How does the OnePlus 13's display handle HDR content

HDR Support and Performance

- Supported Formats: The OnePlus 13 supports HDR10 and HDR10+, allowing it to play HDR content from compatible apps like YouTube and Netflix. Despite this, it does not claim full HDR support for all content types, which can lead to inconsistent experiences across different streaming platforms[1][2].

- Color Reproduction Issues: The display struggles with accurately reproducing the wide color gamut that HDR content demands. This results in colors appearing washed out or pale, especially when they exceed the Rec. 709 standard. Users have reported that whites can take on a yellowish tint due to poor calibration when viewing HDR content[1].

- Black Levels: While the OnePlus 13 can achieve true black in video playback, the surrounding areas outside the video frame tend to display as dark gray rather than pitch black. This issue arises specifically with HDR content, where the pixels outside the frame remain illuminated[1].

- Brightness and Dynamic Range: The device is capable of delivering a dynamic range suitable for HDR viewing; however, the overall brightness levels may not match those of higher-end competitors. Users are advised to set their brightness to maximum when watching HDR content to fully appreciate the enhanced visuals[8].

Conclusion

In summary, while the OnePlus 13 can handle HDR content through supported formats like HDR10 and HDR10+, its performance is hampered by color accuracy issues and suboptimal black levels. Users may still enjoy an enhanced viewing experience, but expectations should be tempered regarding its capabilities compared to other flagship devices that excel in HDR performance.

Citations:
[1] https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_nord_long_term-review-2175p2.php
[2] https://mobileshark.co.uk/blog/leak-reveals-details-the-oneplus-13-screen/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6XIOQtGh0o
[4] https://whatmobiles.net.pk/product/oneplus-13-price-in-pakistan/
[5] https://www.giffgaff.com/blog/what-is-mobile-hdr/
[6] https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-hdr-support-on-youtube.3712949/
[7] https://xdaforums.com/t/hdr-playback-support-on-the-oneplus-pad.4640203/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/gllupj/ive_never_watched_hdr_content_until_now_and_holy/

What are the main issues with HDR on the OnePlus 13 according to user reviews

User reviews of the OnePlus 13 highlight several main issues with HDR performance:

1. Brightness and Visibility: Many users have reported that when HDR is active, the display brightness can become excessively high, making it difficult to see details in bright environments. This is particularly problematic outdoors, where the background may be washed out or completely obscured due to the high brightness levels[1].

2. Color Accuracy: There are complaints about poor color reproduction when viewing HDR content. Users have noted that colors can appear washed out or distorted, failing to achieve the vibrant and accurate hues expected from HDR displays. This issue often results in a less immersive viewing experience[5][6].

3. Black Levels and Contrast: The OnePlus 13 struggles with black levels, leading to "black crush" where dark scenes lose detail. Users have described this as making HDR content unwatchable at times, as the contrast is insufficient for a proper HDR experience[7].

4. Inconsistent Results: Several users mentioned that HDR performance can be inconsistent, with some content appearing correctly while other media fails to display properly. This unpredictability can frustrate users who expect a uniform experience across different platforms and types of media[1][3].

These issues collectively contribute to a less-than-ideal HDR experience on the OnePlus 13, prompting some users to express disappointment compared to previous models or competitors in the market.