This $500 OnePlus phone has made it very difficult for me to recommend pricier handsets

OnePlus is holding a new promotion for its smartphones. By entering the code "SPRING25" at checkout, you shave $50 off the OnePlus 13R. Additionally, the company is offering a free Sandstone Magnetic case. The OnePlus 13R follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, delivering flagship performance at a not-so-flagship price. It's got a big battery, decent camera upgrades, a flagship processor (even if it's from last year), and a more ambitious software update policy. Plus, it has one of the best displays I've tested in the segment, with Aqua Touch technology and a durable build quality. Also: The OnePlus 12 is still a powerhouse in 2025 - and it's on sale for a limited time This all comes with a $100 price hike -- bringing the once $500 model to $600 now -- positioning it well above the Google Pixel 9a. So, should you opt for Google's more affordable offering, spend more on a Samsung phone, or pick up the OnePlus 13R? I spent weeks with the device, and here's my verdict. Big, bold, ... Read full article.