OnePlus 13s review: Small in size, big in performance

Time of India

3 days ago

3.5/5
They say good things come in small packages — and with the
OnePlus 13s
, that might just be the case. In a world where smartphones seem to grow taller and heavier with each iteration, OnePlus has taken a slightly different path. With the Oneplus 13s, the brand has gone back to the drawing board — delivering a device that's noticeably more compact, but without shrinking its ambitions.
Under the hood, it's powered by Qualcomm's latest and greatest — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Edition, which also powers the OnePlus 13. The handset promises top-tier speed, efficiency, and AI smartness. On the outside, the phone sports a sleek, minimalist design that's easy to handle, even one-handed. From display quality to battery life and camera performance, this phone aims to punch well above its weight class.
Coming at Rs 54,999, is the OnePlus 13s the compact flagship Android fans have been waiting for? Or is it just another phone in the market? Let's dive in and find out.
Oneplus 13s design
The OnePlus 13s embraces a more compact design, striking the perfect balance between portability and practicality—making everyday use feel effortless. At just 8.15mm thin and weighing 185g, the dimensions make a noticeable difference. It's easier to use one-handed, slips into pockets without much fuss, and doesn't feel bulky during longer use sessions.
The design itself is clean and minimal. With flat glass panels on both sides and a flat middle frame, the 13s opts for a straightforward, almost understated aesthetic. Subtle curves on the corners help it sit more comfortably in the hand, and the overall build feels balanced thanks to its even weight distribution.
We also found the camera module placement to be well-considered. Positioned in the top-left corner and sculpted from a single piece of aluminum, it doesn't get in the way when holding the phone horizontally — something that makes a difference during gaming or media playback.
While the design doesn't necessarily break new ground, it reflects a certain maturity in execution. There's a focus on practicality over flash, and for those who prefer a device that stays out of the way and feels good to carry around, the OnePlus 13s makes a solid case for itself.
Talking about the ports and buttons, the USB Type-C port is placed at the bottom alongside the speaker grill and the microphones. On the right edge are the volume controls and power buttons. With OnePlus 13s, the company has replaced its popular alert slider with the OnePlus key — a move that may divide opinion among longtime users. In practice, the new key retains the core functionality of quick audio mode switching (ring, vibrate, silent) via a long press, but now adds a layer of customization. Users can assign the Plus Key to trigger specific functions such as launching the camera, activating the flashlight, or opening a translation tool, offering more flexibility than the single-purpose slider it replaces.
Its integration with OnePlus' AI system — specifically, the AI Plus Mind assistant — adds further utility, allowing the button to act as a quick gateway to smart features. While this AI functionality is better explored in its own section, the physical presence and tactile feedback of the Plus Key make it feel purposeful rather than gimmicky.
That said, those who preferred the simplicity and reliability of the original Alert Slider might need some time to adjust.
OnePlus 13s display
OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch display — a size that strikes a solid balance between screen real estate and one-handed usability. Thanks to its ultra-thin 1.34mm side bezels and a narrow 71.7mm width, the device manages to feel closer in hand to a typical 6.1-inch phone, while still offering a noticeably larger viewing area.
In daily use, the LPTO, ProXDR display holds up well across a variety of conditions. Color reproduction is vivid but not overly saturated, with a natural tone that avoids leaning too warm or cool out of the box. Whether browsing photos or watching videos, the 1.5K high resolution panel delivers clean, consistent colors with minimal shift even at off-angles. Viewing angles are solid — we didn't notice any major color distortion or brightness drop when tilting the screen.
Brightness is another strength. Thanks to up to 1600 nits brightness, the panel gets bright enough for clear outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight, while also supporting adaptive brightness that responds quickly to changing environments. Indoors, the display comfortably dials down without becoming too dim, which helps in low-light scenarios like bedtime reading.
Touch response and scrolling feel smooth and fluid, thanks to Aqua Touch 2.0. The compact size also makes edge interactions easier — gestures feel more controlled, and reaching across the screen doesn't require shifting the phone in hand.
While the OnePlus 13s doesn't bring groundbreaking innovations to the display, it offers a polished and well-balanced experience suited to its compact design. Also, OnePlus has added a Gloves mode with the 13s, enabling users to interact with the phone while wearing gloves.
OnePlus 13s First Look: Compact flagship with NO compromises!
OnePlus 13s performance
OnePlus 13s packs Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite Edition, and in day-to-day use, it handles everything from multitasking to demanding games with ease. The responsiveness, app load times, and general system fluidity reflect the kind of experience typically reserved for larger flagships.
Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the phone keeps up impressively during heavier use. App switching is snappy, background processes remain active longer, and load times are near-instant across the board. Whether it's editing photos, browsing with multiple tabs open, or running graphics-intensive titles, the 13s holds its ground.
Despite its compact size, the OnePlus 13s handles mobile gaming with surprising confidence. Whether it's fast-paced titles like BGMI, or graphically demanding games with detailed textures and complex environments, the phone consistently delivers stable frame rates and smooth performance.
Gaming on OnePlus 13s
The addition of pass-through charging makes a noticeable difference for mobile gamers. It helps keep heat buildup under control during charging while gaming — something often overlooked in smaller phones — and results in better sustained performance without the usual thermal throttling.
Visuals are another strong point. Games that support HDR and high refresh rates look excellent on the 6.32-inch display, with sharp details, vibrant colors, and fluid animations. It may not match the scale of gaming-centric devices with larger screens, but in terms of clarity and responsiveness, it delivers a near PC-like experience in the palm of your hand.
OnePlus has also included network optimizations aimed at reducing latency during online play. In our experience, connection stability was reliable, even on less-than-ideal networks. Ping fluctuations were rare, and matchmaking lobbies loaded quickly across titles tested.
Thermal management appears to be a key focus here. While the phone does get warm during extended gaming or benchmarking, it never became uncomfortably hot during our time with it. The large vapor chamber and integrated cooling layer built into the back cover clearly help here, keeping surface temperatures in check better than expected for a phone this size.
OnePlus also introduces what it calls the S-Structure — a reworked internal layout designed to optimize space and thermal flow. While the specifics remain under the hood, the result is a compact phone that doesn't feel like it's fighting its own constraints. There's no noticeable throttling under sustained loads, and the device remains consistently responsive even after extended sessions.
Overall, the OnePlus 13s delivers a level of performance that not only meets flagship standards, but does so within a more pocketable form factor — something that hasn't always been a given in this category.
OnePlus AI, software and more
The OnePlus 13s runs on Android 15, featuring the company's own OxygenOS 15. The overall experience feels familiar to anyone who's used a recent OnePlus device. The interface remains clean and lightweight, with minimal bloat and thoughtful customizations that enhance usability rather than overwhelm it.
Android 15 brings under-the-hood improvements like better background process handling, and smoother multitasking — all of which contribute to a stable and fluid experience. Navigation is snappy, multitasking is fluid, and animations feel polished. We didn't encounter any noticeable bugs or slowdowns during use, and transitions between apps remained smooth even under load.
OxygenOS also continues to strike a good balance between customization and simplicity. There's enough flexibility for users who like to tweak, but the defaults are sensible for those who prefer a straightforward setup. Features like Zen Mode, Private Safe, and Shelf are still here.
AI on smartphones often feels like a collection of flashy features that sound good on paper but rarely make a lasting difference in everyday use. On the OnePlus 13s, however, OnePlus AI takes a more focused and useful approach.
At the center of it all is AI Plus Mind, OnePlus' new personal assistant tool. It's a small but clever addition that changes how you save and find information. Whether it's a message, article, or photo, simply pressing the Plus Key or swiping up with three fingers stores it in Mind Space — a central place where all your saved content lives. No need to remember which app you saved something in; a quick search using natural language usually gets you what you need.
Over time, AI Plus Mind starts doing more. If you're looking at a calendar invite or a flight detail, it may suggest adding it to your calendar or helping with travel plans. The system is designed to get smarter with use, and future updates are expected to expand these contextual suggestions.
The OnePlus 13s also features AI Search, which lets you find files, messages, or even buried PDF details just by asking questions in plain English. In our experience, it worked well with both on-device content and app-based info — no digging through folders or long scrolling needed.
Another standout is AI VoiceScribe, which can record, summarize, and translate conversations or meetings across apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Instagram. Transcriptions are saved to Notes and can even show live subtitles during a call or video — useful for both work and travel. Paired with the AI-powered Translate app, which OnePlus says supports over 20 languages and works across voice, text, screen, and even your camera, language barriers become much less of an issue.
When it comes to photos, AI Creativity tools are integrated right into the gallery. Features like AI Unblur, Reflection Eraser, and AI Reframe are easy to use and actually deliver useful results. Instead of loading up with heavy editing apps, quick touch-ups or artistic crops can be done with just a few taps.
Moreover, Google Gemini integration enhances AI-driven assistance across apps. Whether it's summarizing a YouTube video into a note, translating a scene using the camera, or walking through tasks by sharing your screen, the AI genuinely helps cut down steps.
In short, the OnePlus 13s doesn't just check the AI box — it brings tools that are easy to use and fit naturally into how we already use our phones.
OnePlus 13s also expands its connectivity options with the introduction of O+ Connect for both Mac and Windows platforms. Building on the earlier 'Share with iPhone' feature, this allows users to transfer files effortlessly between their OnePlus device and their computer.
What's convenient here is the ability to view phone files directly on the computer without needing to download them first, streamlining workflows and saving time. Whether it's photos, documents, or videos, O+ Connect makes managing content across devices smoother and more intuitive — a practical feature for anyone who frequently switches between their phone and PC.
OnePlus 13s camera
Using the OnePlus 13s camera feels straightforward and dependable, without unnecessary complications. The 50MP primary sensor captures sharp, vibrant photos, whether shooting outdoors in bright light or indoors with softer lighting. The OIS helps keep shots clear, even when handholding in low-light conditions, though very dark environments still challenge the sensor like most phones.
Switching to the 50MP telephoto lens for 2x zoom is smooth, and the images maintain strong detail without obvious softness or noise, making it great for portraits or when you want to capture something a bit further away. The phone's ability to handle motion is noticeable—whether you're snapping a quick burst or shooting moving subjects, the Dual Exposure and Clear Burst modes help keep images crisp and well-exposed.
A key omission is the lack of an ultra-wide camera. This means users won't have the flexibility to capture sweeping landscapes, large group shots, or creative wide-angle perspectives directly from the phone's camera. For many, this could be a drawback, especially those who often rely on ultra-wide shots might find themselves needing to step back physically or use cropping tricks, which isn't always convenient.
The 32MP front camera stands out for sharp selfies that are well-focused even when moving the phone or adjusting angles. It's also reliable for video calls, delivering clear and natural-looking video. Video recording benefits from the Dolby Vision HDR support, producing footage that looks vivid and well-balanced. The Ultra Steady mode makes handheld shots feel smooth, even when walking or moving quickly.
Overall, the camera experience on the OnePlus 13s is practical and user-friendly — it performs well across most everyday scenarios without requiring much fiddling, which is exactly what many users will appreciate.
OnePlus 13s battery
OnePlus 13s packs a sizable 5,850mAh battery, which easily supports more than a day of regular use, including browsing, streaming, gaming, and calls. In our experience, the battery didn't just last through typical work and leisure activities but also had enough juice left for some evening usage without rushing for a charger.
When it's time to recharge, the phone supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which quickly tops up the battery. You can expect a significant boost in just 20-30 minutes, making it convenient for those short breaks when you need to power up fast.
Verdict
Priced at Rs 54,999 (base price), OnePlus 13s stands out as a rare compact flagship that doesn't compromise on core performance. From its bright and crisp display to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite) chip, it handles daily tasks and intensive gaming with ease. The new Plus Key and OnePlus AI integrations add meaningful utility. The smartphone's sizable battery and fast charging round out a solid everyday experience.
That said, the lack of an ultra-wide camera and wireless charging might leave some wanting more, especially at this segment. But for those looking for a compact phone that feels fast, thoughtfully built, and future-ready, the OnePlus 13s makes a strong case for itself.
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