Pixel 9 vs OnePlus 13
Google versus OnePlus: the Pixel 9 and the OnePlus 13 go after the same flagship smartphone buyer. The OnePlus 13 wins more of the areas that we compared (5 of 6), and its most convincing lead is in battery & charging.
At a glance
- Display OnePlus 13 wins
- Performance OnePlus 13 wins
- Memory & Storage OnePlus 13 wins
- Camera OnePlus 13 wins
- Battery & Charging OnePlus 13 wins
- Software & Updates Pixel 9 wins
- Price Pixel 9 wins
- Display6.0
- Performance5.6
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Camera3.5
- Battery & Charging1.8
- Display8.2
- Performance5.9
- Memory & Storage3.6
- Camera5.3
- Battery & Charging6.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pixel 9 has 3 years of extra promised updates
Big gap, real consequences. The Pixel 9’s 7 years versus the OnePlus 13’s 4 years changes how the two compare in daily use. A longer update promise keeps the phone secure and current for longer, which matters if you keep devices for several years.
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The OnePlus 13 has 28% more battery capacity
The Pixel 9 is clearly behind on battery capacity (4,700 mAh against 6,000 mAh), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Capacity isn’t everything, but when two phones are otherwise close, more milliamp-hours is the simplest endurance advantage there is.
-
The OnePlus 13 has 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB
On this line of the spec sheet, the OnePlus 13 is in a different league: 256 GB, next to 128 GB for the Pixel 9. The OnePlus 13 starts with more room, which means fewer “storage full” warnings and less time deleting old videos.
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The OnePlus 13 has faster 80 W wired charging
For wired charging, the OnePlus 13 leads by a wide margin: 80 W versus 27 W. Peak charging speeds depend on a compatible charger, which may not come in the box.
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The OnePlus 13 has 67% higher peak brightness
This is a headline difference. With 4,500 nits to the Pixel 9’s 2,700 nits, the OnePlus 13 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
Design & Size
- Pixel 9 6.02 in × 2.83 in × 0.33 in
- OnePlus 13 6.41 in × 3.01 in × 0.33 in
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Pixel 9. The OnePlus 13 is the larger of the two. The Pixel 9 weighs 0.42 oz less than the OnePlus 13.
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.02 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.83 in | 3.01 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.33 in |
| Weight | 6.98 oz (winner) | 7.41 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68/IP69 (winner) |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
OnePlus 13 leads
The display comparison is one-sided. The OnePlus 13 leads where it counts. The OnePlus 13 adds 67% higher peak brightness. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the OnePlus 13’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday. Net result: the OnePlus 13 leads this part of the comparison.
Peak brightness
Pixel 9: 2,700 nits OnePlus 13: 4,500 nits Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
Pixel density
Pixel 9: 422 ppi OnePlus 13: 510 ppi Pixel density matters most if you hold your phone close or read a lot of small type; for casual use, the gap is subtle.
Performance
OnePlus 13 leads
If you’re keeping score, the performance point goes narrowly to the OnePlus 13. The OnePlus 13 makes its case with a newer 3 nm chip process. The OnePlus 13’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. For performance, the OnePlus 13 is the one to beat.
Process node
Pixel 9: 4 nm OnePlus 13: 3 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
Memory & Storage
OnePlus 13 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the OnePlus 13 leads the memory & storage section with room to spare. The OnePlus 13 pulls ahead with 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. Base storage is what you get without paying extra. Photos, videos and apps add up quickly, so more space at the entry price is real value. If memory & storage is your priority, the OnePlus 13 is the phone to pick.
Base storage
Pixel 9: 128 GB OnePlus 13: 256 GB If you shoot a lot of video or keep music and maps offline, base storage is one of the specs you’ll feel most over the years.
Max storage
Pixel 9: 256 GB OnePlus 13: 512 GB Most buyers are fine with a base or middle tier, so this is a niche advantage, but a real one if you need it.
Camera
OnePlus 13 leads
The camera numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the OnePlus 13. The OnePlus 13 stands out with an extra rear camera. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing. The takeaway: on camera, the OnePlus 13 is the stronger phone.
Rear cameras
Pixel 9: 2 OnePlus 13: 3 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the OnePlus 13’s extra lens adds.
Front camera
Pixel 9: 11 MP OnePlus 13: 32 MP If you mainly use the front camera for calls, the gap is minor; if you post selfies often, the OnePlus 13’s extra resolution helps.
Battery & Charging
OnePlus 13 leads
This section belongs to the OnePlus 13. In battery & charging, it leads the Pixel 9 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. Point to the OnePlus 13 for 28% more battery capacity. A bigger battery usually means longer days between charges, although chip efficiency and screen size also shape real endurance. If this section decides it for you, choose the OnePlus 13.
Battery capacity
Pixel 9: 4,700 mAh OnePlus 13: 6,000 mAh Extra capacity also ages better: after a few years of charge cycles, the OnePlus 13 has more headroom left.
Wired charging
Pixel 9: 27 W OnePlus 13: 80 W Faster wired charging means a short top-up before you head out goes further.
Software & Updates
Pixel 9 leads
Here the Pixel 9 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Pixel 9 steps ahead thanks to 3 years of extra promised updates. Software support is what separates a phone that ages gracefully from one that doesn’t, making it one of the most practical lines on the spec sheet. Bottom line for software & updates: the Pixel 9 has the edge.
Promised OS updates
Pixel 9: 7 years OnePlus 13: 4 years The Pixel 9’s longer software support can also help its resale value later on.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3 in | 6.8 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Actua) | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2424 x 1080 | 3168 x 1440 |
| Pixel density | 422 ppi | 510 ppi (winner) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2,700 nits | 4,500 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Performance
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 256 GB (winner) |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 512 GB (winner) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 50 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 11 MP | 32 MP (winner) |
| Max video | 4K60 | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,700 mAh | 6,000 mAh (winner) |
| Wired charging | 27 W | 80 W (winner) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 50 W (winner) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 14 | OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years (winner) | 4 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.02 in | 6.41 in |
| Width | 2.83 in | 3.01 in |
| Thickness | 0.33 in | 0.33 in |
| Weight | 6.98 oz (winner) | 7.41 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68/IP69 (winner) |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Pixel 9 | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 (winner) | $900 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch prices are close, with the Pixel 9 just $101 below the OnePlus 13. Is the OnePlus 13 worth $101 extra? What you get for the money is 28% more battery capacity and 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB.
Based on US launch pricing as of January 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel 9 if…
- you want software support that lasts longer (7 years vs 4 years)
- you want the lighter phone (6.98 oz vs 7.41 oz)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $101 matters
Choose the OnePlus 13 if…
- you often spend long days away from a charger (6,000 mAh vs 4,700 mAh)
- you shoot a lot of photos and video (256 GB vs 128 GB base storage)
- you often need a quick top-up before heading out (80 W vs 27 W wired)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (4,500 nits vs 2,700 nits peak brightness)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel 9 or the OnePlus 13?
The OnePlus 13 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is 3 years of extra promised updates.
Does the Pixel 9 last longer on a charge than the OnePlus 13?
The OnePlus 13 does better here. It lists 6,000 mAh for battery capacity, while the Pixel 9 lists 4,700 mAh.
Which is larger, the Pixel 9 or the OnePlus 13?
It’s the OnePlus 13 that is larger: 6.41 × 3.01 × 0.33 in, versus 6.02 × 2.83 × 0.33 in for the Pixel 9.
Does the Pixel 9 perform better than the OnePlus 13?
The OnePlus 13 should be the quicker of the two, with a newer 3 nm chip process on its side.
Does the Pixel 9 have a stronger camera setup than the OnePlus 13?
Going by the hardware, the OnePlus 13 comes out ahead: an extra rear camera and a sharper 32 MP selfie camera.
Which has the better screen, the Pixel 9 or the OnePlus 13?
The OnePlus 13 has the edge here, offering 67% higher peak brightness and 21% sharper pixel density.
Executive Summary
Google or OnePlus? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Pixel 9 versus the OnePlus 13. Start with the headline difference (the OnePlus 13 has 28% more battery capacity), and a lot of the decision falls into place. A second reason: the OnePlus 13 comes with 256 GB of base storage instead of 128 GB. On the other side, the Pixel 9 brings 3 years of extra promised updates, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Who should get which? The Pixel 9 for software & updates, the OnePlus 13 for display.
My pick: the OnePlus 13, though the Pixel 9 makes sense if you care more about 3 years of extra promised updates than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.