The wait is over! OnePlus has officially launched its highly anticipated OnePlus 13s in India today, June 5th, 2025. Marketed as a “compact powerhouse,” this device aims to blend top-tier performance with a more manageable form factor. Let’s dive into our first look and unboxing impressions of what could be a new champion in the premium smartphone segment, especially for those seeking something different.
The buzz around the OnePlus 13s has been significant, particularly for users craving flagship specifications without the increasingly large screens of most modern high-end phones. OnePlus seems to have heard these calls, delivering a device that promises not to compromise on power, despite its more pocket-friendly size, and introduces some novel features to the mix.
Highlights:
- Official Launch: June 5th, 2025, in India.
- Processor: Confirmed to feature the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
- Display: A compact 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Camera: Dual 50MP rear cameras (main + telephoto) and a 32MP autofocus selfie camera.
- Battery: A substantial 5,850mAh to 6,260mAh (rumored/confirmed by listings), with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging.
- Design: Sleek, modern design with flat edges, available in colors like Black Velvet, Pink Satin, and an India-exclusive Green Silk with a unique “Velvet glass finish.”
- New Feature: Introduces the “Plus Key,” a customizable button replacing the iconic alert slider, with deep AI integration (“AI Plus Mind”).
- Operating System: OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, with the OnePlus AI suite.
- Connectivity: Support for emerging 5.5G networks.
Unboxing the OnePlus 13s: What’s Inside?
As is typical with OnePlus, the unboxing experience itself feels premium. The signature red box is expected, and inside, early reports and unboxing videos suggest you’ll find:
- The OnePlus 13s device itself.
- An 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging adapter.
- A USB Type-A to Type-C cable (the iconic OnePlus red cable).
- A color-matched protective case (often a nice silicone one, possibly in Green Silk for that variant).
- The SIM ejector tool.
- Quick start guide and warranty information.
OnePlus usually ensures you have the essentials to get started quickly, and the inclusion of a fast charger and a case is always a welcome bonus.
First Impressions: Design & Build – Compact Elegance
Holding the OnePlus 13s, the “compact” nature is immediately noticeable, especially when compared to its larger siblings or other flagships. With a reported thickness of around 8mm to 8.15mm and a weight of approximately 185g, it’s designed for comfortable one-handed use.
- Sleek Aesthetics: The phone is said to feature a more modern, boxier design with flat glass on both the front and back, and a flat metal frame that might have subtly curved edges for better grip.
- Premium Feel: Materials like the “Velvet glass finish” on the Green Silk and Pink Satin models aim to provide a unique, skin-like tactile experience, setting it apart from standard glass or plastic finishes on many competitors.
- Color Options:
- Black Velvet: A classic, sophisticated choice.
- Pink Satin: A trendy, softer option.
- Green Silk: An exclusive for the Indian market, likely to be a popular pick with its unique finish.
- The Plus Key: A significant design and functional change is the replacement of the traditional OnePlus alert slider with a new customizable “Plus Key.” This button isn’t just for sound profiles; it can be programmed for various actions, including launching apps or, more uniquely, accessing new AI features like “AI Plus Mind.”
The overall first impression is of a thoughtfully designed phone that doesn’t sacrifice premium feel for its smaller size and introduces a fresh take on hardware interaction.
Under the Hood: A Peek at the Power
The “powerhouse” claim isn’t just marketing. The OnePlus 13s is packed with some serious hardware:
- Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is top-of-the-line, promising flagship-level performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and smooth multitasking. This ensures it competes head-on with larger, more expensive flagships.
- RAM & Storage: Expected configurations include up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring snappy app launches and ample space.
- Cooling: OnePlus has reportedly incorporated an advanced cooling system (around a 4400mm² vapor chamber) to maintain performance even under load.
- Display: The 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasts a Full HD+ (or 1.5K) resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for fluid visuals and improved battery efficiency. Brightness is expected to be excellent for outdoor visibility (rumored around 1600 nits).
- Battery Life: This is a crucial point. The OnePlus 13s is tipped to house a surprisingly large battery for its class, possibly between 5,850mAh and 6,260mAh. Combined with 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging (and potential 18W wireless), it should offer excellent endurance, a common pain point for compact devices.
- Connectivity: Future-proofing with support for 5.5G and a potentially independent Wi-Fi chipset for enhanced wireless performance.
What Makes the OnePlus 13s Stand Out from the Crowd?
In a market flooded with similar-looking and performing devices, the OnePlus 13s carves out its niche with several distinct features:
- True Compact Flagship with Uncompromised Power & Battery: Many “compact” phones cut corners on either the processor or battery capacity. The OnePlus 13s aims to deliver the best of both: a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a remarkably large battery (potentially up to 6260mAh) in a 6.32-inch form factor. This combination is rare and highly sought after.
- The “Plus Key” – A New Hardware-Software Interaction: Replacing the iconic alert slider, the customizable “Plus Key” is more than just a programmable button. Its deep integration with the “AI Plus Mind” feature for capturing, categorizing, and recalling on-screen information contextually offers a novel way to interact with your device and manage information. While other phones have customizable buttons (like Apple’s Action Button), OnePlus’s specific AI integration here is unique.
- Dedicated “OnePlus AI” Suite: Beyond generic Android AI features, OnePlus is pushing its own suite including AI VoiceScribe, AI Translation, AI Search, and the India-exclusive AI Call Assistant. The focus is on practical, integrated AI that enhances daily tasks, accessible partly through the new Plus Key.
- 32MP Autofocus Selfie Camera: While high-resolution selfie cameras are common, the inclusion of autofocus on a 32MP front sensor is a premium feature not always found, promising sharper, more versatile selfies and better focus during video calls, irrespective of distance.
- Unique Design Finishes & Regional Exclusivity: The “Velvet glass finish” on specific colorways like the India-exclusive Green Silk offers a tactile and visual differentiation from the usual glossy or matte finishes found on many other devices.
- Forward-Looking 5.5G Connectivity: While 5G is standard, the inclusion of 5.5G support positions the OnePlus 13s for the next wave of network technology, offering a degree of future-proofing that isn’t yet widespread.
Essentially, the OnePlus 13s isn’t just another small phone; it’s a statement that compact size doesn’t have to mean compromised experience, and it’s innovating with unique hardware and AI-driven software solutions.
Camera First Look: Promising Optics
OnePlus has equipped the 13s with a seemingly capable camera system:
- Rear Cameras:
- A 50MP primary sensor (likely with OIS) for detailed and vibrant shots.
- A 50MP telephoto lens offering around 2x optical zoom.
- (Note: Early information suggests it might miss out on an ultra-wide lens, a trade-off often seen in more compact or specifically focused camera setups).
- Front Camera: A significant upgrade with a 32MP autofocus selfie camera, which should deliver sharper and more versatile self-portraits and video calls.
- AI Enhancements: Expect OnePlus’s AI processing to play a role in image optimization, potentially including features like AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, and the upcoming AI Best Face 2.0.
While a full review will be needed to judge its prowess against competitors, the specifications, especially the autofocus front camera, look solid.
Software: OxygenOS 15 with Deeper AI Smarts
The OnePlus 13s will run OxygenOS 15, based on the latest Android 15. As highlighted, OnePlus is also integrating a comprehensive suite of AI features under the “OnePlus AI” banner. These include:
- AI VoiceScribe: For transcription during calls and meetings.
- AI Translation: Unified text, audio, camera, and screen translation.
- AI Search: Conversational search across local files and integrated with AI Plus Mind.
- AI Plus Mind: Accessible via the Plus Key, this feature is designed to help capture, categorize, and recall on-screen information intelligently.
- AI Call Assistant (India-exclusive): Offering call summaries and live translation within the dialer.
Why the OnePlus 13s Could Be Your Next Phone:
- You Crave a True Compact Flagship: Tired of oversized phones but refuse to compromise on top-tier performance, battery, and features? The 13s is built for you.
- Innovative Interaction: The Plus Key and its AI integration offer a new, potentially more intuitive way to use your smartphone.
- Powerful Performance & Endurance: The Snapdragon 8 Elite and the large battery promise a device that can keep up and last long.
- Premium and Unique Design: It looks, feels, and even offers tactile experiences that differ from the norm.
- Future-Ready Features: With 5.5G and a robust AI suite, it’s looking ahead.
Price & Availability:
The OnePlus 13s is launching in India on June 5th, 2025 (today!). It will be available online via Amazon.in and the official OnePlus website. The rumored price is around ₹55,000, placing it competitively as a premium compact offering.
Initial Verdict: A Compact Contender with Big, Unique Ambitions
The OnePlus 13s is shaping up to be a very exciting and distinct release. It genuinely attempts to fill a gap in the market for a no-compromise compact Android flagship, but it also brings its own innovations to the table. With its powerful processor, class-leading battery potential for its size, sleek and unique design touches, and the novel Plus Key with its AI smarts, it has all the ingredients to be a hit, especially for those looking for something beyond the mainstream offerings.
Stay tuned for full in-depth reviews as they emerge, but our first look suggests that the OnePlus 13s is indeed the “compact powerhouse” with a unique personality that many have been waiting for.