The OnePlus 13s is already turning heads ahead of its official launch. From refined design elements to powerful hardware upgrades, this next-gen flagship is built to raise the bar in the Android smartphone space. But is it worth the attention it’s getting?
In this detailed first look, we uncover what makes the OnePlus 13s stand out—from camera improvements and software features to performance tweaks and charging capabilities. Whether you’re a loyal OnePlus fan or just smartphone-curious, this hands-on breakdown has you covered.
Refined Design: Subtle Changes That Make a Big Impact
OnePlus hasn’t radically changed the design language, but the OnePlus 13s brings some much-needed refinements.
Key Highlights:
- Curved matte-glass back with anti-fingerprint coating
- Slimmed-down camera housing for a sleeker look
- Center-aligned punch-hole selfie camera
- IP68 water and dust resistance finally included
The frame feels more premium thanks to aerospace-grade aluminum, and the device is slightly lighter than its predecessor. You’ll immediately notice the improved grip comfort and build balance.
Stunning Display: Brighter, Smoother, Smarter
The display has always been a standout for OnePlus devices, and the 13s doesn’t disappoint. This time, we get a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 144Hz.
Display Features:
- QHD+ resolution with 526 PPI
- 2,600 nits peak brightness for extreme sunlight visibility
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for cinematic streaming
- 10-bit color depth for punchy, accurate visuals
This makes scrolling, gaming, and watching content feel fluid and immersive.
Top-Tier Performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3X
The OnePlus 13s is powered by the all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3X processor. Combined with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, it offers blazing speed and smoother multitasking.
Core Specs:
- 12GB / 16GB RAM variants
- 256GB / 512GB storage options
- OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15
- Enhanced vapor cooling system
Gaming and heavy apps perform without frame drops. OxygenOS 15 brings clean animations, smart notifications, and battery-efficient enhancements.
Camera Upgrades: More AI, More Detail
The camera system on the OnePlus 13s brings AI optimization to the forefront. You get a triple-lens setup, including:
- 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-808)
- 48MP ultra-wide camera
- 32MP 3x telephoto lens
Front-facing selfies are powered by a 32MP shooter with advanced low-light correction.
New Camera Features:
- AI Scene Detection
- Hasselblad Color Calibration 3.0
- RAW mode with Pro controls
- Ultra HDR and 8K video capture
Images look natural and sharp, even in low light. The software balances skin tones and shadows impressively well.
Battery & Charging: More Power, Less Waiting
Battery life gets a solid bump this year. The OnePlus 13s includes a 5,400mAh battery, designed to handle long hours of screen-on time.
Charging Features:
- 100W SuperVOOC fast charging
- 50W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging for earbuds and accessories
A full charge takes just under 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in 2025.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Alongside hardware improvements, the OnePlus 13s introduces enhanced AI-powered personalization and next-gen connectivity features.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Smart vibration alerts and gesture controls
- AI-assisted task automation (like Smart Battery Modes)
- Satellite-based emergency messaging (region-limited)
You’ll also love the in-display fingerprint scanner, dual stereo speakers, and X-axis linear motor for haptic feedback.
OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 12: Key Upgrades Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 13s | OnePlus 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3X | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display | QHD+ AMOLED, 144Hz | QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony LYT-808 | 50MP IMX890 |
| Telephoto | 32MP (3x Optical Zoom) | 32MP (2x Optical Zoom) |
| Battery | 5,400mAh, 100W Fast Charge | 5,000mAh, 80W Fast Charge |
| Software | OxygenOS 15 | OxygenOS 13 |
| Charging Speed | 50W wireless, reverse | 30W wireless, no reverse |
FAQs About OnePlus 13s
1. When will the OnePlus 13s launch globally?
A. The OnePlus 13s is expected to launch globally in August 2025, with early access in India and Europe.
2. What’s the expected price of OnePlus 13s in India?
A. The base variant of the OnePlus 13s is expected to start at ₹62,999, going up for higher RAM/storage models.
3. Will OnePlus 13s receive Android updates for long?
A. Yes. OnePlus has committed to 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches for the 13s.
4. Is OnePlus 13s better than Samsung Galaxy S25?
A. It depends. If you want faster charging and cleaner UI, the OnePlus 13s offers great value. But Samsung may edge it in camera processing.
OnePlus 13s—A True Flagship or Just Flash?
The OnePlus 13s feels like a genuine evolution—not just a repackaged refresh. With its powerful hardware, refined design, and intelligent features, it checks nearly every box for Android lovers.
If you’re someone who values speed, smart software, and photography versatility, this device might be the right upgrade for you. Keep an eye out for our full review once the retail model drops!
