OnePlus 13 update brings 50MP photo editing and bypass charging for all activities

The OnePlus 13 is receiving a substantial software update that expands a key charging feature and enhances its photography capabilities. OxygenOS 16.0.3.501, now rolling out in India, introduces bypass charging for all high-load scenarios and enables 50MP image editing in the native Photos app without quality loss.

This update follows a similar rollout for the OnePlus 15 last month, which received bypass charging for non-gaming activities through OxygenOS 16.0.2.401. The feature is now coming to the OnePlus 13, bringing it to parity with its newer sibling.

Bypass Charging: From Gaming to Everyday Use

The headline feature is the expansion of bypass charging. Previously, this function was primarily marketed for gaming sessions, where it allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger, bypassing the battery entirely. This reduces heat generation and prevents battery wear during prolonged, high-performance tasks.

With this update, OnePlus is extending the utility of bypass charging to other demanding activities. Users can now activate it during:

• Live streaming
• Video watching
• Navigation
• Other high-load situations

The benefit is twofold: it reduces overheating during processor-intensive tasks, and it minimizes battery cycle degradation by avoiding the constant charge-discharge cycle. For users who frequently use their phone for navigation or watch long videos while charging, this could extend the long-term health of the battery.

50MP Photo Editing Without Compromise

The update also brings a notable improvement to the Photos app. Users can now edit images up to 50 megapixels without compromising image quality. This addresses a common pain point in mobile photography: many editing apps and even some built-in gallery apps downscale high-resolution images during editing to improve performance, resulting in a loss of detail.

The OnePlus 13's camera system, which includes a 50MP main sensor, can capture substantial detail. Preserving that detail through the editing process is crucial for users who want to crop, adjust, or apply filters without degrading the final image. This feature suggests that OnePlus has optimized the photo processing pipeline to handle full-resolution edits more efficiently.

Additional Quality-of-Life Improvements

Beyond the headline features, the update includes several practical enhancements:

App Organization: The Drawer mode now includes "Office" and "Finance" categories, making it easier to organize and find productivity and banking apps.

Security: The update integrates the January 2026 Android security patch, keeping the device protected against the latest vulnerabilities.

Private Safe Enhancements: The secure folder feature now allows browsing files by sliding the side slider, searching for files within folders, and sharing files directly from the Private Safe.

Call Interface: A new "Reply with SMS" switch gives users more control over the call screen interface, allowing them to hide the SMS reply option if desired.

Ecosystem Context and Availability

This update demonstrates OnePlus's ongoing software support strategy for its flagship devices. The company has been progressively rolling out features across its device lineup, with the OnePlus 15 receiving similar bypass charging support just a month prior. This approach suggests a coordinated software development cycle that benefits multiple devices in the ecosystem.

For users invested in the OnePlus ecosystem, this update reinforces the value of staying with the brand. The features are not just cosmetic but address real-world usage patterns—battery longevity and photo editing quality are tangible concerns for mobile power users.

The update, with firmware version CPH2649_16.0.3.501(EX01), is currently available to a small percentage of users in India. A broader rollout is expected to begin in the coming days. Users can check for the update manually in their device settings under System > System Update.

What This Means for OnePlus 13 Owners

For existing OnePlus 13 owners, this update provides meaningful improvements to daily usability. The bypass charging feature alone can help preserve battery health over time, especially for users who frequently engage in high-load activities while charging. The 50MP editing capability ensures that the camera's hardware potential is fully realized through the software.

The update also highlights the importance of software support in the mobile ecosystem. While hardware specs often dominate headlines, features like bypass charging and high-resolution editing are delivered through software updates, extending the useful life and capability of a device long after purchase.

As OnePlus continues to refine its software experience, these updates demonstrate a commitment to addressing user feedback and improving the overall value proposition of its devices. The company's approach of bringing features from newer models to older flagships helps maintain customer loyalty and justifies the premium pricing of its devices.

For more information on the update, users can visit the OnePlus community forums or check the official software update page for detailed changelogs and rollout schedules.