Table of ContentsTable of ContentsOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: specsOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: design and displayOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: performanceOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: camerasOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: battery lifeOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: software and supportOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: price and availabilityOnePlus 13R versus iPhone 15: verdictAre you looking to purchase a great phone that wont break the bank? Great! Now you just have to decide between an Android-based phone and an iPhone. Why not consider the newly released OnePlus 13R and 2023s iPhone 15? If it seems odd to pitch a high-powered flagship against a $600 midrange phone, well, you mustnt know much about the OnePlus 13R. Which one is right for you? Where does each phone shine? Lets take a closer look.OnePlus 13RiPhone 15Size6.36 x 2.98 x 0.32 inches5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inchesWeight7.27 ounces6.02 ouncesScreen size and resolution6.78-inch AMOLED2,780 x 1,264 pixels1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 pixels-per-inch60Hz refresh rateOperating systemAndroid 15OxygenOS 15iOS 18Storage256GB or 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GBProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Apple A16 BionicRAM12GB or 16GB6GBCamerasRear: 50-megapixel (wide), 8MP (ultrawide), 50MP (telephoto)Front: 16MPRear: 48MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawideFront: 12MP TrueDepthWater resistanceIP65IP68Battery and charging6,000mAhVideo playback: up to 24 hoursUp to 80W fast chargingUp to 50% charge in 20 min3,349mAhVideo playback: 16 to 20 hours20W fast chargingUp to 50% charge in 30 minutesColorsBlack Eclipse, Midnight Ocean, and Arctic DawnBlue, pink, yellow, green, blackPriceFrom $599.99From $699ReviewOnePlus 13RiPhone 15Recommended VideosJoe Maring / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R and iPhone 15 have distinct design languages that cater to different user preferences. The OnePlus 13R showcases a sleek, modern Android aesthetic with a curved glass back that feels premium and enhances grip. Its prominent circular camera module adds a touch of sophistication and innovation, while the punch-hole front camera seamlessly integrates into the display, maximizing screen real estate. The device boasts a larger 6.74-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive gaming experience. This size and refresh rate make it ideal for multimedia consumption, offering an immersive experience for videos and games.RelatedIn contrast, the iPhone 15 retains Apples signature minimalist design, featuring flat edges that evoke a sense of elegance and durability. The devices smaller 6.1-inch display is cushioned by premium materials that give it a sturdy feel. The distinctive Dynamic Island notch replaces the traditional notch and introduces interactive elements that enhance the user experience by displaying notifications and background activities more engagingly. The iPhone 15s display boasts higher pixel density despite the smaller size, leading to sharper images and text. Additionally, it excels in brightness, providing vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility, making it a strong contender for users who often use their phones in bright sunlight. Unfortunately, the iPhone 15 is suck with an embarrassing 60Hz refresh rate.Ultimately, the choice between these designs comes down to personal preference regarding size, aesthetics, and display features. Whether one leans towards the futuristic, larger design of the OnePlus 13R or the classic, refined look of the iPhone 15, both devices showcase their unique strengths that cater to different users in the competitive smartphone market.Winner: OnePlus 13RChristine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R and iPhone 15 feature older chipsets than the OnePlus 13 (with the Snapdragon 8 Elite) and iPhone 16 series (A17 Pro), respectively.The OnePlus 13R and the iPhone 15 have different approaches to performance. The OnePlus 13R is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and offers up to 16GB of RAM, delivering impressive performance for Android users. It efficiently handles demanding games and multitasking, while its 120Hz refresh rate display enhances the overall smoothness of the experience.In contrast, the iPhone 15 is powered by Apples A16 Bionic chip, which provides fast processing speeds and outstanding graphics performance. It particularly excels in graphics-intensive tasks and augmented reality applications. Thanks to Apples seamless hardware and software integration, the iPhone 15 benefits from enhanced efficiency and responsiveness.Regarding benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the A16 Bionic in CPU and gaming performance. However, the A16 Bionic leads in battery performance.Winner: TieJoe Maring / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R features a triple-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera. We generally appreciate the performance of these cameras, though we found the 2x optical zoom somewhat lacking and noticed that the ultrawide camera has a lower resolution than is ideal. Additionally, there is a 16MP front camera.The iPhone 15 features an improved camera system compared to the iPhone 14 from the previous year. It includes a 48MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view on the rear. The front has a 12MP TrueDepth camera. One notable aspect of the iPhone 15 camera is its larger sensors, which allow for 2x optical zoom even without a dedicated telephoto lens, which is quite impressive.Youll likely be pleased with both phones camera systems. However, other smartphones, such as the OnePlus 13 and the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro, which are probably the main competitors to these devices, could offer a better experience.Winner: TieJoe Maring / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R boasts a significantly larger battery capacity than the iPhone 15, featuring a 6,000mAh battery compared to the iPhone 15s 3,349mAh. This difference results in noticeably longer usage times, especially under heavy use. In real-world tests, we found that the OnePlus 13R can last up to two days on a full charge, and with lighter usage, it can even be considered a three-day smartphone.The OnePlus 13R also supports 55W charging speeds, allowing it to reach over 50% charge in just 15 minutes. A full charge takes just under an hour. While impressive, this is actually a downgrade on the 80W charging available on its predecessor, the OnePlus 12R.In our initial review of the iPhone 15, we noted that it lasted just over a day during regular use before needing to be recharged. Regarding charging capabilities, the iPhone 15 can achieve a 50% charge using a 20W adapter in under 30 minutes, which falls short when compared to the charging speed of the OnePlus 13R.Winner: OnePlus 13RChristine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R operates on OxygenOS, which is based on Android 15. This platform offers a high level of customization, allowing users to personalize their home screens, app icons, and even system-level functions. Overall, it provides a more open and flexible experience compared to iOS.In contrast, the iPhone 15 runs on iOS 18, which is known for its simplicity, user-friendliness, and focus on privacy. iOS delivers a more curated experience with tighter integration between hardware and software, resulting in smooth performance and a cohesive ecosystem.The OnePlus 13R includes several AI features such as unblur and resolution boost photo editing tools, note summarization, and Googles Circle to Search. Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro series, the iPhone 15 does not have Apple Intelligence support. However, iPhone 15 users can still utilize third-party AI tools like Googles Gemini.Regarding software updates, OnePlus promises four years of Android OS updates and six years of security updates. In comparison, Apple promises at least five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 15. However, this period began with iOS 17 in 2023, meaning the guarantees will end in 2028 with the release of iOS 22.Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference: Android offers flexibility and customization, while iOS prioritizes ease of use and a streamlined experience. When comparing software support, the difference is minimal.Winner: TieThe OnePlus 13R is available globally, with a starting price of $600 for the 256GB model, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance smartphone without breaking the bank. It features three striking colors: Black Eclipse, which offers a sleek and sophisticated look; Midnight Ocean, which adds a touch of depth with its rich blue tones; and Arctic Dawn, a refreshing light color that stands out.In comparison, the older iPhone 15 starts at $699 for the 128GB version, which can feel limiting for users who need more storage. The iPhone 15 comes in five vibrant colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, and black, appealing to a wide range of personal styles. While the iPhone offers a strong ecosystem and brand loyalty, price-wise, the OnePlus 13R clearly reigns supreme for those on a smaller budget.Winner: OnePlus 13RJoe Maring / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13R and the iPhone 15 offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. However, the OnePlus 13R is over a year newer than the iPhone 15, significantly impacting its appeal and features. This age difference can be crucial for users looking for the latest innovations.A more relevant comparison would be between the OnePlus 13R and the iPhone 16. By comparing these two devices, consumers can make a more informed decision based on the latest offerings from each brand.For individuals deeply immersed in Apples ecosystem utilizing services like iCloud, Apple Music, and seamless device integration between iPhones, iPads, and Macs the iPhone 15 remains the better choice. The brands cohesive ecosystem enhances the user experience, providing convenience and continuity across Apple devices.Buy the OnePlus 13R:Buy the iPhone 15:Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueThe Stanley Parable: Ultra DeluxeNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit RemasteredA new batch of monthly PlayStation Plus Essential games dropped earlier this week. Differing from the mid-month PS Plus Extra and Premium Catalog drops, this is a group of three games available from now until February 4 that PS Plus subscribers from all tiers can redeem. Its one of the more eclectic PS Plus Essential months in some time, as it features a disappointing shooter based on the Suicide Squad comics from DC, a remaster of a 2010 racing game from EA, and a hilarious pseudo-sequel to an infamous indie game from the early 2010s. If youre wondering what you should be playing on your PS4 or PS5 this weekend, these are the games that you should be starting with.Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - Season 4 - "Meet Deathstroke"Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was an ambitious live-service shooter from Rocksteady, the developer behind the Batman: Arkham games. Its now infamous for flopping hard upon its release; revisiting the game one year later, I still have mixed feelings about it. As the game gets its final content update this month, WB Games offers Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League for free to any PS Plus subscriber who wants it. While I wouldnt recommend playing this game because its good, its a gaming curiosity worth claiming and having as part of your game library in case you ever want to check it out.Recommended VideosThe PS5 version of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueis available to all PS Plus subscribers until February 4. Its also on PC and Xbox Series X/S.RelatedThe Stanley Parable originally released in 2013 and was one of the earliest comedic games to go viral on YouTube as people loved watching players break free of the commands of a narrator trying to navigate a man named Stanley through a dull day job. Originally thought to be a remaster of the original game, 2022s The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxeis actually more of a sequel to the original. I dont want to spoil much, but go into this game blind and not afraid to defy the narrator, and youll have a fantastic time experiencing one of the funniest games ever made.The PS4 and PS5 versions of The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxeare available to all PS Plus subscribers until February 4. Its also on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is a 2020 remaster of the first Need for Speed game that Criterion Games ever worked on. Its based on the version of Hot Pursuit released for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 in 2010, a well-received open-world street racing game. This remaster enhances the visuals to bring them up to PS4-generation standards, includes all of the DLC ever released for the original, and even has cross-platform multiplayer. Its a racing game densely packed with content, so it should keep you entertained, as no new Need for Speed, Forza, or Gran Turismo games seem to be on the horizon right now.The PS4 version of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remasteredis available to all PS Plus subscribers until February 4. The remaster is also on PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.Editors Recommendations

Earlier today, a massive leak revealed all of the technical specifications for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 series. That news is wild enough on its own, but another leak suggests the beloved S Pen might also receive a particularly unwelcome downgrade: the loss of Bluetooth. If thats true, it means users wont be able to use gesture control with the pen.The news comes from Ishan Agarwal on X. The tipster says he doubts it will improve the battery life by more than a few minutes and implies its most likely a cost-cutting measure. The full impact of removing Bluetooth from the stylus isnt clear, but unless Samsung has built an alternative into the device, any features that rely on Bluetooth will be unavailable.Recommended VideosWe should still see features like pressure sensitivity available on the S25 Ultra, but things like remote camera activation could be lost. The feature came to the S Pen in 2018 when Samsung first introduced Bluetooth.Please enable Javascript to view this contentExclusive: S Pen on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will no longer feature Bluetooth according to retail sources!Which means you will lose certain features like gestures & remote control.How do you feel about this downgrade? #GalaxyS25Ultra pic.twitter.com/ASDKB06nsx Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) January 10, 2025The S Pen is a popular feature among a more niche set of users, but the majority of Samsung customers dont use most of its functionality. Its a great tool for signing a PDF or taking a few notes (or for giving kids something to doodle on when no paper is available), but it already comes only with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Removing potentially useful features to cut a few dollars from the price of a flagship feels unnecessary.While the S25 Ultra is going to have a tremendous amount of non-stylus functions, the added benefits arent something to scoff at. Being able to quickly navigate between functions makes the phone more convenient to use.Again, this is a leak. None of these rumors have been confirmed by Samsung, so maintain at least some level of skepticism with regard to accuracy.Editors Recommendations

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Another brick in the wall (Part 4) AI could create 78 million more jobs than it eliminates by 2030report As AGI talk sparks job loss fears, new WEF report projects AI-driven net job growth by 2030. Benj Edwards Jan 10, 2025 12:52 pm | 36 Credit: Moor Studio via Getty Images Credit: Moor Studio via Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOn Wednesday, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Future of Jobs Report 2025, with CNN immediately highlighting the finding that 40 percent of companies plan workforce reductions due to AI automation. But the report's broader analysis paints a far more nuanced picture than CNN's headline suggests: It finds that AI could create 170 million new jobs globally while eliminating 92 million positions, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030."Half of employers plan to re-orient their business in response to AI," writes the WEF in the report. "Two-thirds plan to hire talent with specific AI skills, while 40% anticipate reducing their workforce where AI can automate tasks."The survey collected data from 1,000 companies that employ 14 million workers globally. The WEF conducts its employment analysis every two years to help policymakers, business leaders, and workers make decisions about hiring trends.The new report points to specific skills that will dominate hiring by 2030. Companies ranked AI and big data expertise, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy as the three most in-demand skill sets.The WEF identified AI as the biggest potential job creator among new technologies, with 86 percent of companies expecting AI to transform their operations by 2030.Declining job categoriesThe WEF report also identifies specific job categories facing decline. Postal service clerks, executive secretaries, and payroll staff top the list of shrinking roles, with changes driven by factors including (but not limited to) AI adoption. And for the first time, graphic designers and legal secretaries appear among the fastest-declining positions, which the WEF tentatively links to generative AI's expanding capabilities in creative and administrative work.Despite planned workforce reductions, the WEF expects human-machine collaboration to define the workplace more than outright worker replacement. The report shows that 77 percent of surveyed firms will launch retraining programs to help current workers collaborate with AI systems between 2025 and 2030. About 70 percent plan to hire specialists who can design AI tools, while 62 percent seek employees skilled at working alongside these systems.The findings arrive as the WEF prepares for its annual meeting in Davos later this month, where AI's impact on the global workforce will take center stage in discussions among world leaders and executives.Longer-term AI jobs outlookSurveys aside, it's too soon to say for certain whether AI will have a net positive or negative effect on employment, but it's a safe bet that it will trigger a shift in how knowledge workers do their jobs. While the shift may be subtle over time, some people think it could be far more profound.In 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned to the press that AI could replace the labor of the "median human" worker, suggesting that many jobs could be automated in the future. His company is currently on a quest to create not only artificial general intelligence (AGI) as a well-rounded worker but also "superintelligence," which would ostensibly far surpass human intellectual capability.To address employment challenges from the development of these new automation technologies, Altman has been a proponent of exploring solutions like universal basic income (UBI), which could provide a base level of money to every American citizen to supplement or replace job-related income. He has funded significant trials to study the impact of basic income, including one of the largest randomized basic income experiments.Altman's projections are still hypothetical, but that has not stopped general angst over the potential impact of AI on jobs in the near future. It's an unresolved issue that we'll continue to cover over time.Benj EdwardsSenior AI ReporterBenj EdwardsSenior AI Reporter Benj Edwards is Ars Technica's Senior AI Reporter and founder of the site's dedicated AI beat in 2022. He's also a tech historian with almost two decades of experience. In his free time, he writes and records music, collects vintage computers, and enjoys nature. He lives in Raleigh, NC. 36 Comments

Ready, aim... Viral ChatGPT-powered sentry gun gets shut down by OpenAI But actual autonomous AI weapons systems are much more terrifying. Kyle Orland Jan 10, 2025 12:07 pm | 38 If you build an AI-controlled sentry gun, of course you're gonna try to ride it like a mechanical bull. Credit: sts_3D / Tiktok If you build an AI-controlled sentry gun, of course you're gonna try to ride it like a mechanical bull. Credit: sts_3D / Tiktok Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOpenAI says it has cut off API access to an engineer whose video of a motorized sentry gun controlled by ChatGPT-powered commands has set off a viral firestorm of concerns about AI-powered weapons.An engineer going by the handle sts_3d started posting videos of a motorized, auto-rotating swivel chair project in August. By November, that same assembly appeared to seamlessly morph into the basis for a sentry gun that could quickly rotate to arbitrary angles and activate a servo to fire precisely aimed projectiles (though only blanks and simulated lasers are shown being fired in his videos).Earlier this week, though, sts_3d started getting wider attention for a new video showing the sentry gun's integration with OpenAI's real-time API. In the video, the gun uses that ChatGPT integration to aim and fire based on spoken commands from sts_3d and even responds in a chirpy voice afterward.@sts_3d OpenAI Realtime API project integration #robotics #ai #openai original sound - sts_3d"If you need any other assistance, please let me know," the ChatGPT-powered gun says after firing a volley at one point. "Good job, you saved us," sts_3d responds, deadpan."I'm glad I could help!" ChatGPT intones happily.In response to a comment request from Futurism, OpenAI said it had "proactively identified this violation of our policies and notified the developer to cease this activity ahead of receiving your inquiry. OpenAI's Usage Policies prohibit the use of our services to develop or use weapons or to automate certain systems that can affect personal safety."Halt, intruder alert!The "voice-powered killer AI robot angle" has garnered plenty of viral attention for sts_3d's project in recent days. But the ChatGPT integration shown in his video doesn't exactly reach Terminator levels of a terrifying killing machine. Here, ChatGPT instead ends up looking more like a fancy, overwrought voice-activated remote control for a legitimately impressive gun mount.The demonstrated voice controls don't even seem particularly efficient in the video. Each of sts_3d's commands takes a few seconds to speak aloud, and it takes a few more seconds for ChatGPT to process and execute them. Compare that to sts_3d's other videos, where the gun automatically tracks a specific colored object with terrifying speed or quickly rotates between mouse-specified targets on a video feed, both of which seem much more ruthlessly methodical. Hobbyist sentry gun projects have also been showing off the ability to track and fire on moving targets since well before the recent LLM boom.@sts_3d Update on the tracking system #robotics #vision #electronics original sound - sts_3dStill, any potential link between "AI" and "weapons" quickly brings up images of merciless autonomous machines that can "intelligently" identify and neutralize threats without human intervention. The US military apparatus has definitely shown potential interest in that kind of automated AI weapons system, even if a human is still always "in the loop" on firing decisions (for now).OpenAI's usage policy has long included language barring uses that could "harm people, destroy property, or develop weapons." But last January, The Intercept reported on a stealth usage policy update removing a previous prohibition on "military and warfare" uses. And just last month, OpenAI announced a partnership with military contractor Anduril "to develop and responsibly deploy advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for national security missions."Policies aside, the wider proliferation of open-weight and open source AI models pretty much ensures that engineering hobbyists and weapons enthusiasts will continue to experiment with various levels of AI-controlled guns. That's true whether or not ChatGPT is being used as the vocal interface for those projects.Kyle OrlandSenior Gaming EditorKyle OrlandSenior Gaming Editor Kyle Orland has been the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica since 2012, writing primarily about the business, tech, and culture behind video games. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He once wrote a whole book about Minesweeper. 38 Comments