OnePlus 13s Preview: A Compact Flagship on Paper
Analyzing OnePlus’s upcoming compact phone based on its specifications
Starting Price: ₹54,999
Image courtesy of OnePlus
Overview
The OnePlus 13s marks a significant strategic entry for OnePlus into the compact flagship smartphone segment. Unveiled as the brand’s first-ever compact phone, it aims to deliver high-end performance and advanced features within a more manageable form factor. This device is positioned to directly challenge established compact premium offerings, including the iPhone 16e, Pixel 9a, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, with its initial launch focused exclusively on the Indian market.
The core identity of the OnePlus 13s revolves around its “compact but powerful” philosophy. It targets users who prioritize one-handed usability and pocketability, seeking these attributes without sacrificing flagship-level processing power, display quality, or cutting-edge AI capabilities. The device’s pricing strategy places it competitively between the OnePlus 13R and the higher-tier OnePlus 13, presenting a compelling value proposition given its robust specifications.
Overall, the OnePlus 13s largely fulfills its promise. It is driven by the formidable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ensuring top-tier performance, and features a notably long battery life for its size. The integration of innovative AI features, accessible via the new ‘Plus Key,’ aims to elevate the user experience. However, a closer examination reveals certain areas, such as camera versatility and conflicting durability ratings, that warrant detailed consideration. It is important to note that direct official product information for the OnePlus 13s was not readily available from the manufacturer’s website during the research phase, with all detailed specifications and review insights derived from reputable third-party tech news outlets and review channels.
Key Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Display | 16.05 cm (6.32″) LTPO AMOLED, FHD+, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide Camera (Sony LYT-700 with OIS) |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP Telephoto with 2x optical zoom and Up to 20x digital zoom |
| Front Camera | 32MP AF Front Camera |
| Battery | 5,850mAh (single-cell 5,850 mAh, non-removable) |
| Wired Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC™ |
| OS | OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 |
| Dimensions | Height – 15.08 cm, Width – 7.17 cm, Thickness – 0.82 cm |
| Weight | 185 g |
Design Analysis
The OnePlus 13s is engineered with a strong emphasis on ergonomics and a premium aesthetic. Its physical dimensions, notably 15.08 cm height, 7.17 cm width, and 0.82 cm thickness, weighing 185 grams, are central to its appeal as a compact device. These measurements contribute significantly to the company’s claim of easy one-handed usability and effortless pocketability. The device’s compact form factor is highlighted as a major draw, providing a comfortably handy feel in the user’s grip.
It features an aluminum frame with a premium glass back, continuing OnePlus’s premium design language. The company claims it will be available in three colors:
- Black Velvet
- Pink Satin
- Green Silk (India exclusive)
The Plus Key replaces the traditional alert slider, offering customizable functionality that can be mapped to various actions including AI features.
Image courtesy of OnePlus
Potential Design Considerations:
- Water resistance rating is unclear (some sources suggest IP65, others IP68)
- No wireless charging mentioned in specifications
- Ceramic Guard display protection claimed
- Aqua Touch 2.0 for wet finger operation
- New Glove Mode for enhanced interaction
Performance Expectations
On paper, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform should deliver flagship-level performance. Based on Qualcomm’s claims for this platform:
CPU Performance
The Qualcomm Oryon CPU at 4.32GHz architecture typically offers significant improvements in both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance over previous generations.
GPU Performance
The Adreno 830 GPU in the Snapdragon Elite series generally provides excellent gaming performance, capable of handling demanding mobile games at high settings.
The combination of 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage should contribute to smooth multitasking and fast app loading times, based on these technologies’ performance in other devices.
Potential Performance Considerations:
- Thermal management in a compact body is efficient, keeping the phone cool during long gaming sessions.
- Actual performance may vary based on OxygenOS optimization
- Independent Wi-Fi Chipset-G1 could improve connectivity stability.
Display Specifications
The 16.05 cm (6.32-inch) LTPO AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution appears designed to balance quality with power efficiency:
- 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate (LTPO technology)
- Peak brightness of 1600 nits
- 10-bit color depth and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- 2160Hz PWM dimming mode for eye comfort
- Ceramic Guard protection
- Aqua Touch 2.0 for wet finger operation
- New Glove Mode
Image courtesy of OnePlus
Display Considerations:
- FHD+ resolution delivers a pixel density of 460 PPI, which is more than adequate for crisp visuals on a screen of this size.
- LTPO technology should help battery life.
- The display prioritizes real-world usability and battery efficiency over maximum pixel count.
Camera Specifications
The OnePlus 13s camera system appears to prioritize quality over quantity with a dual-camera setup:
Main Camera
- 50MP Wide Camera (Sony LYT-700 sensor)
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Takes excellent photos with rich colors, sharp focus, and balanced exposure in good light.
Telephoto Camera
- 50MP Telephoto with 2x optical zoom
- Up to 20x digital zoom
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
Front Camera
- 32MP AF Front Camera
- Autofocus capability
- Supports 4K 30fps video recording
Camera Considerations:
- No ultrawide camera mentioned in specifications.
- Software processing could benefit from refinement for more consistent results.
- Video capabilities include 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision HDR recording.
- Ultra Steady support helps achieve smoother handheld videos.
- Slow-motion video at 1080p 240fps.
Battery and Charging
The 5,850 mAh (single-cell, non-removable) battery is notable for a compact phone. Combined with the efficient LTPO display and Snapdragon Elite chipset, it could deliver solid battery life, easily lasting one and a half days even with heavy use, and stretching to two days with lighter use.
Charging specifications include:
- 80W SUPERVOOC™ wired fast charging (charger likely included).
- Can get to full in just over 40 minutes.
Battery Life Estimates
This is exceptional for a phone of its size, often outperforming phones with significantly larger screens and batteries. OnePlus even claimed it would have their best battery life yet.
Battery and Charging Considerations:
- No wireless charging mentioned in specifications.
AI Features
OnePlus emphasizes several AI-powered features in the 13s specifications:
Plus Mind
An organizational system that automatically saves and categorizes information from your screen (reservations, schedules, etc.) for later retrieval, with subsequent retrieval facilitated by an AI-powered search function.
AI Translation
Real-time text and speech translation across multiple languages, accessible via the Plus Key.
Camera AI
Features like AI Best Face 2.0 (selects best expressions in group shots) and AI Reframe (intelligent cropping).
Grocery AI
Identifies grocery items through the camera and provides a quick summary of what it is. This feature is conveniently activated via the customizable Plus Key.
AI Features Considerations:
The dedicated Plus Key on the left side of the phone is a major highlight. You can customize it to launch AI Plus Mind or any other AI function. Replacing the old Alert Slider with this AI-focused button shows OnePlus’s strong commitment to artificial intelligence. These AI features are designed to be genuinely helpful, not just gimmicky.
Additional AI Features from website:
- AI Search
- AI VoiceScribe
- AI Call Assistant
- Google Gemini
- AI Detail Boost
- AI Unblur
- AI Reflection Eraser
- AI Notes
Connectivity and Sound
The OnePlus 13s ensures you stay connected with robust features. It supports 5G/5.5G connectivity (*5.5G only available with Jio) in India for super-fast mobile internet. It also has many 5G bands for wide network compatibility.
For Wi-Fi, it boasts a unique Independent Wi-Fi Chipset-G1, which is designed to deliver superior Wi-Fi stability and supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard (alongside Wi-Fi 6 and 5). This ensures fast and reliable wireless performance for everything from gaming to streaming.
Audio-wise, the phone features loud and clear stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound, providing an immersive experience for movies, music, and games.
It also supports eSIM functionality, giving you more flexibility with your mobile plans.
Software and Updates
OxygenOS
The OnePlus 13s will run OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. OnePlus’s track record suggests this will offer a clean, fast, and highly responsive Android experience with minimal unnecessary apps.
Update Policy
OnePlus promises four years of major Android OS updates (up to Android 19) and six years of security patches.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The OnePlus 13s is positioned as a premium mid-range to high-end smartphone. The 12GB RAM with 256GB storage variant is available for pre-order at Rs 54,999 on Amazon, while the 12GB RAM with 512GB storage variant is priced at Rs 59,999.
The 512GB variant went on sale starting June 12, with pre-orders for the 256GB model commencing on June 5. You can find it on Amazon, the official OnePlus website, and in physical stores across India. Notably, the OnePlus 13s made its global debut exclusively in the Indian market, and it even has an India-exclusive Green Silk color.
Pricing and Variants: At a Glance
| Variant | Price in India (INR) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12GB+256GB | Rs 54,999 | Pre-orders from June 5 |
| 12GB+512GB | Rs 59,999 | On sale from June 12 |
Complete Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | June 5, 2025 (India) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform |
| CPU | Qualcomm Oryon CPU at 4.32GHz |
| GPU | Adreno 830 GPU |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Display Size | 16.05 cm (6.32-inch) LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | FHD+ (460 PPI) |
| Refresh Rate | 1Hz-120Hz Adaptive |
| Peak Brightness | 1600 nits |
| Color Depth | 10-bit |
| Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| PWM Dimming | 2160Hz |
| Display Protection | Ceramic Guard |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP Wide Camera (Sony LYT-700) |
| Rear Camera (Telephoto) | 50MP Telephoto with 2x Optical Zoom and Up to 20x digital zoom |
| Front Camera | 32MP AF Front Camera |
| Video Recording | 4K 60fps (Rear, Dolby Vision HDR), 4K 30fps (Front) |
| Battery Capacity | 5850 mAh (single-cell, non-removable) |
| Wired Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC™ |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) |
| OS Updates | 4 years of major Android OS updates |
| Security Patches | 6 years of security patches |
| Dimensions | Height – 15.08 cm, Width – 7.17 cm, Thickness – 0.82 cm |
| Weight | 185 g |
| Build Materials | Aluminum frame, Glass back |
| Colors | Black Velvet, Pink Satin, Green Silk (India Exclusive) |
| IP Rating | IP65 / IP68 (Conflicting reports) |
| AI Features | AI Plus Mind, AI Search, AI VoiceScribe, AI Translation, AI Call Assistant, Google Gemini, AI Reframe, AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Eraser, AI Notes, Grocery Shopping AI |
| Wi-Fi | Independent Wi-Fi Chipset-G1, Wi-Fi 7 |
| Mobile Connectivity | 5G/5.5G (*5.5G only available with Jio), Multiple 5G bands |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos |
| SIM Support | eSIM functionality |
| Other Features | Aqua Touch 2.0, Glove Mode, Game Control Center |
Speculative Analysis
Potential Strengths
- Compact size in a market dominated by large phones
- High-end chipset should deliver excellent performance
- LTPO display could offer good battery efficiency
- Main camera sensor has potential for quality photos
- Fast charging capability
Potential Limitations
- No ultrawide camera (based on specifications)
- No wireless charging mentioned
- Unclear water resistance rating
- Smaller display may not appeal to all users
Who Might Consider the OnePlus 13s?
Based purely on the specifications, the OnePlus 13s appears targeted at:
- Users who prefer compact phones but want flagship performance
- Those interested in AI features for productivity
- People who prioritize fast charging over wireless charging
- Buyers who don’t need an ultrawide camera
Availability
Currently available in Amazon India:
