By Miles Pennington, Senior Correspondent
OnePlus has officially unveiled its latest compact flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13s. The device introduces a powerful new chipset, refined design elements, and an innovative feature aimed at personalizing user experience—the Plus Key. Designed for those who prefer a smaller phone without compromising on power, the OnePlus 13s marks another bold step in the company’s ongoing push toward design and performance excellence.
Compact Flagship for Power Users
With a 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display, the OnePlus 13s offers a vibrant and immersive viewing experience in a more manageable form factor. It weighs just 185 grams and measures 150.81 x 71.7 x 8.2 mm, making it ideal for users who value portability. The panel supports a sharp 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate for fluid scrolling and vivid visuals, suitable for both productivity and entertainment.
The screen is further enhanced with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HDR Vivid support, offering true-to-life color accuracy and high contrast levels that benefit movie lovers and mobile gamers alike. This compact build, combined with premium materials, delivers a flagship feel in the hand, catering to users who want top-tier specs without a bulky device.
Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite
Under the hood, the OnePlus 13s is driven by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Built on an advanced 3nm process, the chip ensures energy efficiency while delivering industry-leading performance across applications, gaming, and AI-driven features. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device supports seamless multitasking and rapid response times.
Storage options go up to 512GB using UFS 4.0 technology, which improves read/write speeds and load times, making the device future-proof for demanding apps and software updates.
Introducing the Plus Key
Perhaps the most talked-about feature of the OnePlus 13s is the new “Plus Key”—a customizable hardware button designed to replace the iconic Alert Slider. Unlike its predecessor, which only toggled between sound profiles, the Plus Key allows users to assign multiple functions. These can range from launching specific apps to toggling system features like the flashlight, activating silent mode, or even calling up the voice assistant.
This addition makes the OnePlus 13s highly adaptable, aligning with growing user demand for customizable hardware. It underscores the brand’s shift toward offering enhanced utility without compromising design.
Camera System with Flagship Capabilities
The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony primary sensor with optical image stabilization for steady shots, and a 50MP telephoto lens that offers 2x optical zoom. These combine to deliver crisp, high-detail photos in various lighting conditions. The telephoto lens adds depth and versatility, useful for portrait photography and close-ups.
For selfies, the phone features a 32MP front camera that supports autofocus, ensuring sharp images during video calls or social media posts. The comprehensive camera system balances quality with simplicity, suitable for casual users and photography enthusiasts alike.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another strong suit. The OnePlus 13s comes with a 5,850mAh battery, allowing users to go through a full day—and more—without worrying about recharging. When it’s time to power up, the device supports 80W wired fast charging, capable of providing hours of usage with just a few minutes of plug-in time.
Enhanced AI and Software Support
On the software front, the device runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. It brings new AI features such as an intelligent call assistant, real-time translation tools, and advanced voice interaction. Users also get access to a three-month trial of a premium AI productivity service, along with 2TB of cloud storage—offering added value right out of the box.
OnePlus has committed to four years of Android OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring the device remains current and secure for an extended lifecycle.
Price and Availability
Available in three finishes—Black Velvet, Pink Satin, and Green Silk (exclusive to India)—the OnePlus 13s starts at a competitive price for its class. Sales begin on June 12, with pre-orders already open across major online and offline channels.
Launch offers include discounts on select credit cards, exchange bonuses, free wireless earbuds, and extended warranty plans, making the purchase even more attractive for early adopters.
Closing Thoughts
The OnePlus 13s serves as a bridge between performance, design, and personalization. With the introduction of the customizable Plus Key and a focus on compact usability, OnePlus continues to innovate while listening to its core user base. The phone stands as a compelling choice for those seeking flagship-level performance without the footprint of larger devices.
