The battle between OnePlus and Samsung in the flagship smartphone segment continues to intensify with the launch of the OnePlus 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices pack cutting-edge technology, premium build quality, and powerful performance, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The OnePlus 13 Pro is known for its affordable flagship appeal, offering high-end specs at a competitive price, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s innovation, with AI enhancements, superior camera capabilities, and a refined design.
Key Highlights
| Feature | OnePlus 13 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Name | OnePlus | Samsung Electronics |
| Display | 6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1600 nits peak brightness | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1860 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Battery & Charging | 6,000mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless | 5,000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Official Website | oneplus.com | samsung.com |
Display Comparison: Which One Offers Better Visuals?
When it comes to display technology, both the OnePlus 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deliver stunning visuals, but with some key differences. The OnePlus 13 Pro features a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision support, making it ideal for HDR content. The Ceramic Guard protection adds durability, though it lacks the ultra-low reflectivity of Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor 2 .
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher peak brightness of 1860 nits, making it more visible in direct sunlight. Samsung’s ProScaler AI upscaling enhances video quality, and the S Pen support gives it an edge for productivity. However, it lacks Dolby Vision, relying instead on HDR10+, which may be a drawback for some users .
Winner? If you prioritize brightness and S Pen functionality, the S25 Ultra takes the lead. But if Dolby Vision and a more compact size matter more, the OnePlus 13 Pro is a strong contender.
Performance & Battery Life: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs Optimized Efficiency
Both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but Samsung’s “for Galaxy” variant offers slight optimizations for better sustained performance. In benchmarks, the S25 Ultra scores higher in multi-core CPU tests, while the OnePlus 13 Pro sometimes edges ahead in GPU performance due to better thermal management .
Where the OnePlus 13 Pro truly shines is battery life. Its 6,000mAh Silicon NanoStack battery outlasts the S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh cell, especially in video playback and web browsing tests. Additionally, 100W wired charging refuels the OnePlus in just 35 minutes, compared to Samsung’s 45W charging, which takes nearly an hour for a full charge .
Winner? The OnePlus 13 Pro wins in battery endurance and charging speed, while the S25 Ultra has a slight performance edge in CPU-heavy tasks.
Camera Showdown: Hasselblad vs Samsung’s AI-Powered Photography
The OnePlus 13 Pro features a triple Hasselblad-tuned camera system, including a 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP 3x telephoto lens. It excels in vibrant colors, macro photography, and low-light performance, though some users may find its post-processing overly sharpened .
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, meanwhile, packs a 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x optical zoom). Samsung’s AI-enhanced ProVisual Engine delivers superior zoom quality (up to 30x), better panoramas, and more natural skin tones. It also supports 8K video with advanced AI editing tools, such as Audio Eraser and Generative Edit .
Winner? For versatility and zoom capabilities, the S25 Ultra is unmatched. However, the OnePlus 13 Pro holds its own in color accuracy and low-light shots.
Software & Longevity: OxygenOS vs One UI with Galaxy AI
The OnePlus 13 Pro runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, offering a clean, bloat-free experience with four years of OS updates. Samsung’s One UI 7, however, provides seven years of updates, along with Galaxy AI features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, and Now Brief .
Winner? If long-term software support and AI features are priorities, the S25 Ultra is the better choice.
Price & Final Verdict
The OnePlus 13 Pro starts at $899, making it $400 cheaper than the S25 Ultra’s $1,299 base price. If you want top-tier performance, fast charging, and Hasselblad cameras at a lower cost, the OnePlus 13 Pro is the best value flagship. However, if you seek the ultimate display, S Pen support, and superior AI features, the S25 Ultra justifies its premium price .
FAQs
1. Which phone has better battery life, OnePlus 13 Pro or S25 Ultra?
The OnePlus 13 Pro lasts longer due to its 6,000mAh battery, while the S25 Ultra has faster wireless charging (15W vs 50W) .
2. Does the S25 Ultra support Dolby Vision?
No, the S25 Ultra uses HDR10+, while the OnePlus 13 Pro supports Dolby Vision .
3. Which phone is better for gaming?
Both perform similarly, but the OnePlus 13 Pro has better thermal management, while the S25 Ultra has a brighter display .
Arjun Kapoor is a Mobile Tech Journalist with 7+ years of experience covering smartphone launches, chipset advancements, and camera innovations. He holds a Master’s in Technology Management and enjoys analyzing market trends in the mobile industry.
