Galaxy S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13: Possibly the most fun comparison for 2025

Samsung is said to be refining its flagship design yet again with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to leaks, the phone will continue to sport a titanium frame, making it lighter and stronger than aluminum alternatives. The design seems to have been tweaked for better ergonomics, with the S25 Ultra rumored to be slimmer and less sharp-edged compared to its predecessor.

Dimensions are expected to be 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm, which is slightly more compact than the competition. And, of course, Samsung’s signature S-Pen is expected to remain integrated into the phone, adding a layer of productivity for note-takers and creatives.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 13 sticks to its core values: clean, modern design with a focus on durability. Its aluminum frame and a unique Arctic Dawn finish not only look sleek but also resist fingerprints and scratches.

Measuring 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm, the phone is just a touch taller and thicker than the S25 Ultra. What stands out, though, are its materials—OnePlus offers a vegan leather option and premium glass finishes for a bit of added flair and feel quite nice in the hand. With IP68 and IP69 ratings, this phone is built to handle water and dust like a champ.

Now, you might be wondering how the OnePlus 13 has both an IP68 and an IP69 certification for dust and water resistance. Well, that’s because they test completely different things when it comes to durability.

An IP rating (Ingress Protection) shows how well a device is protected against dust and water. IP68 means it’s completely dustproof and can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) of freshwater for 30 minutes—perfect for everyday accidents like drops into sinks or puddles.

IP69 adds even more durability, resisting high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (up to 80°C/176°F and 100 bar/1450 psi), making it ideal for tough conditions like industrial cleaning or construction sites. In other words, you should be able to throw the OnePlus 13 in a washing machine without any worries of it breaking. Of course, that’s as long as there are no cracks or deep scratches.

Keep in mind, these ratings are based on tests in controlled environments. Real-world factors like saltwater, soap, or hard drops can still cause damage, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If there’s one area where Samsung consistently leads, it’s displays. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to feature a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a dynamic refresh rate of 1–120Hz. This adaptive tech helps conserve battery when viewing static content but ramps up to buttery-smooth scrolling and animations when needed. The screen is also said to be protected by Gorilla Glass Armor, which adds scratch resistance and includes an anti-reflective coating for better visibility outdoors.

Expect incredible brightness, vibrant HDR10+ visuals, and industry-leading color accuracy from this display. If Samsung continues building on its legacy, the S25 Ultra’s screen might be one of the best we’ve seen yet.

The OnePlus 13 isn’t backing down in the display department. It features a slightly larger 6.82-inch QHD+ OLED screen, which has earned an A++ rating from DisplayMate for its clarity, contrast, and natural color reproduction. Like Samsung’s display, this one also supports a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth user experience.

The screen is protected by Crystal Shield super-ceramic glass, which OnePlus claims rivals Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Armor in durability. While it doesn’t seem to have the same anti-reflective coating, OnePlus has added TÜV Rheinland Eye Care 4.0 certification, which helps reduce blue light for more comfortable viewing. Plus, with Aqua Touch 2.0 technology, the screen remains responsive—even if your fingers are wet or you’re wearing gloves.

Both displays are exceptional, but Samsung’s expertise in outdoor visibility might give it the edge for those who spend a lot of time on the go.

Both devices run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process. This means blazing-fast performance, improved efficiency, and plenty of power for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. Each phone also offers configurations with up to 16GB of RAM, so demanding users won’t run into performance bottlenecks.

Samsung is rumored to use UFS 4.04 storage for the S25 Ultra, which would make it the first of its kind and could significantly boost app loading times and file transfer speeds compared to the UFS 4.0 standard used by OnePlus.

As for software, The S25 Ultra will be paired with Samsung’s One UI, which nowadays delivers a polished experience with deep customization options, making Samsung phones truly amazing for power users. What’s more, Samsung promises 7 years of software updates and security patches, making it among the best in that department.

On the other hand, OnePlus focuses on efficiency and simplicity with its OxygenOS 15, which emphasizes speed and clean navigation. A standout feature is Parallel Processing, designed to make multitasking even smoother by eliminating animation lags. The company also promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring long-term software support, albeit not as long as that of Samsung.

In 2025, flagship smartphone cameras continue to raise the bar, with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra holding onto its reputation for versatility and zoom power. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13 is closing in, focusing on creativity and delivering exceptional color accuracy.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, if rumors hold true, could feature a 200 MP main sensor using pixel-binning to excel in low-light shots and capture stunning details. A 50 MP ultra-wide camera and two telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom, plus a whopping 100x digital zoom) might keep Samsung ahead in zoom photography. Add to that improved AI-driven tools for HDR, scene detection, and Pro Mode, alongside 8K video recording at 30fps with better stabilization, and Samsung seems to remain the go-to choice for anyone wanting both flexibility and professional-level photos.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 13 appears ready to give Samsung a real challenge. It reportedly features a triple 50 MP camera system, spearheaded by Sony’s LYT-808 sensor, which emphasizes natural colors and strong dynamic range, thanks to Hasselblad’s input on color tuning. While its 3x optical zoom and AI-assisted 10x hybrid zoom might not match Samsung’s hardware, clever software tools like AI Unblur and Reflection Eraser help level the playing field for everyday photographers. Its ultra-wide lens and 4K HDR video recording, combined with cinematic filters, make it a great pick for creative types who value ease of use.

The S25 Ultra’s 5,000 mAh battery is paired with Samsung’s new Battery AI feature, which adapts power usage based on your habits. However, charging speeds remain at 45W for wired and 25W for wireless, which feels a bit underwhelming compared to competitors.

OnePlus raises the bar with a 6,000 mAh battery, made possible by Silicon NanoStack tech that allows for higher capacity without making the phone bulky. It supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

If fast charging and longer battery life are priorities, the OnePlus 13 is the clear winner.

Here's a quick look at the specs for both phones, but feel free to check out our more detailed Galaxy S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13 specs comparison. Keep in mind that the Galaxy S25 Ultra specs are still based on rumors, so take them with a grain of salt.

Comparing the OnePlus 13 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an interesting exercise, especially since they each bring something unique to the table. The OnePlus 13 seems like a fantastic option for those who care about getting good value without compromising on key features. The 6,000 mAh battery, awesome display technology, and the new cameras are nothing to scoff at, especially when you factor in the competitive price and solid build quality.

Now, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still under wraps since it hasn’t officially launched yet, but based on what we know, it sounds like it’s aiming to push boundaries. A 200 MP camera and improved zoom features, the S-Pen stylus that many users love… Plus, there’s that Samsung long-term software support, which gives it an edge for people who like to hold on to their devices for years.

Honestly, it’s hard to say which one will come out on top without having the S25 Ultra in hand to test. But it’s safe to say that OnePlus has made it difficult for Samsung to offer something attractive enough for users to opt for its more expensive flagship.