo several years ago, but was mostly run as an independent company.
That’s now changed, and Oppo has brought OnePlus back into the fold. That means that OnePlus now uses Oppo R&D and software, meaning its products are more similar to Oppo’s than they used to be, and occasionally one company will essentially re-release one of the other’s phones with new branding.
What software do OnePlus phones run?
OnePlus phones all run Android, with the company’s OxygenOS skin on top.
As mentioned above, the company now uses Oppo software, so OxygenOS now shares a code base with that brand’s ColorOS. That means the software from both companies is quite similar, though each retains one or two unique features and a slightly different aesthetic.
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