The recent launch of the OnePlus 13T in China caught my attention, especially due to its higher battery capacity packed into a smaller size compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 13. Now, OnePlus has teased the arrival of the OnePlus 13S, which resembles the 13T and comes with the tagline “Powered up. Sized down.” This suggests an exciting device on the horizon.
But what do they mean by “sized down”? Don’t worry; we’re not talking about an iPhone mini-style phone here. The OnePlus 13S will sport a 6.3-inch display, which is significantly larger than the 5.42-inch screen of the iPhone 12 mini. In a market where the largest iPhone display has grown to 6.9 inches by 2025, a 6.3-inch phone is fairly compact.
The OnePlus 13S is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, renowned for delivering fast and smooth performance on flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra. While these phones are generally larger, their more compact versions, such as the Galaxy S25 and Xiaomi 15, deliver equal performance. The OnePlus 13S may follow this trend, potentially outperforming its competitors.
Though OnePlus hasn’t officially announced its launch date yet, I’m genuinely excited about the 13S for several reasons. It seems to be the ideal blend of power and portability—much like the Xiaomi 15. Here are three reasons you should also keep an eye on the upcoming OnePlus phone.
A No-Compromise Display
The OnePlus 13S will likely feature a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with an LTPO panel, enabling a refresh rate as low as 1Hz. This allows for unmatched efficiency, critical for compact phones. If the OnePlus 13 is any indication, this display will be bright and vivid, supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10+. I’m hopeful the 13S will retain the Aqua Touch Display technology from its siblings. This feature allows for accurate touchscreen responses even when wet—a significant improvement over many competitor devices.
All the Power Without the Bulk
The OnePlus 13T is smaller than Google’s Pixel 9 yet offers a similar-sized screen, larger battery, and a more powerful processor. The 13S is expected to maintain this trend, providing flagship performance while ensuring it fits comfortably in your pocket.
Thanks to advancements in battery technology, OnePlus seems to be maximizing battery capacity within more compact designs. Expect a capacity of around 6,000mAh that charges at 80W—all in a form factor smaller than the Pixel 9. I appreciate not having to compromise on performance or opt for the largest phone just to have a device that lasts all day.
The OnePlus 13S promises to combine flagship performance with an impressive battery life, setting it apart from current compact smartphones.
A Very Capable Camera System
The OnePlus 13S is expected to include a new camera module housing two equally capable sensors. I hope it retains the optics from the OnePlus 13T, which boasts two 50MP cameras. The primary sensor comes with optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring high-quality images without sacrificing performance.
Some might argue that an ultrawide sensor is necessary, but I personally favor a zoom lens for capturing architecture and portraits. Given the choice, I would opt for a telephoto lens, making the OnePlus 13S particularly appealing.
The OnePlus 13S Sounds Amazing
A combination of flagship performance and a powerful battery is usually reserved for larger phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the OnePlus 13S aims to deliver flagship features in a compact design.
Although expected to launch in India soon, OnePlus US and OnePlus Europe have confirmed that the OnePlus 13T or 13S will not be available in those regions. A representative stated that while there is interest, they currently have no plans for a European launch.
Despite this limitation, I hope OnePlus delivers excellent value and an outstanding user experience with this smartphone. It promises to be both unique and impressive.
Have questions about the OnePlus 13S? What features do you want to know more about? Whether you’re curious about battery life, display quality, or camera capabilities, there’s plenty to consider as this device approaches launch.
Exploring these details further can help you make informed decisions about your next smartphone. Don’t hesitate to dive deeper into related content and news on Moyens I/O.