This strategic addition to the OnePlus lineup sits alongside the recently released OnePlus 13T, offering a different approach to the premium smartphone experience. The device features two distinctive colorways—Black Velvet and Pink Satin—and surprisingly replaces the iconic Alert Slider with a new customizable button, signaling a significant design shift for the brand.
Are you ready to explore what makes this compact powerhouse stand out? Throughout this article, we’ll examine the key specifications including display quality, camera capabilities, and battery performance. Additionally, we’ll look at the expected price range, availability in India, and how the OnePlus 13s compares to its siblings in the expanding OnePlus family.
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OnePlus Unveils 13s with Compact Design and Snapdragon 8 Elite
Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus has officially started its teaser campaign for the OnePlus 13s, confirming the upcoming launch of its newest compact flagship in India. Following its recent debut in China as the OnePlus 13T, the device marks a significant addition to OnePlus’ growing smartphone portfolio with a focus on powerful performance in a more pocket-friendly form factor.
Launch teaser highlights
The company has created dedicated product pages for the OnePlus 13s on both Amazon India and the official OnePlus India website, highlighting the device’s key features and specifications. According to the teaser, the OnePlus 13s will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, offering enhanced processing capabilities and advanced AI features.
Most notably, OnePlus has emphasized the compact nature of the smartphone, featuring a 6.32-inch display that makes it the brand’s most compact flagship model to date. This places it even slightly smaller than competitors like the Xiaomi 15, which features a 6.36-inch screen
Though specific launch dates remain under wraps, the teaser confirms the phone will be available through multiple channels, including Amazon.in, the OnePlus India online store, and select offline retail locations. As a flagship device, the OnePlus 13s is expected to offer premium specifications, including up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Furthermore, the teaser reveals a redesigned physical interface, with the iconic Alert Slider being replaced by a new customizable button. This new button will still allow users to toggle between silent, vibration, and ring modes, while offering additional functionality for different tasks.
Design inspirations: Black Velvet and Pink Satin
The teaser images showcase the OnePlus 13s in two distinct colorways – Black Velvet and Pink Satin – each with its own design philosophy and esthetic appeal. According to OnePlus, the Black Velvet finish draws inspiration from “a tranquil night sky,” exuding a sense of timeless elegance that aims to appeal to users seeking a sophisticated look.
Meanwhile, the Pink Satin variant represents a first for the brand, marking OnePlus’ debut pink smartphone finish. The company describes this color option as adding “a touch of vibrant, refreshing esthetic to the brand’s portfolio”. Both finishes have been meticulously crafted to offer a premium in-hand feel.
In terms of physical design, the OnePlus 13s features a sleek metal frame with curved corners designed for a secure and comfortable grip. Despite its compact form factor, the device maintains an impressive profile with a thickness of just 8.15mm and weighs a mere 185 grams. This careful balance of size and weight demonstrates OnePlus’ commitment to creating a phone that’s comfortable for extended use without compromising on performance or battery capacity.
The rear design has also been revamped with minimal protrusions and a redesigned camera housing. Consequently, the visual esthetic aligns with OnePlus’ new design approach that emphasizes subtlety and elegance, moving away from the more flashy designs of previous generations.
In contrast to earlier OnePlus models that featured curved displays, the 13s adopts a more squared-off look with flat sides and rounded corners. This design choice not only contributes to the phone’s distinct visual identity but also enhances its usability for many consumers who prefer flat displays.
OnePlus 13s Showcases Key Specifications and Features
Building upon its compact design, the OnePlus 13s sets industry standards with its internal hardware specifications. OnePlus has confirmed the device will be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, making it one of the first compact flagships to feature this cutting-edge processor.
Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset details
The heart of the OnePlus 13s is undoubtedly the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which represents Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform to date. Built on a 3nm process, this chipset delivers significant improvements in both performance and energy efficiency. The processor features an improved CPU architecture with next-generation cores that provide up to 45% better performance compared to previous generations.
Graphics performance receives a substantial boost as well, with the integrated Adreno 830 GPU offering 40% higher performance. This enhancement particularly benefits gaming experiences and other graphics-intensive applications. Primarily designed for flagship devices, the chipset supports the latest LPDDR5x RAM technology and UFS 4.0 storage standards.
For memory configurations, the OnePlus 13s is expected to offer up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and maximum storage options of 1TB UFS 4.0. These specifications ensure the device can handle multitasking, app switching, and data-intensive operations with ease.
Display, camera, and battery overview
The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch OLED display with full HD+ resolution. This panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate using LTPO technology that dynamically adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content requirements, balancing smoothness with power efficiency. The screen delivers a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content viewing, along with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision standards.
Regarding imaging capabilities, the OnePlus 13s comes equipped with a dual rear camera setup. The primary camera features a 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor with optical image stabilization, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions. This is complemented by a 50MP 2x telephoto lens with OIS that enables quality zoom photography. For selfies, the device incorporates a 16MP front-facing camera.
Battery performance stands out as another highlight, with the OnePlus 13s housing a substantial 6,260mAh battery. This capacity exceeds many competitors in the compact flagship segment. For charging, the device supports 80W wired fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly replenish power when needed.
The overall hardware package is impressive considering the device’s compact dimensions. With a thickness of just 8.15mm and weighing only 185 grams, the OnePlus 13s manages to incorporate flagship-level specifications without the bulk associated with larger devices.
Essentially, the OnePlus 13s represents a significant engineering achievement that balances powerful performance with portability. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, high-quality display, capable cameras, and large battery capacity positions it as a compelling option for users seeking premium features in a more manageable form factor.
OnePlus 13s debuts as the answer to smartphone users craving powerful performance in a more manageable form factor. The compact flagship brings together a sleek design with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, challenging the industry trend toward increasingly larger devices.
OnePlus 13s Replaces Alert Slider with Customizable Button
In a significant departure from tradition, the OnePlus 13s arrives without the iconic Alert Slider that has been a hallmark feature of OnePlus flagships for years. Instead, the device introduces a new customizable button positioned on the left edge of the phone, representing one of the most noteworthy design changes in the brand’s history.
Why OnePlus made the change
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has provided extensive reasoning behind this controversial decision, calling the Alert Slider “a huge piece of hardware just to switch sound profiles”. According to Lau, the company had been debating the future of the Alert Slider for approximately three years before concluding that a more versatile button would better serve users.
Primarily, the decision stems from practical engineering considerations. The three-way physical slider consumed significant internal space both horizontally and vertically. By replacing it with a programmable button, OnePlus gains valuable room for other components, enabling better thermal design, potentially larger batteries, and a slimmer overall profile. This space optimization is particularly crucial for the OnePlus 13s given its compact dimensions.
Li Jie, president of OnePlus China, confirmed that the new button—referred to in some markets as “Quick Key”—will maintain the Alert Slider’s fundamental functionality while adding versatility. Users will still be able to switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes without unlocking their device . Nevertheless, Lau emphasized this was “non-negotiable” when designing the replacement.
The company also points to user feedback as a driving factor. “One of the most common requests we’ve heard over years? ‘Let me customize the Alert Slider,'” noted Lau. However, the slider’s hardware limitations made reprogramming impossible without sacrificing its simplicity—its function was locked to its physical position.
User reactions and expectations
As expected, the replacement of such an iconic feature has generated mixed responses from the OnePlus community. Indeed, longtime fans have expressed disappointment, with some stating directly: “The Alert Slider is iconic for OnePlus. It belongs to OnePlus. So why do you have to imitate Apple?”. Others have been more blunt: “If we wanted an Apple style button we would just buy Apple”.
Conversely, practical users have welcomed the change, pointing out that the Alert Slider was rarely used by many owners. For these individuals, a more customizable button that allows access to frequently used functions offers greater utility.
Regarding functionality, expectations are high for what this button might enable. While OnePlus hasn’t revealed all possible actions, the button is expected to offer functionality similar to Apple’s Action Button. This could include options to launch the camera, activate flashlight, trigger AI features, open specific apps, or run custom routines. Louis Lee from OnePlus has hinted at “a range of actions” and even teased “a very interesting function” that will be revealed later.
From a technical perspective, the customizable button is positioned to become a defining feature of the OnePlus 13s. It represents what Lau calls an “evolution” rather than simply a replacement. This change also aligns with broader industry trends, as sister brand Oppo has shown videos featuring a similar customizable button that can trigger AI features.
Moving forward, this design change appears to signal a new direction for OnePlus devices. The OnePlus 13s is likely the first of many models to incorporate this new interface element, with future OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme flagships expected to adopt similar customizable buttons.
OnePlus 13s Expands OnePlus’ Compact Flagship Strategy
With the introduction of the OnePlus 13s, the company further strengthens its presence in the compact flagship segment. The device represents a strategic expansion of OnePlus’ product lineup, offering users more options based on their preferences for size, performance, and price.
Comparison with OnePlus 13T
The OnePlus 13s appears to be a rebranded version of the OnePlus 13T that recently debuted in China. Both devices share identical specifications and design elements. Each features the same 6.32-inch display, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and impressive 6,260mAh battery capacity. Even the camera configuration remains consistent across both models, with a 50MP Sony IMX906 primary shooter and 50MP telephoto lens.
Moreover, both devices maintain the same physical dimensions, weighing approximately 185 grams with a thickness of 8.15mm. The color options – Black Velvet and Pink Satin – are likewise identical between the two models. Therefore, the primary distinction lies in branding strategy rather than hardware differences.
Positioning against OnePlus 13 and 13R
The OnePlus 13s occupies a strategic middle ground in the company’s current lineup. Price-wise, it’s expected to land around ₹50,000 for the base variant, positioning it between the more affordable OnePlus 13R (₹42,999) and the premium OnePlus 13 (₹69,999).
In terms of specifications, the device creates an interesting balance. Unlike its siblings with larger displays – 6.82 inches on the OnePlus 13 and 6.78 inches on the 13R – the 13s offers a more compact 6.32-inch screen for improved one-handed usability.
Although the 13s shares the same Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as the flagship OnePlus 13, it differs in charging capabilities. The 13s supports 80W wired charging versus the 13’s 100W, yet lacks the wireless charging functionality present in the premium model. Interestingly, the 13s houses a larger 6,260mAh battery than both the OnePlus 13 and 13R, which come with 6,000mAh units.
Camera-wise, the 13s offers a dual-camera setup that surpasses the 13R in capabilities yet doesn’t match the triple 50MP configuration of the OnePlus 13.
OnePlus 13s Prepares for India Launch and Availability
The anticipated arrival of the OnePlus 13s in India is currently set for late Q2 2025, with June being the likely launch month. As OnePlus prepares its marketing campaign, the company has already created dedicated landing pages on its official website and Amazon to build anticipation for this compact flagship.
Expected price range and sales channels
Regarding pricing, the OnePlus 13s is expected to be positioned around the ₹55,000 mark. Some sources suggest it might be priced more competitively between ₹40,000 and ₹45,000, especially considering the Chinese variant (OnePlus 13T) starts at approximately CNY 3,399 (roughly ₹39,800). This pricing would place it strategically between the OnePlus 13R (₹42,999) and the premium OnePlus 13 (₹69,999).
The device will be available through multiple sales channels, including:
- Amazon.in as the primary e-commerce partner
- OnePlus India’s official online store
- OnePlus Experience Stores across the country
- Other offline retail outlets including potentially Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales
OnePlus has indicated that most orders will arrive within three days of purchase, suggesting the company is preparing a robust distribution network for the launch.
Pre-order and promotional offers
Presently, OnePlus has initiated a “Notify Me” campaign on its website where interested customers can register to receive updates about the launch. Alongside this, the company is running an innovative contest wherein users who tap “Notify Me” and share with friends can add up to eight OnePlus 13s devices to a prize list, potentially winning one at no cost.
Subsequently, based on OnePlus’ established pattern with previous launches, customers might expect several promotional offers at launch, such as:
- Exclusive discounts for verified corporate employees
- Device exchange programs allowing customers to trade in their old smartphones
- The OnePlus Easy Upgrades program offering 35% assured value after 24 months
- Special benefits for Red Cable Club members
- Potentially bank-specific discounts similar to those offered for the OnePlus 13 launch
Evidently, OnePlus is implementing a comprehensive pre-launch strategy to build excitement for what will be its first truly compact flagship smartphone in the Indian market.
Conclusion: OnePlus 13s Redefines Compact Flagship Experience
The OnePlus 13s stands as a testament to OnePlus’ evolving strategy in the premium smartphone market. This compact powerhouse successfully challenges the industry trend toward increasingly larger devices without compromising on performance. Powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the device delivers exceptional processing capabilities while maintaining a manageable 6.32-inch form factor.
Additionally, the replacement of the iconic Alert Slider with a customizable button marks a significant shift in OnePlus’ design philosophy. Though controversial among longtime fans, this change potentially offers greater functionality while freeing up valuable internal space for other components like the impressive 6,260mAh battery.
The dual camera system featuring 50MP sensors strikes a balance between capability and practicality, positioning the OnePlus 13s as a strong contender in the photography department. Meanwhile, the Black Velvet and Pink Satin finishes provide esthetically pleasing options that align with OnePlus’ premium brand identity.
Strategically positioned between the OnePlus 13R and OnePlus 13 with an expected price around ₹50,000, the 13s fills an important gap in the company’s portfolio. Consumers seeking powerful specifications without the bulk of larger flagship devices will find much to appreciate here.
Ultimately, the OnePlus 13s represents a thoughtful response to users who desire high-end performance without sacrificing one-handed usability. This compact flagship demonstrates OnePlus’ willingness to evolve while still addressing core user needs for performance, battery life, and distinctive design. Expected to launch in June 2025, the OnePlus 13s might well become the benchmark for what a compact flagship should offer.
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