OnePlus 13s Review: In a world where smartphones are inching closer to tablet territory with each new release, the term “compact phone” has become ambiguous. For years, I’ve asked fellow tech enthusiasts what exactly defines a compact phone — and the answers have been anything but consistent. Once, a 6.3-inch phone was considered massive. Today, it sits in the “small” category as handsets with 6.7- to 6.9-inch displays have become standard.
So when OnePlus unveiled the OnePlus 13s, branding it their “first compact phone,” it stirred both excitement and skepticism. Is it really compact? And more importantly — does it compromise on power, as many small phones tend to do?
After spending several days with the OnePlus 13s, I can say this device doesn’t just flirt with the idea of a compact flagship — it challenges the very definition.
What Makes a Phone “Compact” in 2025?
Let’s first address the elephant in the room: the size. The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch AMOLED display, which, by traditional standards, isn’t exactly pocket-sized. But compared to its bigger siblings — the OnePlus 13 and 13R, both sporting 6.8-inch screens — this model does feel noticeably more manageable in the hand.
Compactness, however, is no longer just about screen size. It’s about usability, weight, grip, and portability — all of which the OnePlus 13s delivers well. The device is lightweight, with curved edges that feel natural in the hand, and a design that’s sleek without feeling fragile.
A Powerhouse in a Smaller Package
Traditionally, “small” phones have carried the stigma of reduced specs — weaker processors, fewer features, and most notably, shorter battery life. That’s where the OnePlus 13s makes a bold statement.
This phone houses a massive 5850 mAh battery, one of the largest we’ve seen in any mainstream smartphone labeled “compact.” It easily lasts a full day of heavy use, with screen-on time touching 8–9 hours comfortably. And thanks to 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging, you can go from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, backed by LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring that performance remains buttery smooth across gaming, multitasking, and camera use.
Display and Design
The 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support make media consumption a joy. Even under sunlight, visibility remains sharp and detailed, thanks to a peak brightness of 4500 nits.
The design feels premium — matte finish back, polished aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It may not be the smallest phone out there, but the 13s is certainly one of the best feeling devices in the hand this year.
Camera Performance
The OnePlus 13s packs a 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor with OIS, an ultra-wide 48MP sensor, and a 32MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Shots are crisp, colors are natural, and low-light photography is surprisingly good for a phone of this size.
While the camera app still leans toward OnePlus’ slightly saturated image processing, it’s not overdone. The results are often very close to what you’d expect from more expensive flagship competitors.
Software Experience
Running on OxygenOS 14 (based on Android 14), the OnePlus 13s continues the company’s tradition of a clean, near-stock Android experience. It’s fast, responsive, and free from bloatware.
The phone also promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, ensuring longevity — something users of compact phones often miss out on.
What I Liked
- Big Battery, Small Body: The 5850mAh battery is a game-changer for this segment.
- Top-Tier Performance: Flagship specs packed in a smaller frame.
- Premium Display: Vibrant, sharp, and fluid.
- Solid Camera Setup: Capable of professional-grade shots in good lighting.
- Clean Software: OxygenOS remains one of the most optimized Android skins.
What I Didn’t Like
- No Wireless Charging: Surprising omission at this price point.
- Not IP68 Rated: Water and dust resistance is limited to IP65.
- Size Still Debatable: While smaller than its siblings, it’s still not as compact as the iPhone 13 Mini or Pixel 5.
Verdict: A New Chapter for Compact Flagships?
Whether the OnePlus 13s qualifies as a true compact smartphone is still up for debate — but it undeniably offers a balanced experience in a slightly smaller form factor. It feels like the start of a new chapter, where compact doesn’t mean compromised.
For those craving flagship-level power without the bulk of today’s oversized phones, the OnePlus 13s may very well be the answer — or at the very least, the beginning of the conversation.
Price: ₹54,999 onwards
