The battle between Samsung and OnePlus is fiercer than ever, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 going head to head for the title of best Android phone .
Both devices offer the latest hardware and fast, AI-driven, feature-packed software, but a few key differences could be crucial if you plan to buy one of them.
Let’s dive into the areas where these phones stand apart.
Battery & Charging
The OnePlus 13 leaves the S25 Ultra in the dust when it comes to battery performance. Packing a massive 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery, it delivers astounding endurance, with up to 13 hours of screen-on time and two days of moderate use.
It also charges far faster, thanks to 100W wired charging that takes the phone from 0 to 100% in just 36 minutes. Even its 50W wireless charging is twice as fast as the S25 Ultra’s 15W rate.
OnePlus 13
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
In contrast, the S25 Ultra sticks with a 5000mAh battery and the same 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging as its predecessor. These charging speeds can get it from fully flat to 100% charged in around an hour.
Samsung touts small efficiency gains, but it can’t compete with the raw power and charging speeds of the OnePlus 13.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Luke Baker
If battery life and quick refuels are a priority, the OnePlus 13 is the clear winner.
Display
The OnePlus 13 boasts a stunning 6.82-inch LTPO 4.1 OLED panel with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it exceptionally bright and sharp.
It also offers an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and advanced touch features like Aqua Touch 2.0 for usability with wet hands.
OnePlus 13
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
However, Samsung maintains its edge with the S25 Ultra’s 6.9-inch AMOLED display. It might not match the OnePlus’s raw brightness numbers, but its upgraded Corning Gorilla Armor 2 offers superior scratch and impact resistance.
Most notably, Samsung’s anti-reflective coating reduces glare significantly, making unrivalled outdoor visibility.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Luke Baker
For multimedia lovers, the S25 Ultra’s refined display experience remains the best in class.
Cameras
Both phones feature powerful camera setups but with different approaches. The S25 Ultra sticks largely to the tried-and-true formula, retaining its impressive 200Mp main sensor and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x) but only upgrading its ultrawide camera to 50Mp.
The results are excellent, with improved skin tones and video recording now offering 8K Log profiles for pro-level editing. However, the ageing 3x telephoto sensor shows its limits in low light.
OnePlus 13
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The OnePlus 13 counters with three 50Mp sensors for its main, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto cameras, all enhanced by its fifth-generation Hasselblad system.
OnePlus delivers superior contrast and more dramatic images, though sometimes at the cost of colour accuracy. Its ability to shoot 4K Dolby Vision across all cameras and its impressive low-light performance make it a formidable rival.
Professionals will also love the seamless 4K HDR video transitions between lenses.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Luke Baker
Ultimately, Samsung offers more versatility with its 5x zoom, but OnePlus matches and often surpasses it in overall image impact and video prowess.
Other differences
Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but the OnePlus 13 not only delivers blazing-fast performance but also manages heat more effectively, thanks to its large, dual vapour chambers.
It handles prolonged gaming sessions with less thermal throttling than the S25 Ultra, which, despite having a larger vapour chamber than its predecessor, still gets noticeably warm under stress.
OnePlus 13
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The OnePlus 13 also introduces a unique microfibre vegan leather back, which is more comfortable to hold and less prone to smudges. Additionally, its IP69 rating offers greater water resistance than the S25 Ultra’s IP68 certification.
The S25 Ultra, however, brings a premium titanium frame and the added protection of Corning Gorilla Armor 2, making it more resilient against drops and scratches. Additionally, it also supports the S Pen stylus for precise input, a feature the OnePlus 13 lacks.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Luke Baker
When it comes to software, both phones run Android 15 , but while Samsung has its OneUI 7 skin, OnePlus opts for its own OxygenOS 15 . Those who prefer simplicity and speed may gravitate toward OnePlus, while users seeking deeper features may prefer Samsung.
The Galaxy S25 users can count on seven years of OS and security updates, while OnePlus only promises four years of OS support and six years of security updates.
Price & Availability
The OnePlus 13 is more affordable, with the 256GB model priced at £899/$899 and the 512GB variant at £999/$999. You can buy it directly from OnePlus UK and OnePlus US sites.
OnePlus maintains value-focused pricing without sacrificing premium features, making it a competitive option for budget-conscious buyers.
OnePlus 13
The Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at £1249/$1299 for the 256GB model and rises to £1349/$1419 for the 512GB version. Additionally, the 1TB model is priced at £1549/$1659.
It’s available on the Samsung UK and Samsung US sites, there are also some appealing offers available.
Check out our guide to the best Samsung Galaxy S25 series deals to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Both devices are available for purchase outright or through major UK and US carriers, but OnePlus lacks the same breadth of contract deals. That’s why it’s best paired with a SIM-only deal , if you’re looking for a complete switch-up.
Samsung’s extensive carrier partnerships provide more flexible financing options, making the S25 Ultra easier to acquire through monthly plans. See the widgets below for the best options:
Verdict
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for those who value display quality, ecosystem features, and long-term software support. However, the OnePlus 13 stands out for its exceptional battery life, faster charging, better cooling, and superior value.
If lower price, performance, and efficiency are your priorities, the OnePlus 13 wins. For those seeking a premium build and ecosystem integration, especially if you’re already a Samsung Galaxy phone user, the S25 Ultra remains a strong contender.
Author: Artur Tomala, Mobile Writer, Tech Advisor
Artur is a Mobile Writer at Tech Advisor, where he covers a range of smartphone, tablet and smartwatch-related topics. He has been working in the tech industry since 2021, including time spent leading a team focused on mobile news, reviews and product rankings. As an ambassador for the productivity app Notion, he runs training workshops and creates advanced templates to help people stay organised and productive.
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