When it comes to premium smartphones, two names dominate the conversation: OnePlus and Apple. With the release of the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16, buyers now face the classic choice between an advanced Android flagship and the latest iPhone. Both promise cutting-edge performance, sleek design, and powerful cameras, but they approach things differently. If you’re planning to spend over $900 on your next device, here’s a detailed look at how these two flagships compare.
Design and Build Quality
Apple has always leaned on refinement over radical changes, and the iPhone 16 continues that tradition. It carries forward a design language similar to its predecessor, but with subtle tweaks. The flat edges, premium aluminum frame, and Ceramic Shield glass give it a solid, professional feel. The phone feels instantly recognizable as an iPhone.
On the other hand, the OnePlus 13 pushes for a more futuristic style. The curved edges, slim bezels, and slightly lighter build make it easier to handle despite being large. OnePlus also focuses on a symmetrical camera housing that sets it apart from other Android phones. In terms of durability, both devices offer IP68 water and dust resistance, but the iPhone feels slightly sturdier thanks to Apple’s engineering.
Display Comparison
The display is one of the biggest areas where these two phones shine. The iPhone 16 features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with Apple’s ProMotion technology, offering smooth refresh rates up to 120Hz. Apple has improved brightness this year, making it easier to use outdoors in direct sunlight.
The OnePlus 13 takes things further with a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and peak brightness that rivals or even surpasses the iPhone. For people who love larger screens for movies or gaming, the OnePlus has the advantage. However, Apple’s color accuracy and adaptive refresh tuning still make its panel feel more consistent.
Performance and Hardware
When it comes to performance, Apple continues to dominate raw power. The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, a processor that focuses not only on speed but also on efficiency. With enhanced AI cores and improved GPU performance, it’s built for both gaming and future-ready tasks like advanced photo editing and machine learning features. Everyday usage is buttery smooth, and iOS optimization makes even demanding apps run without lag.
The OnePlus 13 relies on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. In benchmarks, it matches Apple in certain areas, particularly GPU-heavy tasks like gaming. OnePlus also benefits from faster RAM and storage options, which reduce loading times. While Apple still holds the crown in single-core performance, the gap has narrowed, making the OnePlus a real competitor in the performance game.
Benchmark and Antutu Scores
Putting these together, the OnePlus 13 clearly pulls ahead in raw benchmark numbers, especially in AnTuTu where its score (2.5–3.1 million) significantly surpasses the ~1.79 million of the standard iPhone 16. In the Geekbench CPU tests, iPhone 16’s single-core performance still shows strength and consistency (around 3,100+), but OnePlus 13’s multi-core score (9,170) is much higher, which suggests better performance in multi-threaded tasks like video editing, multitasking, or heavy gaming. That said, benchmark scores are just one side of the story: real-world experience can depend heavily on software optimization, thermal throttling, battery efficiency, and how well apps are made for the chipset. In many everyday cases, the iPhone will feel snappier due to its tight integration, but the OnePlus 13 has the muscle to push further under load.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life often depends on how you use your phone, but both devices are built for all-day endurance. The iPhone 16 offers better efficiency thanks to iOS and the A18 chip. Apple claims modest improvements compared to the iPhone 15, particularly in video playback and streaming.
The OnePlus 13, however, plays its strongest card here. It not only provides excellent battery backup but also supports incredibly fast charging. With OnePlus’s SuperVOOC charging technology, you can refill the phone in less than half an hour, something Apple still doesn’t offer. The iPhone 16 sticks with its slower wired charging and MagSafe wireless options, which feel outdated compared to what OnePlus provides.
Camera Experience
Apple has always built its reputation around camera performance, and the iPhone 16 is no exception. The dual-camera system delivers excellent results with improved low-light performance, better Smart HDR, and more natural skin tones. Apple’s video recording remains the best in the industry, making the iPhone the go-to choice for vloggers and content creators.
OnePlus, however, has been working hard with its Hasselblad partnership, and the OnePlus 13 takes that collaboration further. It offers a triple-camera setup with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Daylight shots are detailed, with vibrant colors and sharpness that rivals Apple. The telephoto lens gives OnePlus an edge in versatility. Still, when it comes to video stabilization and overall consistency, Apple holds a narrow lead.
Software and Ecosystem
This is where Apple clearly differentiates itself. iOS 18 on the iPhone 16 brings tight ecosystem integration with Macs, iPads, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Features like AirDrop, iMessage, and seamless handoff make daily use incredibly convenient. Long-term software updates are another strong reason why people stick with iPhones.
OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS based on Android 15, and it remains one of the cleanest, fastest Android skins available. It offers smooth navigation, excellent customization, and less bloatware than most rivals. OnePlus promises four major Android updates, which is impressive but still falls short of Apple’s long-term support.
Extra Features
Both phones support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and advanced security options. Face ID on the iPhone continues to be the most reliable facial recognition system, while the OnePlus offers an under-display fingerprint sensor along with face unlock. Audio quality is solid on both, though Apple’s spatial audio ecosystem gives it an advantage if you already own AirPods.
The iPhone 16 also adds more AI-driven features across the system, like improved Siri suggestions and real-time translation. The OnePlus counters with its own AI smarts, but Apple’s integration feels more polished.
Which One Should You Buy?
The decision between the OnePlus 13 and iPhone 16 comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem, value long-term software support, and want the best video recording experience, the iPhone 16 remains a safe and powerful choice. It offers refined performance, a smooth display, and unmatched ecosystem benefits.
On the other hand, if you prefer faster charging, a bigger display, and more versatile camera hardware, the OnePlus 13 delivers excellent value. It provides the kind of hardware advantages that Apple still hesitates to adopt, especially in charging speed and telephoto photography.
Final Thoughts
Both the OnePlus 13 and the iPhone 16 represent the best of their respective platforms. Apple sticks to refinement, offering a balanced and reliable experience with long-term value, while OnePlus pushes boundaries with futuristic hardware and faster innovations. Choosing between them isn’t about which one is universally better but about which one fits your lifestyle.
If you’re after versatility, speed, and cutting-edge design, the OnePlus 13 won’t disappoint. If you’re more about ecosystem reliability, long software support, and the best video quality on a smartphone, the iPhone 16 is still the king of consistency.
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FAQs (oneplus 13 vs iphone 16)
Which phone is faster, OnePlus 13 or iPhone 16?
The OnePlus 13 has higher AnTuTu and multi-core Geekbench scores, making it better for multitasking and gaming. However, the iPhone 16 feels faster in daily use thanks to iOS optimization and stronger single-core performance.
Does the OnePlus 13 charge faster than the iPhone 16?
Yes. The OnePlus 13 supports ultra-fast charging that can top up in under 30 minutes, while the iPhone 16 still uses slower wired charging and MagSafe wireless charging.
Which phone has the better camera?
The iPhone 16 is more consistent, especially for video recording, color accuracy, and low-light photography. The OnePlus 13 offers versatile camera hardware with telephoto zoom, which Apple reserves for its Pro models.
How long will software updates last?
The iPhone 16 will likely get 5–6 years of iOS updates, while the OnePlus 13 promises about 4 major Android updates. Apple has the edge in long-term support.
Is the iPhone 16 worth it over the OnePlus 13?
If you value ecosystem features, long updates, and best-in-class video, the iPhone 16 is worth it. If you prefer faster charging, a larger display, and more powerful hardware for the price, the OnePlus 13 is the better option.
