OPPO has officially unveiled its latest Reno13 Series in Milan, introducing a trio of devices that aim to redefine what consumers can expect from mid-range smartphones. And this is not the first time we’ve seen premium features coming to mid-range phones from OPPO.
Available in Australia from 27 March, the new lineup includes the Reno13 Pro 5G (A$1,299), Reno13 5G (A$899), and Reno13 F 5G (A$599). These devices pack impressive specifications that challenge the traditional notion of what constitutes a mid-range mobile phone.
Looking at the specifications, it’s hard to disagree. The Reno13 Series boasts massive batteries (5,800mAh in the Pro and F models, 5,600mAh in the standard Reno13), fast charging capabilities up to 80W, IP69 water resistance, and sophisticated camera systems augmented by AI features. I’m particularly impressed by the battery capacities here—OPPO is pushing well beyond the 5,000mAh mark that most competitors consider sufficient.
Premium Design Meets Durability
The Reno13 Pro 5G and Reno13 5G feature what OPPO calls a “One-piece Sculpted Glass” back paired with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame. This combination doesn’t just look elegant but should also provide solid durability for everyday use. The colour options include Plume Purple, Graphite Gray, Luminous Blue, and Plume White—with availability varying by model.
Display-wise, both the Pro and standard models come with 1.5K OLED panels supporting 120Hz refresh rates. The Pro version takes things further with its “Infinite View Screen” that features ultra-thin bezels, resulting in an impressive 93.8% screen-to-body ratio (the standard model follows closely at 93.4%).
Water Resistance That Goes Beyond IP68
One standout feature across the entire Reno13 Series is the IP69 water and dust resistance rating. This isn’t just about surviving a quick dip—these phones can reportedly be submerged in freshwater up to 2 metres deep for 30 minutes. What’s more interesting is how OPPO has built upon this capability.
The entire series supports underwater photography and video recording through a dedicated Underwater Mode with specialised colour tuning for more natural-looking shots. Physical button controls ensure you can operate the camera without dealing with unresponsive touchscreens while submerged. There’s even a one-tap drainage mechanism that expels water from the device after your underwater adventures.
I’ve tested many water-resistant phones over the years, but this level of intentional underwater functionality is something we typically only see in rugged speciality devices, not sleek mainstream smartphones such as these. I’ve also reviewed an underwater-proof case for underwater photography.
Camera Systems Enhanced by AI
The camera specifications on the Reno13 Pro 5G are particularly impressive, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor, a 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP selfie camera. Both the Pro and standard models support 4K video recording on both front and rear cameras.
OPPO has also integrated several AI-powered photography features across the series. AI Livephoto combines high-definition images with smooth, stabilised recording for dynamic photography. The AI Editor suite includes tools like AI Motion (converting still images into short videos), AI Clarity Enhancer (sharpening distant scenery), AI Unblur (restoring clarity to blurry photos), and AI Reflection Remover (eliminating glass reflections when shooting through windows).
What caught my attention was the mention of “Tap-to-Share” functionality, which OPPO claims makes these phones among the first Android devices to support direct sharing of Livephotos with iOS devices via NFC. If this works as advertised, it could help bridge the ecosystem gap that often frustrates users when sharing media between Android and iOS.
It’s also one of the reasons why family members living in the same house are reluctant to have different smartphones ecosystem.
Performance and Power
The Reno13 Pro 5G and Reno13 5G are powered by a custom MediaTek Dimensity 8350 platform built on a 4nm process. With an 8-core CPU configuration reaching frequencies up to 3.35GHz, OPPO claims a 20% performance boost while reducing peak power consumption by 30% compared to previous generations.
For gaming, the phones feature an AI Multi-Cooling System with an expanded Vapor Chamber—doubled in size on the Pro model compared to its predecessor. This should help maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions, something that mid-range phones often struggle with as they heat up.
Connectivity is bolstered by AI LinkBoost 2.0, which uses eleven strategically placed antennas in a 360° configuration to enhance signal reception. If you’ve ever struggled with mobile reception in crowded places or buildings with poor signal, this feature could make a noticeable difference in maintaining stable connections.
The battery life promises to be exceptional, not just because of the large capacities but also due to OPPO’s claim that the batteries will maintain at least 80% of their original capacity after five years of use. Combined with fast charging (80W for the Pro and standard models, 45W for the F model), power management should be a strong point for the Reno13 Series.
Australian Availability
The OPPO Reno13 Series will be available in Australia from 27 March at various retailers including the OPPO Online Store, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, and Big W (the latter two excluding the Pro model).
The Reno13 Pro 5G (A$1,299) comes in Plume Purple and Graphite Grey, while the Reno13 5G (A$899) offers Plume White and Luminous Blue options. The most affordable option, the Reno13 F 5G (A$599), will be available in Plume Purple and Luminous Blue.
