The ‘small’ OnePlus 13T packs a big battery

The Verge - Apr 24th, 2025
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OnePlus has unveiled the 13T, a smartphone that stands out with its impressive 6,260mAh battery, which surpasses the capacities found in flagship models like the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The device features a 6.32-inch OLED screen, slightly larger than its competitors, while maintaining a compact form factor. The 13T is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Notably, OnePlus has replaced its signature alert slider with a customizable shortcut button, allowing users to perform various tasks such as controlling volume or launching apps. The phone is priced at CNY3,399 (approximately $466) in China, making it more affordable than the standard OnePlus 13.

This launch marks a significant shift for OnePlus, as the company continues to innovate and differentiate its products in a competitive market. The adoption of silicon-carbon battery technology underlines OnePlus's commitment to enhancing battery performance without increasing device size. Additionally, the introduction of the customizable shortcut button reflects a broader trend towards personalization in smartphone functionality. The pricing strategy positions the 13T as an attractive option for consumers seeking high-end features without the flagship price tag. However, it remains uncertain whether OnePlus will release the 13T in international markets, which could impact its global competitive standing.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and largely accurate overview of the OnePlus 13T's features and specifications, making it a valuable resource for consumers interested in the latest smartphone technology. It excels in clarity and timeliness, presenting complex information in an accessible manner and addressing a current topic of interest.

However, the article could improve in areas such as source quality and transparency, as it lacks explicit citations and detailed explanations of its information sources. Additionally, while the article is balanced and engaging, it could benefit from incorporating a wider range of perspectives and exploring potential controversies or criticisms.

Overall, the article is a solid piece of tech journalism that effectively informs readers about the OnePlus 13T, though it could enhance its credibility and impact by addressing these areas for improvement.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its portrayal of the OnePlus 13T's features and specifications, aligning well with available information from reputable sources. For instance, the claim about the 6,260mAh battery is supported by multiple tech reviews and reports, which confirm its larger capacity compared to competitors like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25. The mention of the updated silicon-carbon battery technology also checks out, as it has been highlighted in tech analyses as a significant advancement for OnePlus.

However, there are areas needing further verification, such as the exact dimensions and weight comparison with other flagship models. While the article claims the 13T is "barely bigger" than an iPhone 16 or Galaxy S25, precise measurements from official sources or detailed reviews would enhance this claim's accuracy. Additionally, the statement about the customizable button replacing the alert slider is consistent with OnePlus's recent design changes, but confirming its functionality in real-world use would provide a fuller picture.

Overall, the story is factually reliable, with minor areas that would benefit from additional verification. The pricing information is also correct, as the stated CNY3,399 aligns with launch announcements, though the article could improve by specifying the source of this information.

7
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective, primarily focusing on the technical specifications and innovations of the OnePlus 13T without showing apparent favoritism towards the brand. It compares the device against competitors like Apple and Samsung, providing a fair assessment of its strengths, such as the battery capacity, while also noting the absence of wireless charging.

However, the article could enhance its balance by including potential drawbacks or criticisms of the OnePlus 13T, such as user feedback on the removal of the alert slider or the implications of lacking wireless charging. Including a broader range of perspectives, such as consumer opinions or expert analysis, would provide a more comprehensive view.

Overall, the article does a good job of presenting the OnePlus 13T in a balanced manner, though there is room for improvement by incorporating a wider array of viewpoints and potential criticisms.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the key features and specifications of the OnePlus 13T. It effectively breaks down complex technical details, such as the battery technology and chipset, into understandable segments for a general audience.

The use of comparisons with other flagship models, like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25, helps contextualize the OnePlus 13T's features, making it easier for readers to grasp its competitive positioning. The article's tone is neutral and informative, avoiding technical jargon that might confuse non-expert readers.

However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of certain features, such as the customizable shortcut button and its potential uses. Overall, the article succeeds in presenting the information in a clear and accessible manner, though minor enhancements could further aid reader comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which affects its perceived source quality. While the information presented aligns with known specifications and announcements about the OnePlus 13T, the lack of direct attribution to credible sources like official press releases, tech reviews, or statements from OnePlus reduces the reliability of the reporting.

In tech journalism, sourcing from authoritative outlets such as GSMArena, Android Authority, or direct statements from OnePlus would enhance the credibility of the information. The article's reliance on implicit knowledge rather than explicit citations means readers must trust the publication's reputation rather than the transparency of its sources.

Improving source attribution would significantly enhance the article's credibility, as readers would be able to verify claims independently and trust the information's accuracy.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not clearly state where the information was obtained, whether from press releases, interviews, or third-party analyses. This lack of transparency can lead to questions about the basis for the claims made, such as the comparisons with other flagship models or the specifics of the battery technology.

Transparency could be improved by including references to the sources of technical specifications and pricing, as well as any testing or expert opinions that informed the article's content. Additionally, explaining the basis for subjective claims, such as the phone's size being "compact by OnePlus standards," would help readers understand the context and reasoning behind these statements.

Overall, while the article provides useful information, its transparency is limited by the absence of clear sourcing and explanation of the methodologies used to gather and verify the data presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_13t_debuts_with_63_oled_snapdragon_elite_and_6260mah_battery-news-67520.php
  2. https://www.androidauthority.com/oneplus-13t-3547721/
  3. https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_13t_battery_size_confirmed-news-67469.php
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga3AK8eCLz8
  5. https://www.phonearena.com/news/oneplus-13ts-massive-battery-size-is-revealed-along-with-an-impressive-little-trick_id169659