If you’re searching for a compact flagship smartphone in 2025, the OnePlus 13s stands out as a serious contender. With its blend of premium hardware, impressive camera performance, and long-lasting battery life, this device targets users who want top-tier specs in a more pocket-friendly form factor. In this detailed OnePlus 13s review, we’ll cover every aspect of the phone design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Elite Performance – At the core of OnePlus 13s, lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite – the fastest Snapdragon mobile processor, powering OnePlus AI, stunning graphics and next-gen performance.
OnePlus 13s: Key Features at a Glance
Compact 6.32-inch AMOLED display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
50MP main camera with 2x telephoto
Massive battery with 80W fast charging
OxygenOS 15 with AI featuresPremium build quality
Design & Build: Compact Yet Premium
The OnePlus 13s is a breath of fresh air for users tired of oversized phones. With its compact chassis and 6.32-inch screen, it’s noticeably smaller than the regular OnePlus 13 and 13R, making it one of the most comfortable flagships to hold and use one-handed. The design, however, has sparked debate. Many reviewers note its striking resemblance to the iPhone, which may not appeal to everyone. The device features Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on both the front and back, offering decent protection, though it’s not as tough as the flagship Victus glass
Highlights:
Display: Vivid Colors and Smooth Experience
The OnePlus 13s display is a 6.32-inch AMOLED LTPO panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a sharp 2640 x 1216 resolution. With up to 1600 nits peak brightness and 100% Display P3 coverage, colors are vibrant and outdoor visibility is strong. The display supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for streaming and gaming. However, the screen isn’t as bright as the regular OnePlus 13, and the slightly shorter aspect ratio means the front camera can intrude in some video formats.
Display Features
Performance: Flagship Power in a Small Package
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13s delivers performance on par with larger flagships 7. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing photos, the device handles it all effortlessly. The phone offers the same hardware as the regular OnePlus 13, ensuring smooth gaming and daily use. However, some users may notice 60fps throttling in most games except BGMI, which supports up to 120fps.
Performance Highlights
Camera: Reliable Shooter with Social-Ready Results
The OnePlus 13s camera setup features a 50MP Sony LYT-700 main sensor and a 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. There’s no wide-angle camera, but the 32MP selfie camera offers autofocus and 4K video recording. The main camera excels in daylight, producing vibrant, high-contrast images that are perfect for social media. Portraits are sharp, and the telephoto lens delivers usable shots up to 4x zoom without significant artifacts
Camera Feedback
Battery Life & Charging: All-Day Power, Lightning-Fast Charging
One of the OnePlus 13s’ standout features is its massive battery life. The phone easily lasts over a day on a single charge, making it ideal for power users. When you do need to recharge, the 80W fast charger takes the battery from 0 to 75% in just 30 mi
Battery Highlights:
Software: OxygenOS 15 with AI—A Double-Edged Sword
The OnePlus 13s runs OxygenOS 15, which now closely resembles iOS in both look and feel1. While it introduces several AI-powered utilities, many users have found the software experience buggy and occasionally frustrating, with issues like random glitches and missing features such as the alert slider. Historically, OnePlus has addressed such issues with updates post-launch, but early adopters may need to be patient.
Audio & Extras: Immersive Sound, Modern Touches
The OnePlus 13s offers stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos, delivering clear and immersive audio for music and video playback. The device also features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and advanced haptics for a premium feel. However, the fingerprint sensor can struggle with wet fingers or in the dark
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Should You Buy the OnePlus 13s?
Buy the OnePlus 13s if
Skip the OnePlus 13s if ?
You expect bug-free software out of the box
You prefer a unique design over an iPhone-inspired look
You need a wide-angle camera or advanced Hasselblad features
OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13: Quick Comparison
| Our Pick | | |
|---|---|---|
| Feature | OnePlus 13 | OnePlus 13S |
| Display Size | 6.82-inch AMOLED | 6.32-inch AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Main Camera | 50MP + Wide/Tele | 50MP + 2x Telephoto |
| Battery | All-day, 100W charge | All-day, 80W charge |
| Software | OxygenOS 15 | OxygenOS 15 |
| Design | Larger, unique | Compact, iPhone-like |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the OnePlus 13s support wireless charging?
No, the OnePlus 13s does not support wireless charging
How is the OnePlus 13s camera performance?
The main camera delivers excellent daylight shots with vibrant colors, and the 2x telephoto lens is great for portraits, though there’s no wide-angle option
Is the OnePlus 13s good for gaming?
Yes, it’s powerful enough for most games, but only BGMI supports 120fps; others are capped at 60fps
What are the main drawbacks of the OnePlus 13s?
Early software bugs, lack of wide-angle camera, and iPhone-like design may not appeal to everyone
the OnePlus 13s is a compact powerhouse that delivers on performance, battery life, and camera quality. Its user-friendly size and flagship specs make it a standout choice for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing power. While it’s not perfect—mainly due to software issues at launch—it remains a top pick in the compact flagship segment for 2025.
If you’re considering an upgrade or want a phone that fits comfortably in your hand and pocket, the OnePlus 13s deserves your attention. Stay tuned for future software updates that could further enhance its appeal and address early concerns.
