When OnePlus teased the 13S with the tagline “Powered up. Sized down,” it piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts. While not as small as an iPhone mini, a 6.3-inch display in today’s market, dominated by larger screens like the 6.9-inch iPhone, feels comparatively compact. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same processor found in powerhouses like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the 13S promises flagship performance in a smaller package. This blend of power and portability makes the OnePlus 13S a device worth watching. Here’s why:
OnePlus 13T vs iPhone 16 Pro bezels
A No-Compromise Display
The expected 6.3-inch AMOLED display with an LTPO panel, capable of refresh rates as low as 1Hz, suggests exceptional power efficiency. This feature is crucial for smaller phones, maximizing battery life. Drawing from the OnePlus 13’s impressive display, we anticipate vibrant visuals with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. Furthermore, the inclusion of Aqua Touch Display technology, introduced with the OnePlus 12, would be a significant advantage. This innovative feature allows for accurate touch registration even on a wet screen, a common issue with other smartphones.
Uncompromising Power in a Compact Design
OnePlus 13T leak
The OnePlus 13T, smaller than the Pixel 9 but with comparable screen size and a larger battery, provides a glimpse into the 13S’s potential. Advancements in silicon-carbon battery technology allow for larger capacities (6,000mAh or more) within a smaller form factor, coupled with fast 80W charging. This combination delivers all-day battery life without sacrificing performance or necessitating a bulky device. The 13S’s potential 6,200mAh battery could surpass even the impressive Xiaomi 15’s 5,240mAh battery in terms of longevity. This focus on battery life sets the OnePlus 13S apart from other compact flagships that often compromise in this area. At a projected weight of under 200 grams, the 13S promises a compelling combination of power, efficiency, and portability.
A Highly Capable Camera System
Person using the OnePlus 13T.
The OnePlus 13S is expected to feature a dual-camera setup. Hopefully, it will retain the impressive optics of the OnePlus 13T, featuring two 50MP cameras: a 1/1.56” 24mm wide primary lens with OIS and f/1.8 aperture and a 1/2.76-inch telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and f/2.0 aperture. This setup prioritizes zoom capabilities for architecture and portrait photography, a preference for some users over ultrawide lenses. While an ultrawide lens is valuable for landscapes, the 13S’s focus on telephoto differentiates it and caters to specific photographic needs.
The OnePlus 13S: A Promising Contender
OnePlus 13T depicted in pink color.
The OnePlus 13S offers a unique proposition: flagship performance and long battery life in a compact design. While larger phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra typically dominate this space, smaller alternatives often compromise on battery or display quality. The 13S aims to break this mold. While its release is limited to certain regions, excluding Europe and the US, the OnePlus 13S holds significant promise for those seeking a powerful and portable smartphone experience. It offers a compelling blend of performance, battery life, and a more manageable size, setting it apart in a market saturated with larger devices.
