Introduction
OnePlus has a reputation for combining style, speed, and smart features—and the new OnePlus 13s seems to push that even further. With its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, AI-powered camera features, and massive battery life packed into a compact body, it promises to be a flagship killer in disguise.
But how much of that promise holds up in real-world use? Let’s find out.
Design & Build: Premium Yet Pocket-Friendly
The OnePlus 13s feels refreshingly compact in a world of oversized phones. With a 6.55-inch AMOLED display and a curved matte-finish back, the phone feels sleek and premium in the hand.
✅ Build Quality Highlights:
- Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- IP65 splash resistance
- Matte back resists smudges and scratches
- Weight: ~185g – well balanced
Available in subtle but classy colors like Obsidian Black and Glacial Silver, it appeals to professionals and minimalists alike.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact for one-handed use
- Excellent materials and in-hand feel
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- No IP68 waterproofing (just IP65)
Display: Small Screen, Big Experience
Don’t let the smaller screen fool you. The OnePlus 13s packs a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and peak brightness over 1200 nits.
✅ Display Experience:
- Super smooth scrolling and animations
- Rich contrast and punchy colors
- Great visibility under sunlight
- Adaptive refresh rate (saves battery)
Whether you’re watching Netflix or gaming, this display punches well above its size.
Pros:
- Flagship-tier visuals
- 144Hz for buttery smoothness
- Always-On Display options
Cons:
- No LTPO tech (not as adaptive as higher-end models)
Performance: Flagship Power in a Slim Frame
Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the OnePlus 13s delivers excellent performance for everything from day-to-day use to serious gaming.
✅ Core Specs:
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm)
- 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X RAM
- 256GB UFS 4.0 storage
- OxygenOS 14 (Android 14)
Benchmark Estimates:
- Antutu: ~1.2 million
- Geekbench: 1700 single / 4500 multi
✅ Real-World Use:
- Fast app launches, multitasking
- No lag during gaming or video rendering
- RAM expansion adds virtual memory when needed
AI Boost:
OnePlus has introduced new AI-powered features:
- AI Smart Cutout (for removing backgrounds)
- AI Transcription (live voice-to-text)
- AI Gallery Search (search photos by voice)
Pros:
- Top-tier performance in mid-size body
- Smart AI tools actually useful
- UFS 4.0 makes everything faster
Cons:
- Slight heat under extreme gaming (normal for flagship chipsets)
Battery Life & Charging: Surprisingly Impressive
This is where the OnePlus 13s shines—it packs a 5500mAh battery, larger than even many flagship phones.
✅ Battery Life Stats:
- Light use: 2 full days
- Heavy use: ~1.5 days
- SOT (screen-on-time): 8–9 hours
✅ Charging:
- 100W SUPERVOOC wired charging
- ~25–30 minutes to full charge
- No wireless charging (cost-cutting)
Pros:
- Incredible battery for a compact phone
- Fastest charging in its segment
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Charger included only in some markets
Cameras: AI Meets OnePlus Tuning
The camera setup includes:
- 50MP Sony IMX890 (main sensor with OIS)
- 8MP ultrawide
- 2MP macro
- 16MP front camera
✅ Daylight Shots:
Sharp, clean, and naturally processed. AI HDR helps balance light in complex scenes.
✅ Low-Light:
Night mode helps bring out detail, though some images may have soft edges without stabilization.
✅ AI Features:
- AI Scene Detection
- Portrait relighting
- AI Group Enhancement (for group selfies)
Front Camera:
Selfies are crisp, skin tones are well-balanced, and video calls look great even in dim light.
Pros:
- Natural colors
- Very good dynamic range
- AI modes actually enhance images
Cons:
- Ultrawide lacks detail at night
- Macro camera isn’t impressive
Connectivity & Extras
- Dual 5G SIM
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.4
- USB-C 3.1
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- No headphone jack
Pros:
- Full modern connectivity
- Great audio output
Cons:
- No SD card slot
- No 3.5mm jack
Software: OxygenOS, Polished with AI Tweaks
OxygenOS 14 continues to be one of the cleanest Android experiences—fast, clean, and customizable.
✅ Features to love:
- Shelf for quick widgets
- Zen Space (focus mode)
- Smart Battery Engine (AI-powered battery optimization)
- 3 years of Android updates promised + 4 years of security patches
Pros:
- Minimal bloat
- Fast animations
- AI integrations are subtle but useful
Cons:
- No material you-style theming
- Some may miss old OnePlus features from OxygenOS 11/12
How It Compares
| Feature | OnePlus 13s | Pixel 8a | iQOO Neo 9 SE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.55” 144Hz AMOLED | 6.1” OLED 120Hz | 6.78” AMOLED 144Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8s Gen3 | Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Battery | 5500mAh (100W) | 4492mAh (18W) | 5160mAh (120W) |
| Camera | 50MP AI triple | 64MP + 13MP | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
Who Should Buy the OnePlus 13s?
✅ Those who want compact performance
✅ Creators using AI tools
✅ Gamers who want speed + battery
✅ Travelers needing fast charging + long life
❌ Avoid if:
- You need wireless charging
- You want ultrawide flagship-level photos
- You still rely on SD cards or headphone jacks
FAQs
Q: Is there wireless charging?
No, it supports 100W wired only.
Q: Does the OnePlus 13s overheat?
Only slightly under extended gaming. Otherwise it stays cool.
Q: Is the display good for outdoor use?
Yes, 1200+ nits brightness makes it easy to read in sunlight.
Q: Are the AI tools useful?
Yes—Smart Cutout and AI Gallery Search are genuinely helpful.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
The OnePlus 13s blends compact design, flagship-level performance, and clever AI features—all wrapped in a beautifully built device. With 100W charging and a huge battery, it’s perfect for power users on the go. While it misses out on a few premium features like wireless charging or advanced cameras, it’s one of the best all-rounders in its category.
Buy now
