This year, one of the most anticipated phones is undoubtedly the OnePlus 13s. Compact, sleek, and packed with features, it promises the OnePlus 13s experience without the bulk. Before diving into unboxing and first impressions, let’s talk about a few key things about compact phones.
Compact Phones Are Making a Comeback
Compact phones are trending, and it’s easy to see why. If we look at this year’s best-selling smartphones globally, the iPhone 16 Compact tops the list. Many brands are following suit, launching smaller phones without compromising on the display or performance. These aren’t tiny devices either; they typically feature 6.3–6.4 inch screens, giving you a full smartphone experience in a smaller form factor.
The OnePlus 13s fits perfectly in this category. While foldable phones like the OnePlus Open have limited market demand, compact devices are clearly what users want. Every major brand launching in China has at least one compact model, and there’s a solid reason: demand for small, powerful phones is real.
Unboxing the OnePlus 13s
The OnePlus 13s comes in a surprisingly big box for a compact phone. Inside, you’ll find:
- OnePlus 13s smartphone
- Quick guide and sim card tool
- Colour-coordinated case (Green for India, Pink for China, Black for universal)
- 80W charger with the familiar red USB Type-A to Type-C cable
Holding the phone for the first time, it feels remarkably like an iPhone – not a bad thing at all. The in-hand feel is premium, and the compact design makes it easy to use with one hand.
Design & Build Quality
The OnePlus 13s is built with a glass-metal sandwich design, giving it a sturdy, premium feel. While compact, it weighs 185.7g, slightly heavier than typical compact phones, mainly due to its large battery.
- Ports & Buttons:
- SIM tray at the bottom
- USB Type-C and speaker grill
- Power button and volume rocker on the sides
- AI key replaces the traditional alert slider
The back features a velvet-finished glass that feels smooth and premium. The frame is metal, adding to the durability. Overall, the build quality is flagship-level, matching its ~₹50,000 price point.
Display & Multimedia
The 13s sports a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and an LTPO panel that dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, with brightness peaking at 1600 nits, making it excellent for outdoor and indoor use.
Stereo speakers complement the display, providing a solid multimedia experience. Watching Netflix or YouTube on this phone is immersive, thanks to the bright, crisp screen and clear audio.
Performance & Battery
Powered by the 8th Gen Elite processor, the OnePlus 13s scores around 2.4–2.5M on Antutu, slightly below the flagship OnePlus 13 but still impressive. Gaming is smooth, with 90FPS in BGMI and decent 60FPS in Genshin Impact, thanks to the 4400mm² vapor cooling chamber that keeps thermals manageable.
The 5850mAh battery is one of the highlights. Compact phones usually struggle with battery life, but the 13s offers 6–7 hours of moderate usage, and charges 0–100% in about 45 minutes with 80W wired charging. Wireless charging is absent, but overall, the battery performance is excellent for a compact phone.
Connectivity & Sensors
Connectivity is robust, with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, NFC, IR blaster, and 13.5G band support. All standard sensors are present, including an optical fingerprint sensor (slightly low on the device) and face unlock. You won’t face issues with network or sensor performance during daily usage.
OxygenOS 15 & AI Features
OnePlus has long been praised for its OxygenOS experience, and the 13s continues that trend. The UI is clean, fluid, and customizable, with features like:
- AI-powered mind space (contextual journaling and note-saving)
- Real-time translation and transcription via the dialer
- Unlimited call recording
- AI-assisted camera modes
These AI features enhance usability, making it more than just a compact phone—it’s a smart companion.
Camera
The camera setup includes:
- 50MP primary sensor
- 50MP 2x telephoto sensor
- 32MP front camera
While the cameras aren’t flagship-level, they perform decently. Low-light photography could be better, and only the primary sensor has OIS. AI features like reflection remover and detail enhancer improve the photography experience. Video recording supports 4K at 60FPS on main and telephoto cameras, while the selfie camera shoots 4K at 30FPS.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact, premium design
- Excellent display and multimedia experience
- Strong battery life for a small phone
- Smooth OxygenOS 15 with AI features
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- USB 2.0 instead of USB 3.0
- Average camera performance
- Only IP65 water resistance (not IP68)
Verdict
The OnePlus 13s is a mixed bag but a solid choice for those prioritizing software experience, compact form factor, and battery life. If you can compromise on wireless charging and top-tier camera performance, this phone is one of the best compact devices under ₹50K.
For OnePlus enthusiasts and those looking for a premium compact phone, the 13s is worth considering.
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