In a world where smartphones are growing larger and flashier, OnePlus has taken a bold step backward—in the best way possible—with the OnePlus 13s. Launched in India on June 5, 2025, this compact flagship is making waves not just for its pocket-friendly 6.32-inch form factor but for its ambitious integration of artificial intelligence (AI) that promises to redefine how we interact with our devices. Dubbed “OnePlus AI,” the suite of intelligent features, paired with the innovative Plus Key, positions the OnePlus 13s as a forward-thinking contender in the premium smartphone market. Here’s why this sleek device is turning heads and setting a new standard for compact flagships.
A Compact Powerhouse with Premium Pedigree
The OnePlus 13s is a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by oversized phones. Measuring just 8.15mm thick and weighing a mere 185 grams, it’s designed for one-handed use without compromising on power. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, built on a 3nm process, the 13s delivers blazing-fast performance that rivals larger flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or leveraging AI-driven tasks, the chipset ensures zero lag, even under heavy loads. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, this phone is a performance beast in a petite package.
The 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display is another highlight, offering a 1.5K resolution (2640×1216), a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. With uniform bezels and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the screen delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, or simply browsing. Features like Aqua Touch 2.0 and Glove Mode ensure usability in wet or gloved conditions, adding practical flair to its premium visuals.
The Plus Key: A Shortcut to Smarts
One of the most talked-about features of the OnePlus 13s is the replacement of the iconic Alert Slider with the new “Plus Key.” This customizable button is a game-changer, offering users the flexibility to assign actions like toggling sound modes, launching the camera, activating the flashlight, or accessing AI features with a single press. While some longtime OnePlus fans may miss the simplicity of the Alert Slider, the Plus Key’s tactile feedback and versatility make it more than a gimmick—it’s a gateway to the phone’s intelligent ecosystem.
The Plus Key’s standout function is its integration with AI Plus Mind, a feature that lets users save on-screen content—like articles, images, or event posters—and generate contextual actions. For example, spotting a movie poster on your screen? Press the Plus Key, and AI Plus Mind can save the details and prompt you to set a calendar reminder for the release date. This seamless blend of hardware and AI sets the OnePlus 13s apart, offering a level of interactivity that feels both intuitive and futuristic.\
OnePlus AI: Smarts That Actually Matter
The OnePlus 13s is the brand’s most AI-focused device to date, with the “OnePlus AI” suite taking center stage. Unlike some AI implementations that feel like buzzword-driven add-ons, OnePlus has prioritized practical, user-centric features that enhance daily use. Here are some highlights:
- AI Plus Mind: Beyond saving content, this feature organizes your data into an easily accessible hub, allowing you to retrieve files, messages, or even PDF details using natural language queries via AI Search. It’s like having a personal assistant that knows your phone inside out.
- AI Photography Tools: The dual-camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor with OIS and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, is enhanced by AI Unblur, AI Reframe, and AI Reflection Eraser. These tools clean up shaky shots, optimize framing, and remove unwanted reflections, making every photo Instagram-worthy. The 32MP autofocus front camera also benefits from AI Best Face 2.0, ensuring sharp selfies even in tricky lighting.
- AI VoiceScribe and Call Assistant: These features transcribe and summarize calls, meetings, or videos on apps like WhatsApp and Zoom in real time. Whether you’re jotting down key points from a work call or translating a conversation, these tools save time and boost productivity.
- AI Translation: Real-time translation for calls, screen content, and text makes the OnePlus 13s a global traveler’s dream, breaking down language barriers effortlessly.
- Google Gemini Integration: The 13s comes with Google’s Gemini AI assistant as the default, complete with a three-month Google AI Pro subscription and 2TB of cloud storage, adding even more value to the package.
Running on OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13s offers a smooth, bloat-free software experience. With four years of OS updates and six years of security patches promised, it’s built to stay relevant for the long haul.
Battery and Charging: Small Size, Big Endurance
Despite its compact size, the OnePlus 13s houses a 5,850mAh battery—a remarkable feat for a phone this slim. While slightly smaller than the 6,260mAh battery in the China-exclusive OnePlus 13T, it still outpaces many competitors in its class. Paired with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, the phone can go from 0 to 100% in under 40 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. The inclusion of Bypass Charging, which routes power directly to the phone during heavy tasks like gaming, helps maintain battery health and keeps thermals in check—a boon for mobile gamers.
Design and Ergonomics: Premium in Every Way
Available in Black Velvet, Pink Satin, and the India-exclusive Green Silk colorways, the OnePlus 13s exudes premium craftsmanship. Its aluminum frame and 2.5D curved glass on both sides enhance grip and comfort, while the IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance. The phone’s 360-degree antenna system and G1 Wi-Fi chipset deliver stable 5.5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, making it future-proof for next-gen networks.
However, the design isn’t flawless. The under-display fingerprint sensor is placed a tad low, requiring an awkward thumb stretch for some users. Additionally, the absence of an ultra-wide camera and wireless charging may disappoint those expecting a full flagship feature set. Still, the OnePlus 13s nails the essentials, offering a premium in-hand feel that’s hard to beat in the compact segment.
Pricing and Availability: A Deal Too Good to Miss
Priced at ₹54,999 for the 12GB/256GB base model and ₹59,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant, the OnePlus 13s hits a sweet spot in the premium mid-range market. Launch offers, including a ₹5,000 discount for SBI cardholders, bring the effective price down to ₹49,999 and ₹54,999, respectively, making it an incredible value. Available via OnePlus’ website, Amazon, and offline retailers like Reliance Digital and Croma, the phone went on sale June 12, 2025, with pre-orders starting June 5.
The Compact Comeback: Is the OnePlus 13s for You?
The OnePlus 13s is a love letter to those who crave a powerful phone that doesn’t require two hands to use. Its blend of top-tier performance, a vibrant display, and a robust battery makes it a standout, but it’s the AI-driven features and Plus Key that truly set it apart. While it lacks some flagship perks like wireless charging or an ultra-wide lens, its strengths—ergonomics, AI smarts, and affordability—make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a compact yet capable device.
In a market where big phones dominate, the OnePlus 13s proves that good things do come in small packages. Whether you’re a productivity geek, a casual photographer, or someone who just wants a phone that fits comfortably in your pocket, the OnePlus 13s delivers an AI-powered experience that’s as smart as it is sleek. As posts on X have noted, features like AI auto-recompose and Mind Space are already winning over users, signaling that OnePlus is onto something big with this small phone. If 2025 is indeed the year of the compact flagship, the OnePlus 13s is leading the charge.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 3:31 pm by Aagya Agarwal | Published by: Aagya Agarwal on Sunday, June 15, 2025 3:31 pm | News Categories: Technology News
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