OnePlus 13 vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus 5G

The OnePlus 13 and Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus 5G are both strong contenders in the upper-midrange and flagship space, but they serve different priorities. If you want the fastest performance, the best cameras, and the longest software support, the OnePlus 13 is the better choice; if you want a lighter phone with a clean, near-stock Android experience and a headphone jack, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus wins.

Background: Where Each Phone Fits

The OnePlus 13 is the company’s latest global flagship, launched in early 2025. It carries Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a triple-camera system co-developed with Hasselblad. It’s priced in the upper flagship tier, competing directly with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus, released in late 2024, sits a step below in price but still offers flagship-level features. It uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (or in some regions, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3), a 6.67-inch pOLED display, and a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization. Motorola positions it as a “premium mid-ranger” that undercuts flagships while keeping most of the essentials.

Both phones support 5G, have large batteries, and fast charging, but they target different buyers. The OnePlus 13 is for those who want the absolute best performance and camera quality without paying Samsung or Apple prices. The Motorola is for those who want a reliable, clean Android experience and don’t need the absolute fastest chip.

Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

The OnePlus 13 uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s top-tier chip for 2025. It’s built on a 3nm process and offers roughly 30-40% faster CPU and GPU performance than the previous generation. In day-to-day use, you’ll notice near-instant app launches, smooth 120Hz scrolling, and the ability to run the most demanding games at high settings without thermal throttling.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus, in most global markets, uses the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, which is a mid-range chip. It’s perfectly fine for everyday tasks: social media, browsing, streaming, and even light gaming. But if you’re into heavy gaming, video editing, or running multiple demanding apps simultaneously, the OnePlus 13 will clearly feel faster. Benchmark scores reflect this: the 8 Elite scores around 2.2 million on AnTuTu, while the 7s Gen 3 scores roughly 600,000-700,000.

If performance is your top priority, the OnePlus 13 is the obvious choice. If you’re a moderate user, the Motorola’s chip is more than adequate, and you’ll save money.

Camera Systems: Hasselblad Tuning vs. Pixel-Binning

The OnePlus 13 has a triple camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with a large 1/1.43-inch sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto. Hasselblad’s color science gives photos a natural, slightly contrasty look that many enthusiasts like. The main sensor captures excellent detail in good light, and the periscope lens allows for 3x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom (though the latter is mostly a gimmick). Low-light performance is strong, with a dedicated night mode that brightens scenes without over-sharpening.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus has a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 13MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto (2x optical). It also uses pixel-binning to produce 12.5MP photos. In good light, the main camera is competitive with the OnePlus, but the ultrawide is weaker, and the telephoto is limited to 2x. Low-light shots are decent but not as clean as the OnePlus, and the lack of a larger sensor means more noise in darker scenes.

For video, both record up to 4K at 60fps, but the OnePlus has better stabilization and a smoother dynamic range. If you take a lot of photos, especially zoom shots or low-light scenes, the OnePlus 13 is the better camera phone. The Motorola is fine for casual snaps, but you’ll notice the difference in challenging conditions.

Software and Updates: OxygenOS vs. My UX

The OnePlus 13 runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. It’s a clean, fast skin with useful features like a customizable always-on display, smart sidebars, and a powerful game mode. OnePlus promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, which is above average for Android phones.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus runs a near-stock Android 15 with Motorola’s My UX, which is very close to Google’s Pixel experience. It’s light, free of bloatware, and includes useful gestures like twist for camera and chop for flashlight. However, Motorola’s update policy is less generous: typically 2 years of major OS updates and 3 years of security patches. That means the Motorola will stop receiving Android updates sooner, which could be a concern if you plan to keep the phone for 3+ years.

If you value long-term software support and a feature-rich interface, the OnePlus 13 wins. If you prefer a clean, simple Android experience and don’t mind shorter support, the Motorola is appealing.

Design and Build: Premium vs. Lightweight

The OnePlus 13 has a glass-and-aluminum build with an IP68/69 dust and water resistance rating. It feels solid and premium in the hand, but it’s heavier at around 210 grams. The 6.82-inch display is slightly curved on the edges, which some love and others find annoying.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus is lighter, at about 185 grams, and uses a plastic frame with a vegan leather or glass back (depending on region). It also has IP68 water resistance. The 6.67-inch display is flat, which many users prefer for easier screen protector application and fewer accidental touches. The Motorola also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in 2025, which is a big plus for wired audio fans.

If you want a more durable, flagship-feeling phone, the OnePlus 13 is better. If you want a lighter phone with a headphone jack and a flat screen, the Motorola is more comfortable for long-term use.

Battery and Charging: Bigger Battery vs. Faster Charging

The OnePlus 13 packs a 6,000mAh battery, which is one of the largest in any flagship. It easily lasts a full day and often two days for moderate users. It supports 100W wired charging (in most regions) that can fully charge in about 30 minutes, and 50W wireless charging.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus has a 4,500mAh battery, which is smaller but still gets through a day with moderate use. It supports 68W wired charging (or 125W in some regions) and 15W wireless charging. Charging speeds are decent, but the battery life is not as impressive as the OnePlus.

If you’re a heavy user or hate carrying a charger, the OnePlus 13’s battery is a major advantage. The Motorola’s battery is adequate, but you’ll likely need to top up by evening.

How to Choose: A Simple Checklist

To decide, ask yourself these questions:

Do you play demanding games or edit videos? → OnePlus 13
Do you want the best possible camera zoom? → OnePlus 13
Do you plan to keep the phone for 4+ years? → OnePlus 13
Do you prefer a clean, stock Android interface? → Motorola
Do you need a headphone jack? → Motorola
Is weight and ergonomics a priority? → Motorola
Is price a major factor? → Motorola (usually $200-300 cheaper)

There’s no wrong answer—it’s about what you value most.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus has the same camera quality as the OnePlus 13 because both have 50MP sensors. In reality, the OnePlus’s larger sensor and better processing make a significant difference in low light and zoom.

Another issue is that the Motorola’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 can get warm during extended gaming sessions, but it doesn’t throttle as badly as some other mid-range chips. The OnePlus 13 has a larger vapor chamber and stays cooler under load.

Some users also report that Motorola’s update policy is a letdown. If you buy the Motorola, be prepared for fewer updates. If you’re not, the OnePlus 13 is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phone has a better display?

The OnePlus 13 has a slightly larger and brighter display (up to 4,500 nits peak brightness) with LTPO technology that can drop to 1Hz for battery savings. The Motorola’s display is also excellent, but it’s capped at 2,000 nits and doesn’t have LTPO, so it uses more battery on static screens.

Does the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is rare in 2025. The OnePlus 13 does not have one, so you’ll need USB-C or wireless headphones.

Which phone is better for gaming?

The OnePlus 13 is significantly better for gaming due to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and better thermal management. It can run heavy games at high frame rates without overheating, while the Motorola will struggle with the most demanding titles.

How long will software updates last?

OnePlus promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches for the OnePlus 13. Motorola typically offers 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches for the Edge 70 Pro Plus.

Is the Motorola Edge 70 Pro Plus waterproof?

Both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, the OnePlus 13 also has IP69, which adds protection against high-pressure water jets.

Which phone has better battery life?

The OnePlus 13 has a much larger 6,000mAh battery, which typically lasts 1.5-2 days with moderate use. The Motorola’s 4,500mAh battery lasts about a day, and you’ll need to charge it nightly if you’re a heavy user.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →