A Compact Flagship That Breaks the Mold
The OnePlus 13s arrives at a time when large phones dominate the scene. Priced at ₹54,999, this compact smartphone aims to change that by offering a high-end experience in a smaller form. It doesn’t just compete with rivals in the same range but even challenges OnePlus’s own 13R with smarter choices. So, is this compact phone really a flagship in disguise? Let’s break it down.
Also, with every purchase, you get the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 at no extra cost, adding great value to the already competitive package.
Slim, Sleek, and Surprisingly Handy
One of the best things about the OnePlus 13s is its form factor. It’s just 8.15mm thick and weighs 185 grams, making it perfect for one-handed use. The phone feels solid, with a flat frame and rounded edges that enhance grip. It also has a great weight balance, giving a premium in-hand feel.
Visually, it gets attention too. Some even mistake it for an iPhone, at least until they spot the unique camera layout. What’s new is the absence of the Alert Slider — a long-time OnePlus signature. In its place, there’s the Plus Key, a customizable button that adds a fresh layer of utility. You can use it for turning on the torch, launching the camera, or even activating the translation tool.
Flagship Display, Small Footprint
The 6.32-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED panel makes sure you don’t feel short-changed. It has ultra-thin bezels and supports 120Hz refresh rate for smooth transitions. Brightness levels reach up to 1600 nits, which means outdoor visibility is excellent.
Watching content is a delight, thanks to Dolby Vision support and 10-bit color. The screen also includes Aqua Touch 2.0 and Glove Mode, making it more usable in rain or cold weather — a thoughtful feature many phones miss.
Smarter Software with Useful AI
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13s isn’t just about fast UI — it’s smart too. The standout here is AI Plus Mind, a feature that lets you save content instantly using gestures or the Plus Key. It doesn’t just save things; it also suggests useful actions like adding tasks or reminders.
Other AI tools like real-time transcription, document search, and call summaries actually make everyday tasks easier. There’s also voice transcription across 20+ languages, AI-powered photo tools, and on-screen translations. Thankfully, none of these feel gimmicky.
Power Where It Matters
Inside, the OnePlus 13s is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform. It’s fast — really fast. With 12GB RAM and up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, multitasking is smooth, and app switching is instant.
Benchmarks aside (which are excellent), what stands out is how well the phone handles pressure. The Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber cooling system does its job, keeping the phone cool during long gaming sessions. Even in network-heavy areas like underground metros, the phone held a strong signal — an underrated win for many users.
Don’t let the size fool you — this phone can game. It handled BGMI at 120FPS for over six hours without any stutter or heating issues. Pass-through charging ensures the phone stays cool during play. That’s something even larger phones often struggle with.
Camera: Almost Perfect, with a Few Hiccups
The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor, a 50MP telephoto, and a 32MP front camera. In daylight, the results are sharp, detailed, and rich in color. Night photography is also solid, with less noise and better lighting than expected.
However, portrait mode feels slightly restricted. The frame is fixed, so you can’t zoom or adjust the background much. That limits creativity. Selfies are sharp and natural, thanks to autofocus on the front cam. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision, and Ultra Steady mode keeps things smooth — a bonus for content creators.
Battery: Big Cell, Fast Charging
Despite its size, the OnePlus 13s houses a 5850mAh battery — impressive by any standard. It easily lasts a full day with regular use, even with heavy media consumption. You also get 80W fast charging that takes the phone from 0 to 100% in around 35 minutes.
The Bypass Charging feature is a smart addition for gamers. It keeps the battery from heating while charging during gameplay, prolonging the battery’s life.
Final Verdict: Not Just Small, But Smart
The OnePlus 13s fills a gap in the smartphone market — a truly compact flagship. It doesn’t cut corners on power, display, or software. Yes, the portrait mode could use more flexibility, and fans of the Alert Slider might miss it. But these are minor trade-offs.
If you’ve been waiting for a phone that’s compact, capable, and not boring, the OnePlus 13s hits the sweet spot. It proves that flagship experience doesn’t need to come in a large package.
