# Oneplus 13 **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/oneplus-13/29617 **Category:** Questions **Created:** 2025-07-31T14:52:00Z **Posts:** 34 ## Post 1 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-07-31T14:52:00Z I’m really eager to buy this phone, it’s extremely bang for the buck, comes with an amazing screen, amazing cameras, and amazing specs. However I don’t know much about how privacy conscious this phone is. On the other hand, I really don’t want to spend money on a pixel because at this price point the hardware loses on all fronts to the oneplus 13. --- ## Post 2 by @anon11657877 — 2025-07-31T14:54:53Z It’s not a Google Pixel. --- ## Post 3 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-07-31T15:01:00Z I know it isn’t. But is there no way to make a oneplus 13 privacy conscious? --- ## Post 4 by @KevPham — 2025-07-31T15:07:07Z I mean, you can’t beat the camera on the Pixel even if the OnePlus 13 has more bang for buck generally speaking. We recommend Pixels because it is considerably more friendly to privacy-focused distributions like Graphene OS and Calyx OS. OnePlus phones are stuck with Lineage OS, meaning that you will have an unlocked bootloader. This makes you more vulnerable to digital forensic analysis and malware. According to our [overview](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/os/android-overview/) on stock Android devices, you are better off using the stock OS on the OnePlus 13. You can somewhat degoogle your phone manually; however, it won’t be as complete as installing something like GOS. The OnePlus 13 is also not guaranteed to get security updates as fast as the Pixel regardless of its supposed support duration. --- ## Post 5 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-07-31T15:29:46Z > [@KevPham](#): > > you can’t beat the camera on the Pixel From what I’ve seen (and what reviewers have said) the hasselblad camera on the oneplus beats out both the flagship pixel 9 pro and galaxy s25. Unfortunately can’t beat iphone with all the log and raw photo features. I’m just wondering if oneplus can somehow monitor my internet traffic, send them over to china/US or just other snoopy spyware stuff will it be super harmful if I buy a oneplus? If so then I might just get pixel. --- ## Post 6 by @jonah — 2025-07-31T15:34:53Z > [@unthinking12347879](#): > > I’m just wondering if oneplus can somehow monitor my internet traffic, send them over to china/US or just other snoopy spyware stuff There were reports of OnePlus having spyware pre-installed on their devices 7 or 8 years ago. Haven’t heard much about them lately, but they’re not a trustworthy company. --- ## Post 7 by @KevPham — 2025-07-31T15:39:42Z > [@unthinking12347879](#): > > From what I’ve seen (and what reviewers have said) the hasselblad camera on the oneplus beats out both the flagship pixel 9 pro and galaxy s25. Interesting…I haven’t followed the OnePlus 13 enough to spot that. > [@unthinking12347879](#): > > I’m just wondering if oneplus can somehow monitor my internet traffic, send them over to china/US or just other snoopy spyware stuff will it be super harmful if I buy a oneplus? Here is what another user said on this phone regarding Oxygen OS, which is installed on the international versions of the OnePlus lineup: > [@Lawmakers want US Commerce Department to probe Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/lawmakers-want-us-commerce-department-to-probe-chinese-smartphone-maker-oneplus/28799/2): > > [Security audit raises severe warnings on Chinese smartphone models - Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/09/security-audit-raises-severe-warnings-on-chinese-smartphone-models/) The OnePlus 8T 5G—arguably, the best-known and most widely marketed phone of the three—was the only one to escape the NCSC’s scrutiny without any red flags raised. OnePlus has it’s faults (as do many phone manufacturers) but they are being targeted for just being Chinese in this case. Now the OnePlus ColorOs is chock full of mandatory Chinese applications and falls within the same scope of of spyware. OxygenOS … --- ## Post 8 by @anon39279085 — 2025-07-31T16:22:09Z out of all the options honestly, Google Pixel, period second best thing in terms of security and _ **relatively** _ good or okay privacy (emphasis because people don’t read) is iPhone both have decent photos with iPhone leading the video pack I would not recommend Oneplus as one of the reasons @KevPham put, among other things, no oneplus does not beat the iPhone nor the Pixel in photo, idk where you’re getting this from, not even in the blind test Oneplus ever won at least once. And the specs for both are decent enough and so are their screens Geniunely makes no sense to be harping on a chinese brand phone. --- ## Post 9 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-07-31T18:44:32Z Thank you for your input but I became a fan of oneplus after seeing tons of unpaid reviews. I initially was never a fan of oneplus and would’ve opted for samsung or xiaomi (worse options xD). But yes, the dolby vision screen, along with pwm and 120hz oled is amazing. Hasselblad camera as I said. 6000 mAh silicon carbide battery. Build quality is a bit bad but nothing too noticeable. So far the reviewers have only given the iphone 16pm the good camera seal of approval, but apple is just too expensive. Pixel was beat out by samsung, apple and even the oneplus. --- ## Post 10 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-08-01T12:40:19Z I have been researching more about the pixel lineup and grapheneos. Can you tell me if banking apps (paypal, zelle etc.) will work on grapheneos? or does it vary by device? I care about my privacy, but frankly I’m not doing super secret stuff to the point where I’d need something as hardcore as graphene (or maybe I do?) I don’t know and I’m seeking help from the community here, hope you guys can bear with me. --- ## Post 11 by @Julie — 2025-08-02T00:24:24Z A basic strategy that is possible with Android 15, is the private sandbox. If you get your oneplus, install it offline. Then create a private sandbox with a google account in the sandbox only. For your main android account, use Fdroid and opensource software only. --- ## Post 12 by @anon32162901 — 2025-08-03T17:10:20Z Can you even activate a modern Android handset without a Google account though? --- ## Post 13 by @anon39279085 — 2025-08-03T21:27:40Z you can --- ## Post 14 by @anon32162901 — 2025-08-04T02:25:35Z I was under the impression you couldn’t anymore (the ‘skip’ option no longer visible) with current versions. Glad I was mistaken. If you can setup the device without a Google account, wouldn’t it be possible to remove the Play Store app (via something like Universal Android Debloater or the Shizuku + Canta combo) entirely, or will the device spit errors or gimp itself? Assuming that”s possible and one simply uses alternatives like the Aurora Store and an F-Droid client, you would still have Google Play Services stalking in the background, right? Apologies for hijacking the thread. Figured it would be better than creating a new one. Recently won an Android (not Pixel) device in a mall raffle giveway, and it’s been sitting in a drawer unopened. --- ## Post 15 by @Julie — 2025-08-04T16:18:32Z I did this with a pixel 7a. It work without internet and sim card. --- ## Post 16 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-08-05T09:24:48Z > [@KevPham](#): > > you can’t beat the camera on the Pixel So I’ve researched more about grapheneos. It removes the stock google pixel camera app (which uses google’s AI processing to take good pictures), and encourages the gcam from celso azevedo, which is not directly catered to the pixel. > **[GCam v9.6 Destroyed My Pixel Camera! (Tested On All Pixel Pro Models)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah6LMIvf5SQ)** > > Android 15 and GCam v9.6 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL produce extremely low quality photos , in this is a camera comparison between all Tensor based Google Pixel Pr... And it looks like gcam isn’t all that good, especially when stock camera app from pixel 7 can beat a pixel 9 pro xl using gcam. --- ## Post 17 by @falcon — 2025-08-05T10:46:01Z > [@unthinking12347879](#): > > It removes the stock google pixel camera app I think you can still install the stock Pixel camera app from Play Store. --- ## Post 18 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-08-05T11:29:46Z I’m assuming graphene also removes the other cool pixel software features? like live transcription and captioning, etc? --- ## Post 19 by @anon39279085 — 2025-08-05T11:34:36Z Graphene already removes these features for good reason but they can always be installed back by the user Including the Pixel Camera, Live Captioning/Transcription, Gemini[If for whatever reason you want that, I hope none does] etc. Graphene is trying to actually have their camera app as consistent as possible with the Pixel Camera including adding the HDRNet processing among other things, it is fully documented on their website and being more secure/private than the Pixel Camera. Keyword: give the user the choice still but have it stripped down of AI and anything else like that out of the box --- ## Post 20 by @anon51983832 — 2025-08-05T12:11:19Z You can have everything except Google Wallet and a few banking apps. It’s simple. Though judging by everything you want to use, it seems you care more about cameras, AI, etc., than about privacy and security itself. --- ## Post 21 by @anon51983832 — 2025-08-05T12:16:40Z > **[Banking Applications Compatibility with GrapheneOS](https://privsec.dev/posts/android/banking-applications-compatibility-with-grapheneos/)** > > Maintained Compatibility List for International Banking Apps > This list includes banking apps that have been tested, submitted, reviewed, and verified as compatible. > LIST | SUBMIT | UPDATE | POSSIBLE WORKAROUND SOLUTIONS > Introduction Welcome to the... --- ## Post 22 by @anon94117004 — 2025-08-05T14:44:55Z > [@unthinking12347879](#): > > and encourages the gcam from celso azevedo This is false. The official Google Camera app works on GrapheneOS. --- ## Post 23 by @KevPham — 2025-08-05T15:04:05Z There is nothing preventing you from installing the Pixel Camera app and revoking internet access permissions from it. But this is a OnePlus 13 topic, so lets hop back on that. I’m sure that it is an excellent value if you accept the security and privacy drawbacks of purchasing it. Anything you do to make it more privacy-friendly would be harm reduction at best though. For example, there is no convincing a passionate emulator to ignore the Snapdragon 8 Elite or a tech enthusiast to ignore foldables. If you really enjoy the AI or Camera features on the OP13 , you must compromise on fast updates or the ability to install custom ROMs securely. If you want the ability to reduce the extent of tracking, go ahead with purchasing the OP13. You don’t seem to be using your phone for sensitive tasks, so perhaps GOS is not the right choice for you. --- ## Post 24 by @unthinking12347879 — 2025-08-06T04:24:55Z Thank you for your reply. I’ll just see if I can snag a pixel 9 or the upcoming 10 for cheaper, and if I can’t then I’m gonna go with the oneplus 13r --- ## Post 25 by @anon94117004 — 2025-08-06T15:11:16Z > [@KevPham](#): > > I’m sure that it is an excellent value if you accept the security and privacy drawbacks of purchasing it. It is a horrible value since it doesn’t have as long or as substantial security updates as Pixels receive. --- ## Post 26 by @n_n — 2025-08-06T16:23:00Z Pixels, at least from 6gen, have awful quality. Recent situation with 6a/7a batteries is just one of the many problems. Paired with their lame SoCs, I don’t understand how someone could realistically expect to use them for 7+ years. As for OnePlus devices, their one big plus is ability to unlock bootloader relatively easy, compared to most other vendors. Custom ROMs are almost non-existent at this point, but one could install LOS GSI. This solution is very far from ideal, and with the current direction of smartphone development, I’m sure even this option will be obsolete soon. --- ## Post 27 by @anon94117004 — 2025-08-06T16:36:37Z > [@n_n](#): > > LOS GSI These have zero benefit since you’re still running the stock kernel and vendor partition. > [@n_n](#): > > lame SoCs They are more than sufficiently fast for any smartphone task. I used to play Genshin Impact just fine on mine. --- ## Post 28 by @faxe — 2025-08-06T17:49:09Z > [@anon94117004](#): > > They are more than sufficiently fast for any smartphone task. Yeah I’m still daily driving my GOS Pixel 6 just fine and the only reason why I’m getting a new phone next year is that it will stop getting updates. --- ## Post 29 by @n_n — 2025-08-07T12:22:04Z > [@anon94117004](#): > > These have zero benefit since you’re still running the stock kernel and vendor partition. This way one can get a phone without Google services and many other built-in apps. Not ideal, as I said, but no exactly zero benefit. Does GOS use their own kernel and vendor partition built from scratch, btw? > [@anon94117004](#): > > They are more than sufficiently fast for any smartphone task. I used to play Genshin Impact just fine on mine. I have Tensor G3 device and sometimes it stutters just playing video. I have 6+ years non-flagship Snapdragon device, which has zero issues in absolutely identical situation. It’s not just about comparatively low computational power. They overheat, they have bad modems and low power-efficiency. Most models have displays not bright enough by modern standards, all models have PWM-issues (which can be changed with minimal kernel modification, but GOS team doesn’t care about usability, only security). This is just my opinion. I know people who still use their 6gen Iphones and somehow OK with it. But I’m not happy with Pixel hardware even now, not saying about 7 years from now. --- ## Post 30 by @anon51983832 — 2025-08-07T12:46:10Z I’m very happy with my Pixel 8a with GrapheneOS installed, and I came from an iPhone 12 Pro. --- ## Post 31 by @anon32162901 — 2025-08-07T13:43:09Z I cannot comment on SoC performance since I don’t run any processor-hungry apps. For me, it’s the overall reliability of Pixels that’s been a letdown. My 6 just simply died out of nowhere around eight months after purchase. Pixels weren’t officially available in my country at the time so this was a grey import (overpriced, I might add) and the merchant was rather unhelpful with the warranty claim. My 8a was officially purchased via Google and the vibration/haptics (motor related, I guess) died a month after my official twelve month warranty ran out. A couple months later the screen developed some weird grainy effect when used in lower brightness. Dumped it soon after. At least the a series was cheaper, so less heartbreak. I get the security benefits of the Teen Titan chip or whatever it’s called, as well as the privacy benefits of GrapheneOS (despite being butt ugly to look at), but the rest of the Pixel hardware, at least in my anecdotal experience, is rather dogwater. --- ## Post 32 by @anon51983832 — 2025-08-07T14:50:58Z I don’t get it. What’s so ugly about GrapheneOS? If you don’t like something, you can just install another launcher like Nova, Lawnchair, etc. --- ## Post 33 by @n_n — 2025-08-07T15:54:46Z Yeah, I understand you very well. From my own experience: One Pixel 6 pro started regularly freezing and rebooting itself absolutely randomly. Other Pixel 6 pro turned down out of the blue and stopped working completely. One Pixel 6 had modem problems, sometimes mobile network works, sometimes it doesn’t, e-sim not working all the time. One Pixel 7a got burn-in at the screen after just 4 months of usage. > [@anon51983832](#): > > I’m very happy with my Pixel 8a with GrapheneOS installed, and I came from an iPhone 12 Pro. iPhones aren’t exactly famous for their good price-to-specs ratio. Pixel 8a is not that bad, if you don’t count outrageous bezels (81.6% display-to-size ratio ffs), display backlight flickering at 120hz and 18w charging. And there are good chances their batteries will soon start swelling/exploding like 6a/7a. If it doesn’t break completely earlier, of course. > [@anon51983832](#): > > What’s so ugly about GrapheneOS? It lacks so many useful features even LOS has for years. GOS developers laughing at countless users asking to make it possible to toggle flashlight with holding power button, because they sure they know better. To turn Wi-Fi on/off I have to click “Internet” tile, then choose “Wi-Fi” every time, because who needs separate toggles for Wi-Fi/Mobile Network in 2025, when you have unparalleled security. Lately they changed built-in keyboard, so now I have to tap-and-hold and then tap again every time I need to change keyboards language, instead of just 1 tap. So cool. It’s just some of the many nuances that make GOS user experience disappointing for me. --- ## Post 34 by @anon94117004 — 2025-08-08T01:40:32Z > [@n_n](#): > > Does GOS use their own kernel and vendor partition built from scratch, btw? Yes, of course, as does LineageOS and CalyxOS and others. > [@n_n](#): > > GOS developers laughing at countless users asking to make it possible to toggle flashlight with holding power button, because they sure they know better. YES! GOS refusing to add this feature is extremely frustrating. This is so beyond extremely useful especially from an accessibility standpoint.