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Vivo may launch X200 FE, X Fold5 phones in India next month: What to expect
Vivo is reportedly set to launch two new smartphones in India on July 10—the X200 FE and X Fold5. The X200 FE will be the latest addition into the company's flagship X200 series, which includes the X200, X200 Pro models. On the other hand, Vivo's X Fold5, is said to be among the thinnest and lightest foldable smartphones.
X200 FE could be a rebranded version of the Vivo S30 Pro Mini, which debuted in China last month. Meanwhile, the X Fold5 is yet to be officially unveiled.
Vivo X Fold 5: What to expect
According to a report by GSMArena, the Vivo X Fold5 will be powered by the Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 system-on-chip (SoC), paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. The smartphone will likely sport an 8.03-inch foldable AMOLED display with 2K+ resolution and refresh rate of 120Hz. The cover will have a 6.53-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz of refresh rate. The X Fold5 will likely be 4.3mm thick when unfolded and 9.33mm thick when folded.
For camera optics, the smartphone will feature a 50MP (Sony IMX921) main camera accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide camera with autofocus. It will also have a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. At the front camera, the smartphone will get a 32MP sensor for selfies, video calls and more.
Vivo X200 FE: What to expect
The Vivo X200 FE smartphone is expected to sport a 6.31-inch 1.5K 8T LTPO display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800 nits peak brightness. The smartphone will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
For imaging, the smartphone could feature a 50MP (Sony IMX921) with optical image stabilisation (OIS) accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide, and 50MP 3x telephoto lens. At the front, it is expected to feature a 50MP camera for selfies, video calls and more.
The Vivo X200 FE smartphone could feature a 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired charging support. The device may also get IP69 certification for dust and water resistance.
Main display: 8.03-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, 2K+ resolution
Cover display: 6.53-inch LTPO OLED, 120 Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
RAM: Up to 16GB
Storage: up to 512 GB
Rear cameras: 50MP primary (Sony IMX921) +50MP ultrawide with AF +50 MP telephoto
Front camera: 32MP
Battery: 6000mAh
Charging: 90W wired, 30W wireless
Vivo X200 FE : Expected specifications
Full display: 6.31-inch flat OLED+1.5K resolution+ 120 Hz refresh rate
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+
RAM: Up to 16GB
Storage: up to 512 GB
Rear cameras: 50MP primary (Sony IMX921) +50MP ultrawide +50 MP telephoto
Front camera: 50MP
Battery: 6500mAh
Charging: 90W wired
Weigh: 200g
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
OnePlus 13s review: Small in size, big in performance
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. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Xiaomi 16 leak reveals screen size and massive 7,000mAh battery
Even though we're still months away from the rumoured launch of the Xiaomi 16 series, new leaks are already giving us a pretty good idea of what to expect. The phone is expected to be the successor to the Xiaomi 15 — a device that launched in India just a few months ago. And yet, fresh information about its features and hardware continues to surface online. The latest scoop comes from tipster Digital Chat Station, who claims that the Xiaomi 16 will feature a 6.3x-inch display. We speculate this could be the same 6.36-inch AMOLED panel used on the Xiaomi 15. The leak also brings more clarity on the phone's battery — and it looks like we're in for a serious leaks had hinted at a battery larger than 6,500mAh, and now Digital Chat Station has specifically mentioned a 7,000mAh cell under the hood. That's a significant jump compared to most flagships on the market today. To put that into perspective — the just-released OnePlus 13s already features a 6.3-inch screen paired with a 6,000mAh battery. So, Xiaomi going even bigger with battery capacity by the end of the year doesn't feel far-fetched. Technology is clearly moving fast, and battery innovation — especially with silicon carbon cells — seems to be gaining momentum. It's high time Apple and Samsung also joined the for performance, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which will likely be announced during the Snapdragon Summit later this September. This would make it the direct successor to the current Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which powers the Xiaomi 15 and many other current Android flagships. While there's a chance that Xiaomi could even potentially use its own Xring 01 chip — the same one that's in the Xiaomi 15s Pro and Pad 7 Ultra — it seems more likely the company will stick with Qualcomm's top-end silicon for this The camera system on the Xiaomi 16 is also said to feature three 50-megapixel sensors — a primary lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens with macro support. Nothing wildly different from the Xiaomi 15 on paper, but we'll likely see improvements in processing and in all, the Xiaomi 16 looks like it'll be a compact flagship phone with some serious battery muscle — possibly the biggest in its class if this 7,000mAh rumour turns out to be true. If Xiaomi follows the same release pattern as last year, we can expect the Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Ultra to be unveiled in China by October, with an India launch likely around March tuned to India Today Tech for all the latest on the Xiaomi 16 series.
India Today
6 hours ago
- India Today
OnePlus 13s review: This small phone delivers big on every front
OnePlus 13s in pink satin User-friendly design Exceptional battery endurance Fast and fluid performance Innovative AI features Cameras could be better Only IP65 No wirless charging The OnePlus 13s packs flagship features in a compact chassis It has Qualcomm's fastest Snapdragon chip and a big battery The phone starts at Rs 54,999 The 13s is not the smallest, thinnest, or even the lightest phone that OnePlus has ever made. A quick check on the internet will tell you, it isn't the smallest, thinnest, or lightest flagship phone available in the market at the time of writing, either. Both Apple and Samsung beat OnePlus at it with the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25, respectively. OnePlus doesn't explicitly say that it has made the smallest, thinnest, or lightest flagship phone in so many words, but what it does claim - with a great deal of confidence - is, it has made the ultimate compact flagship phone. Basically, what it is saying is that it has found the cheat code to fashion a good, high-end phone with all the bells and whistles that money can buy, without being too big or cumbersome to use daily. The 13s is an ultra-phone without the ultra-size That is a tall claim because a) it challenges conventional wisdom, and b) it is not easy because, if it were, everyone would be doing it. It is so difficult that brands have smartly shrugged their shoulders off and passed the blame on to the customer. They say there is not enough demand for good small phones. But there is, at least that is what the launch of the OnePlus 13s suggests. So, why are compact phones so hard to make? Well, it is simple physics. When you have less space, there are only so many parts and components that you can put inside it. There are compromises. Some are obvious, some not so much. The battery is a big one. The OnePlus 13s has a 6.32-inch screen inside a near 6.1-inch chassis thanks to clever design and minimal bezels The OnePlus 13s gets it right. It has a large 5,850mAh battery to begin with, and it can go the distance, easily lasting more than a day regardless of how you push it. I have been using the phone for nearly a month and, believe me, I have tried and tried hard to jostle it - it just wouldn't budge from character. Each day, it would last a bit longer to an extent, it felt like it was teasing me to go and try harder. It's a game I am willing to play for as long as I can. Maybe I'll beat it someday. But today is not my day. On a serious note, most people would rather have a thick phone just so they can get a bigger battery. But that is not ideal. It is a workaround. With the 13s, OnePlus has broken that stereotype, proving conclusively that small phones can have big batteries and great longevity [for benchmark aficionados, the OnePlus 13s clocked over 19 hours in PC Mark]. The phone also supports quick top-ups, up to 80W, with a full charge taking just under one hour and fifteen minutes. The OnePlus 13s is a very fast phone Obviously, it has the fastest chip that Qualcomm makes - the Snapdragon 8 Elite - but remember that this is a small phone and so, taming the beast is easier said than done. This is another big reason why small phones are hard. But the 13s is a rare exception. Not only does it beat the pants off Samsung in benchmarks (scoring higher in AnTuTu by a good margin), but it is also able to pull sustained performance from the chip more consistently without any major hiccups [even if the CPU does show signs of throttling in tests]. Plus Key on the OnePlus 13s replaces the alert slider Yes, it heats up under peak load, say, for instance, while graphics-intensive gaming or using Google Maps, but it takes time and even when it does get hot after extended use, OnePlus has made sure - through smart engineering - that it cools down quickly. The smart play extends to the phone's charging capabilities with bypass technology letting you charge the phone directly (instead of the battery) when you are running low on juice but can't put it down because you are in the middle of a game. This attention to detail is what sets the OnePlus 13s apart from everything else. It is a wake-up call that competition must pull its socks up now, more than ever. Maybe, the 13s was the revolution the industry needed Speaking of revolutions, the OnePlus 13s is the first phone to bundle 'OnePlus AI,' a comprehensive suite of AI conveniences, that includes anything and everything from search to recording, summarising, and translating calls, meetings, and videos within third-party apps. It is OnePlus's answer to Apple Intelligence and Samsung's Galaxy AI. To make AI more intrinsic and accessible, OnePlus has replaced its signature alert slider with a new Plus Key, which unlocks more customisation, letting users assign a wide range of shortcuts (like the iPhone's Action Button), including waking up the Plus Mind, a sandbox that serves as a one-stop shop to store and curate screenshots. Some of them are okay, some could be better, but there's not even an iota of doubt that OnePlus has caught on the trend in big, meaningful ways that are only expected to get better with time. Phones have always been pocket computers, but when they got bigger, the pocketability suffered. The OnePlus 13s brings back the good old days. The OnePlus 13s is the first phone to launch with OnePlus AI It is hard not to come out impressed with all the things that it can do. Its flat-out 6.32-inch LTPO OLED screen is a treat for your eyes and senses, whether you immerse yourself in content or uninterrupted gaming. It is as if you are interacting directly with what's on the screen like paper, not through glass and a protective cover. The super-slim bezels accentuate the effect to a near-satisfying degree. It doesn't get as bright as some of the other flagships, including the OnePlus 13, but you don't feel it coming in the way of experience when you're out and about. Wet touch and glove mode are two quality-of-life features you learn to appreciate once you start using them day to day [the phone is IP65 certified]. That day-to-day experience of using the OnePlus 13s is what I like to call a 'chef's kiss.' Everything about this phone, be it colour or design choices, seems like it was hand-picked by an artist who worked relentlessly to craft a masterpiece that everyone - both fans and critics - would love. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a phone you must hold to believe the hype. When you hold the OnePlus 13s, you're not blown away by how slim or light it is, rather, you feel warmth and comfort. It's a place that you want to be. It feels like home. Every nook, every corner of its metal and glass chassis, was put together for a distinct purpose. Most of it has been met. The OnePlus 13s has a dual rear camera setup Some areas could be better, particularly the cameras. The 13s has the same rear setup as the OnePlus 13R: dual cameras with a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with optically stabilised f/1.8 aperture lens and another 50-megapixel 2x telephoto. It did not wow much there, and it doesn't move the needle here. It is serviceable at best, which is how I would describe it, which is to say that there are times when it might surprise you, but you'll have to learn to live with some of its limitations, like inconsistent colours/sharpness and hit-or-miss HDR performance. Switching between the two cameras isn't always the fastest, either. All-in-all, this is the only area where OnePlus needs to improve. The hardware is there. And it's not all bad. The front camera, which is 32-megapixel and has autofocus, for instance, does well in most situations. You can record 4K videos from both sides. They are okay. The OnePlus 13s is a masterclass in compact flagship design The OnePlus 13s starts at Rs 54,999 With the 13s, OnePlus has shown that big things can indeed come in small packages without compromising on essential features like battery life or performance. While its cameras are merely serviceable, its exceptional battery endurance, sustained high performance, innovative AI features, and user-friendly design make it an undisputed champion for anyone seeking a powerful, comfortable-to-hold phone that truly delivers on the promise of an 'ultra-phone without the ultra-size." If you've been yearning for a top-tier smartphone that doesn't feel like a burden in your pocket, the OnePlus 13s is unequivocally the phone to buy. It starts at Rs 54,999 for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage will set you back by Rs 59,999 - which is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25. The 13s is not the smallest, thinnest, or even the lightest phone that OnePlus has ever made. A quick check on the internet will tell you, it isn't the smallest, thinnest, or lightest flagship phone available in the market at the time of writing, either. Both Apple and Samsung beat OnePlus at it with the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25, respectively. OnePlus doesn't explicitly say that it has made the smallest, thinnest, or lightest flagship phone in so many words, but what it does claim - with a great deal of confidence - is, it has made the ultimate compact flagship phone. Basically, what it is saying is that it has found the cheat code to fashion a good, high-end phone with all the bells and whistles that money can buy, without being too big or cumbersome to use daily. The 13s is an ultra-phone without the ultra-size That is a tall claim because a) it challenges conventional wisdom, and b) it is not easy because, if it were, everyone would be doing it. It is so difficult that brands have smartly shrugged their shoulders off and passed the blame on to the customer. They say there is not enough demand for good small phones. But there is, at least that is what the launch of the OnePlus 13s suggests. So, why are compact phones so hard to make? Well, it is simple physics. When you have less space, there are only so many parts and components that you can put inside it. There are compromises. Some are obvious, some not so much. The battery is a big one. The OnePlus 13s has a 6.32-inch screen inside a near 6.1-inch chassis thanks to clever design and minimal bezels The OnePlus 13s gets it right. It has a large 5,850mAh battery to begin with, and it can go the distance, easily lasting more than a day regardless of how you push it. I have been using the phone for nearly a month and, believe me, I have tried and tried hard to jostle it - it just wouldn't budge from character. Each day, it would last a bit longer to an extent, it felt like it was teasing me to go and try harder. It's a game I am willing to play for as long as I can. Maybe I'll beat it someday. But today is not my day. On a serious note, most people would rather have a thick phone just so they can get a bigger battery. But that is not ideal. It is a workaround. With the 13s, OnePlus has broken that stereotype, proving conclusively that small phones can have big batteries and great longevity [for benchmark aficionados, the OnePlus 13s clocked over 19 hours in PC Mark]. The phone also supports quick top-ups, up to 80W, with a full charge taking just under one hour and fifteen minutes. The OnePlus 13s is a very fast phone Obviously, it has the fastest chip that Qualcomm makes - the Snapdragon 8 Elite - but remember that this is a small phone and so, taming the beast is easier said than done. This is another big reason why small phones are hard. But the 13s is a rare exception. Not only does it beat the pants off Samsung in benchmarks (scoring higher in AnTuTu by a good margin), but it is also able to pull sustained performance from the chip more consistently without any major hiccups [even if the CPU does show signs of throttling in tests]. Plus Key on the OnePlus 13s replaces the alert slider Yes, it heats up under peak load, say, for instance, while graphics-intensive gaming or using Google Maps, but it takes time and even when it does get hot after extended use, OnePlus has made sure - through smart engineering - that it cools down quickly. The smart play extends to the phone's charging capabilities with bypass technology letting you charge the phone directly (instead of the battery) when you are running low on juice but can't put it down because you are in the middle of a game. This attention to detail is what sets the OnePlus 13s apart from everything else. It is a wake-up call that competition must pull its socks up now, more than ever. Maybe, the 13s was the revolution the industry needed Speaking of revolutions, the OnePlus 13s is the first phone to bundle 'OnePlus AI,' a comprehensive suite of AI conveniences, that includes anything and everything from search to recording, summarising, and translating calls, meetings, and videos within third-party apps. It is OnePlus's answer to Apple Intelligence and Samsung's Galaxy AI. To make AI more intrinsic and accessible, OnePlus has replaced its signature alert slider with a new Plus Key, which unlocks more customisation, letting users assign a wide range of shortcuts (like the iPhone's Action Button), including waking up the Plus Mind, a sandbox that serves as a one-stop shop to store and curate screenshots. Some of them are okay, some could be better, but there's not even an iota of doubt that OnePlus has caught on the trend in big, meaningful ways that are only expected to get better with time. Phones have always been pocket computers, but when they got bigger, the pocketability suffered. The OnePlus 13s brings back the good old days. The OnePlus 13s is the first phone to launch with OnePlus AI It is hard not to come out impressed with all the things that it can do. Its flat-out 6.32-inch LTPO OLED screen is a treat for your eyes and senses, whether you immerse yourself in content or uninterrupted gaming. It is as if you are interacting directly with what's on the screen like paper, not through glass and a protective cover. The super-slim bezels accentuate the effect to a near-satisfying degree. It doesn't get as bright as some of the other flagships, including the OnePlus 13, but you don't feel it coming in the way of experience when you're out and about. Wet touch and glove mode are two quality-of-life features you learn to appreciate once you start using them day to day [the phone is IP65 certified]. That day-to-day experience of using the OnePlus 13s is what I like to call a 'chef's kiss.' Everything about this phone, be it colour or design choices, seems like it was hand-picked by an artist who worked relentlessly to craft a masterpiece that everyone - both fans and critics - would love. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a phone you must hold to believe the hype. When you hold the OnePlus 13s, you're not blown away by how slim or light it is, rather, you feel warmth and comfort. It's a place that you want to be. It feels like home. Every nook, every corner of its metal and glass chassis, was put together for a distinct purpose. Most of it has been met. The OnePlus 13s has a dual rear camera setup Some areas could be better, particularly the cameras. The 13s has the same rear setup as the OnePlus 13R: dual cameras with a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-700 primary sensor with optically stabilised f/1.8 aperture lens and another 50-megapixel 2x telephoto. It did not wow much there, and it doesn't move the needle here. It is serviceable at best, which is how I would describe it, which is to say that there are times when it might surprise you, but you'll have to learn to live with some of its limitations, like inconsistent colours/sharpness and hit-or-miss HDR performance. Switching between the two cameras isn't always the fastest, either. All-in-all, this is the only area where OnePlus needs to improve. The hardware is there. And it's not all bad. The front camera, which is 32-megapixel and has autofocus, for instance, does well in most situations. You can record 4K videos from both sides. They are okay. The OnePlus 13s is a masterclass in compact flagship design The OnePlus 13s starts at Rs 54,999 With the 13s, OnePlus has shown that big things can indeed come in small packages without compromising on essential features like battery life or performance. While its cameras are merely serviceable, its exceptional battery endurance, sustained high performance, innovative AI features, and user-friendly design make it an undisputed champion for anyone seeking a powerful, comfortable-to-hold phone that truly delivers on the promise of an 'ultra-phone without the ultra-size." If you've been yearning for a top-tier smartphone that doesn't feel like a burden in your pocket, the OnePlus 13s is unequivocally the phone to buy. It starts at Rs 54,999 for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, while the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage will set you back by Rs 59,999 - which is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25. Join our WhatsApp Channel
