OnePlus has rolled out the 13S, a fresh addition to its flagship series that aims to shake up the compact smartphone game. Sporting the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite chip, the 13S offers power and style without going full-size. But is it worth your attention?
A Compact Powerhouse with a Twist
Right off the bat, the OnePlus 13S is no shrinking violet. It packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite processor — the same beast that powers the bigger OnePlus 13. That means, in terms of raw speed and performance, you’re getting flagship-grade power in a pocket-friendly frame. Honestly, that’s a breath of fresh air in a market where bigger often means better, leaving compact phone lovers with limited options.
But wait, the 13S isn’t just about muscle under the hood. OnePlus tossed in a new Plus key, which is unique to this model. Think of it as a shortcut button that lets you quickly trigger specific actions or apps. Sounds simple, right? But in daily use, it can save time, giving you a kind of personalized edge on how you interact with your device.
However, this compact beauty does skip the Hasselblad camera setup featured on the OnePlus 13. That’s a bit of a bummer if you’re a shutterbug who follows the photography hype. But the 13S still sports an impressive camera array that beats out the 13R, so you won’t be left wanting in the photo department — at least for casual and semi-serious snaps.
How It Stacks Up Against the Heavyweights
OnePlus isn’t trying to quietly slip the 13S onto the shelves; it’s entering a fierce battle with the likes of Xiaomi 15, Samsung Galaxy S25, Pixel 9a, and the ever-popular iPhone 16e. All these phones bring their own flavor to the table, making it a real toss-up for consumers hunting for a solid compact flagship.
Here’s a quick glance at how the 13S measures up:
| Feature | OnePlus 13S | Xiaomi 15 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Pixel 9a | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Exynos 2400 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A18 Bionic |
| Display | 6.3-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.36-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz |
| Camera Setup | Triple 50MP, no Hasselblad | Triple 50MP | Triple 50MP | Dual 48MP | Dual 48MP |
| Battery | 4500mAh, 80W charging | 4500mAh, 120W charging | 3900mAh, 25W charging | 4385mAh, 18W charging | 3279mAh, 20W charging |
| Price (Base) | ₹56,999 approx. | ₹54,999 approx. | ₹69,999 approx. | ₹39,999 approx. | ₹74,999 approx. |
The numbers suggest the OnePlus 13S fits nicely between the Xiaomi 15 and Samsung S25 in terms of raw specs and price. But numbers don’t tell the full story. What really counts is how the phone feels day-to-day, how well it runs apps, how the camera performs in real lighting, and yes — how that Plus key actually helps or doesn’t.
Daily Use: The Sweet Spot for Many
Using the OnePlus 13S for a couple of weeks left me impressed by its fluidity. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite SoC chews through multitasking and gaming like a champ. Apps launch quickly, switching between heavy-duty apps felt seamless, and I didn’t notice any lag. If you’re a fan of mobile gaming or intense multitasking, the 13S can keep pace.
The 6.3-inch AMOLED screen is bright, vivid, and offers a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s just the right size for those who don’t want to juggle a massive phone in one hand. I’ll admit, it felt refreshing to go back to a phone that fits comfortably in pockets without constantly fearing a drop.
The battery is decent. With 4500mAh capacity and 80W charging support, topping up is quick. But honestly, it’s not a beast in battery life compared to some rivals like the Xiaomi 15 with its 120W charging or the Pixel’s more modest endurance.
Now about that Plus key — it might seem like a gimmick, but it actually grew on me. Assigning quick shortcuts like launching the camera or toggling silent mode is handy. I can see power users appreciating this, though casual users might shrug it off as unnecessary.
Cameras: Not Hasselblad, But Still Solid
Skipping the Hasselblad branding was a bit of a letdown. OnePlus has enjoyed some real street cred with Hasselblad collaboration in the past, elevating its cameras above average. But the 13S sticks with a capable triple 50MP setup.
Photos turn out sharp with accurate colors during daylight, though in low light, you’ll notice it struggles compared to premium flagships. Night mode does help but isn’t perfect. The ultra-wide lens is decent, and video recording supports 4K at 60fps, which is pretty standard for this class.
So, for most users who aren’t pixel-peeping pros, the camera quality will satisfy. But if photography is a deal-breaker, other phones might have a slight edge here.
Final Thoughts: Who’s This Phone For?
If you love flagship specs but prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle device, the OnePlus 13S feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s got a powerful processor, a sharp display, and a neat Plus key feature that sets it apart.
Sure, there are compromises — no Hasselblad cameras, battery life is good but not great, and it’s sandwiched between some fierce competition. But that’s the tradeoff when you want a compact flagship that doesn’t break the bank.
Honestly, if you’re tired of giant slabs of glass dominating the market and want a phone that feels premium yet manageable, the 13S deserves your attention.
