It is rare to see smartphones making drastic improvements over their predecessors, nowadays. However, the OPPO Reno13 5G stands out by delivering a refreshed design, enhanced performance, and smarter AI-driven features that go beyond the usual updates.
We got to test it during a three-day stay in the enchanting island of Siquijor. Putting it through Both land and underwater scenes (wait, underwater?! More on that later!), the Reno13 5G had something to say.
Let’s dive into it.
Design and build
Every series, OPPO updates its design. For the Reno13 series, they gave us thinner bezels, an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, and a 120Hz smart adaptive screen with 1.5K resolution.
The aluminum frame, according to the brand, now offers a “200% increase” in durability. It is also equipped with a frame partition technology that has an advanced heat dissipation system that controls device temperature.
Furthermore, its one-piece sculpted glass back integrates the camera module with the rest of the phone’s back. It comes in four colorways: Plume Purple, Graphite Grey, Plume White, and Luminous Blue.
If we remember, the Reno12 series tried to impress us with the marble effect on the back panel. This time, OPPO infused a blend of matte and gloss that imitates the wing of a butterfly when struck by light. This is seen in the Plume Purple and Plume White variant.
Cameras
The Reno13 5G still has the 50 MP main camera, 50 MP front camera, 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and 2 MP monochrome camera. Although these are the same with the Reno12, we are introduced to several AI-powered enhancements to its camera system.
New AI-driven features include AI Clarity Enhancer, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Remover, and AI Motion (live photos). With these tools, you can optimize images for improved sharpness, reduced blur, and better lighting adjustments.
One of the most notable additions is the underwater photography mode, which you can use when capturing photos and videos underwater.
To protect your phone after a dive, it has a one-tap drainage function that produces a buzzing effect to expel water from the phone. Watch this video we took during a swim in the Cambugahay falls. Do note that this is only for fresh water, and it can stay functionable up to a depth of two meters.
For video recording, both the front and rear cameras support 4K resolution, and the tri-microphone system with audio zoom ensures clear sound quality by isolating subjects during recording. The 3.5x periscope telephoto camera allows users to capture distant subjects with better clarity.
Perfomance and software
At the core of the Reno13 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 platform, a chipset developed in collaboration with MediaTek exclusively for the Reno13 5G and Reno13 Pro 5G.
This customized chipset is designed to enhance AI capabilities, gaming performance, and imaging features.
It is quite overpowered if you only use this phone for social media and watching videos. The device does shine in gaming performance – we tried playing the NBA 2K25 MyTeam in ultra-high settings.
During our gaming test, it maintained consistent frame rates and smooth gameplay. It took 45 minutes to one hour before it started to get a little warm, but even then, the cooling system prevented excessive heat buildup. There were no stutters or lags, and the network connection remained strong.
OPPO has integrated the AI HyperBoost system, which allocates resources for better responsiveness in gaming and multitasking.
On the software side, it now runs with ColorOS 15. It has productivity features, such as AI Summary and AI Writer, that help users generate summaries and create paragraphs from one, single prompt.
This feature is already available in the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G, and it has been my work companion whenever I’m out doing group meetings, press conferences, and exclusive interviews.
Is this a compelling upgrade?
The OPPO Reno13 5G is worth a consideration because of its enhanced AI-driven photography and AI-driven productivity companion. Both casual users and power users will enjoy long hours of work and fun because of its customized 8350 chipset, AI-powered cameras, and optimized battery life. And yay, you can take this to the swimming pool!
It fits what a mid-range smartphone should really be, making it a compelling choice for those looking for innovation, style, and substance in one phone.
It is now available for pre-order in the Philippines.
- OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12+256GB) = P22,999
- OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12+512GB) = P25,999
- OPPO Reno13 5G = P34,999
- OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G = P43,999.
