Introduction
In a smartphone market dominated by ever-larger devices, the OnePlus 13s compact flagship stands out as a rare, powerful, and genuinely pocket-friendly option. With a 6.32-inch Pro XDR display, Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and a massive 5,850mAh battery, the OnePlus 13s brings flagship performance to those who refuse to compromise on size or comfort. Priced at ₹55,000, it offers a compelling alternative to the Galaxy S25 and S24 for users who want high-end features in a smaller package.
If you’re interested in how OnePlus has evolved over the years and what led to the creation of the OnePlus 13s, check out our in-depth look at the brand’s journey and innovations in OnePlus Evolution 2025.
Table of Contents
Design & Build: Premium and Practical
The OnePlus 13s compact flagship features a flat display, flat sides, and a flat back, giving it a modern and premium look. The exclusive silky matte green finish, available only in India, resists fingerprints and maintains a clean, elegant appearance throughout the day. The included matching case adds a classy touch and a snug fit, making the device even more comfortable for one-handed use.
OnePlus has made two significant changes compared to the OnePlus 13. First, the camera housing is less protruding and perfectly positioned for gaming or watching videos, ensuring it doesn’t get in the way. Second, the iconic alert slider has been replaced by the new Plus key—a customizable shortcut button that can be configured for various actions. While some users may miss the tactile feel of the alert slider, the Plus key adds flexibility and convenience.
The phone is easy to use on flat surfaces, with minimal wobble thanks to the new camera design. It also boasts a dual SIM tray, USB 3 port, and stereo speakers that deliver near-iPhone quality sound—an impressive feat for a compact flagship.
Display: Compact, Bright, and Beautiful
The 6.32-inch Pro XDR LTPO panel is the perfect size for one-handed use, yet large enough for immersive media consumption. It delivers vibrant colors, sharp resolution, and excellent outdoor visibility. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display feels super fluid, making scrolling, gaming, and general navigation a delight. Netflix HDR support ensures your favorite shows and movies look stunning, and the touch response is top-tier, aided by the smoothness of Oxygen OS 15.
Performance & Battery: Flagship Power, Lasting Endurance
At the heart of the OnePlus 13s compact flagship is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS4 storage. This combination ensures blazing-fast performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or transferring large files. Benchmark tests show that the 13s matches or even surpasses larger phones with the same chipset, maintaining high performance without overheating. It can sustain 120fps gaming for hours—something even the Galaxy S25 struggles to achieve in this size class.
Battery life is a standout feature. The 5,850mAh battery easily lasts up to two days with moderate use, including messaging, streaming, and social media. Even with its compact size, the OnePlus 13s delivers battery life that rivals or exceeds many larger flagships. The included 80W fast charger refuels the device in under an hour, minimizing downtime.
Software & Features: Oxygen OS 15 and Smart AI Tools
Running Oxygen OS 15 based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13s compact flagship offers a clean, fluid, and highly responsive user experience. OnePlus promises four years of Android updates and six years of security patches, ensuring long-term value. The UI is incredibly smooth, with rapid app launches and seamless multitasking.
The new Plus key can be customized for quick access to sound profiles or other actions. AI-powered features add real productivity:
- MindSpace: Organizes content from three-finger swipes, automatically creating calendar entries or saving articles and ideas.
- VoiceScribe: Records and transcribes calls, even providing real-time subtitles in your language for conversations in different languages.
- AI Reframe: Reframes and enhances photos with a single tap, suggesting filters and improvements for better results.
- Oplus Connect: Syncs files seamlessly between your phone and Windows or Mac devices.
Camera: Solid Performance, Room for Growth
The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and a 32MP front camera. While it lacks ultra-wide and macro options, the main cameras deliver vibrant, natural colors and solid detail. Outdoor shots capture skies and greenery well, though dynamic range and occasional oversharpening could be improved with software updates. Indoor and low-light performance is generally strong, with minimal noise and balanced exposure.
Selfies from the front camera are warm and vibrant, with effective portrait mode and background blur. Compared to the Galaxy S25, the 13s offers a more vibrant, contrasty look, while the S25 produces more natural tones. Portraits and low-light selfies are good, though some softness is present in challenging conditions.
Overall, the camera is good but not flagship-grade, with potential for improvement through future updates.
Pricing & Value
The OnePlus 13s compact flagship is priced at ₹54,999 for the 256GB variant and ₹59,999 for 512GB, with ongoing discounts making it an even better value. For users seeking flagship performance, battery life, and a premium experience in a compact form, the 13s is the best option at this price point.
Final Thoughts
Aside from minor camera limitations and the missing alert slider, the OnePlus 13s compact flagship excels in every area. It offers top-tier performance, a stunning display, excellent battery life, and a premium feel—all in a genuinely compact size. For anyone seeking a powerful, pocket-friendly flagship in 2025, the OnePlus 13s is the clear winner.
