Highlights

• OnePlus 13 features a Microfiber Vegan Leather backplate for a natural leather-like grip.
• It comes with a micro-curve display design for enhanced comfort and durability.
• The device is designed with a 50/50 weight distribution for perfect balance.
• Other expected specifications – IP68, IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance and a 6,000mAh silicon battery.

OnePlus has been sharing exciting details about its upcoming flagship the OnePlus 13 with the global launch set for January 7. The recently disclosed updates include a fresh take on vegan leather and an innovative twist on the flat display design.

In an interview with Android Central, the Head of OnePlus’s Industrial Design Center Ryan Ruan revealed that the OnePlus 13 focuses on delivering the best in-hand feel. The device’s backplate is available in multiple finishes including a “Microfiber Vegan Leather” featured on the “Midnight Blue” variant.

Talked to OnePlus’s head of industrial design about the OnePlus 13 design, new vegan leather back, and battery tech: https://t.co/q045SaHRGv

— Harish Jonnalagadda (@chunkynerd) December 24, 2024

Ruan describes the new material as offering “a natural leather-like grip without compromising on style or sustainability.” Unlike the more rigid feel of other vegan leathers, this microfiber version is softer, durable and wireless charging-friendly.

“A lot of other leather-backed phones normally sacrifice the in-hand comfort just to guarantee daily durability. In the end, the leather may feel sort of plasticky (with a very rough texture). However, on the OnePlus 13, the microfiber vegan leather material is something we worked on for over a year; it guarantees good durability and more importantly, feels soft in your hand,” Ruan revealed during an exclusive chat with Harish Jonnalagadda.

The OnePlus 13 introduces a flat display that’s not entirely flat. Ruan explained that the screen features a “micro-curve” along all four edges.

This design enhances comfort by eliminating sharp edges and improves durability as curved glass provides better drop resistance.

The display is protected by a custom “Ceramic Guard” glass reinforced with nano-crystalline material. According to OnePlus, this makes the glass twice as drop-resistant as standard Gorilla Glass.

Another interesting design element is the phone’s 50/50 weight distribution. OnePlus claims the device is perfectly balanced, so it won’t tip over when rested on a finger at the centre logo.

“If you place your finger right under the OnePlus logo and support the phone, you’ll find the phone doesn’t lean towards one way or the other. That’s because we introduce an evenly split weight distribution. It requires our engineers to figure out a way to allocate more components in the lower half of the phone to balance the weight,” Ruan said.

Other notable features include:

• Durability: The OnePlus 13 boasts both IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
• Battery: A massive 6,000mAh silicon battery powers the device.

With every new detail, the OnePlus 13 seems to be well-prepared to deliver a flagship experience that’s as stylish as it is practical.

FAQs

Q1. What new material is used for the backplate of the OnePlus 13?

Answer. The OnePlus 13 features a “Microfiber Vegan Leather” backplate on the “Midnight Blue” variant, offering a natural leather-like grip without compromising on style or sustainability.

Q2. What design feature does the OnePlus 13 display have?

Answer. The OnePlus 13 introduces a “micro-curve” display design with slight curves along all four edges to enhance comfort and durability.

Q3. What are the durability and battery specifications of the OnePlus 13?

Answer. The OnePlus 13 boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance and is powered by a 6,000mAh silicon battery.

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