OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 13—Which Should Kiwis Buy in 2025?

The OnePlus series continues to impress with its balance of performance, camera quality, and price, but which model should you pick if you’re in New Zealand—the OnePlus 15 or the older OnePlus 13? We’ve tested both to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The OnePlus 15 features a refined design with slimmer bezels, a slightly lighter frame, and a more premium feel in hand. Its glass back has an upgraded matte finish that reduces fingerprints, while the OnePlus 13 remains solid but feels a touch bulkier. Both phones are durable and offer water resistance, but the OnePlus 15 has a small edge in ergonomics for long-term use.

Display Performance

Both phones sport AMOLED displays, but the OnePlus 15 has upgraded to a 120 Hz LTPO panel, providing smoother animations and adaptive refresh rates that save battery. The OnePlus 13 also has a 120 Hz display, but the OnePlus 15’s HDR10+ support delivers better contrast and richer colors, making it ideal for streaming NZ Netflix or YouTube content.

Camera Comparison

Camera improvements are noticeable. The OnePlus 15’s main sensor captures more detail in low-light situations and produces more natural skin tones—great for photos in Wellington’s cloudy weather or Auckland’s golden hour. The OnePlus 13 is still capable, but shadows and highlights can occasionally be overexposed. The ultrawide and telephoto lenses on the OnePlus 15 offer better stabilization, making video recording smoother for everyday use.

Performance and Software

Both phones run on the latest Snapdragon processors, but the OnePlus 15 has the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which delivers faster gaming performance and smoother multitasking. Apps open faster, and heavy tasks like video editing feel effortless. OnePlus’s OxygenOS continues to offer a near-stock Android experience with subtle enhancements, but the OnePlus 15 includes additional software optimizations that improve battery life and AI features for camera and system performance.

Battery Life and Charging

The OnePlus 15 has a slightly larger battery and supports 100W wired charging and faster wireless charging, giving almost a full day of heavy use in under 30 minutes. The OnePlus 13 still charges quickly, but not at the same breakneck speed. For NZ users on the move—tradies or commuters—the OnePlus 15’s battery management is a clear advantage.

Price and Value in New Zealand

The OnePlus 15 is naturally more expensive than the OnePlus 13, but it offers tangible upgrades in display, camera, and performance. The OnePlus 13 is still a solid choice for those who want high performance at a lower price. Check PB Tech, Noel Leeming, and JB Hi-Fi for availability and pricing.

Final Verdict

• Choose OnePlus 15 if you want the latest features, a smoother display, a better low-light camera, and a longer-lasting battery.

• Choose OnePlus 13 if you’re budget-conscious but still want flagship-level performance.

FAQ

Q1: Are both phones suitable for NZ tradies?
Yes, but consider a durable case for the OnePlus 15 to protect its premium glass back.

Q2: Which phone has better camera performance?
The OnePlus 15, especially in low-light conditions and video stabilization.

Q3: Is the OnePlus 15 worth the extra cost over the 13?
For tech enthusiasts or heavy users, yes—the upgrades justify the price.

Call-to-Action

Which OnePlus would you pick? Comment below with your choice, or share this comparison with friends in New Zealand looking for a new phone!