OnePlus 13s review: A pocket-sized powerhouse with big AI ambitions

Is the era of compact flagship smartphones making a comeback? With the introduction of the OnePlus 13s, OnePlus has crafted a remarkable device that has captivated my attention. After nearly a month of usage, I've come to appreciate the benefits of a smaller phone—provided it's engineered correctly. **Design and Build** The OnePlus 13s is impressively portable, measuring just 8.15mm in thickness and weighing in at 185g. While these figures may seem standard, the device is exceptionally well-balanced, making it a pleasure to hold and use. Its premium glass back not only feels luxurious but also proves resilient; I managed to wipe away an accidental scratch with ease. A notable change is the absence of the familiar alert slider, replaced by the new ‘Plus Key.’ This customizable button allows users to toggle features like the flashlight, switch sound modes, capture screenshots, or access the innovative ‘Mind Space’ feature. **Display Excellence** Equipped with a 6.32-inch 1.5K AMOLED ProXDR display, the OnePlus 13s excels in visual quality. It offers a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz and boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring visibility even in bright conditions. Whether watching shows like *The Last Of Us* or engaging in daily tasks, the color fidelity has impressed me. Additionally, with the Aqua Touch 2.0 technology, the screen remains responsive even when wet, a feature I tested after a minor spill. **Camera Performance** The OnePlus 13s features a unique dual-camera setup—a 50MP main sensor paired with a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, diverging from the typical main and ultrawide configuration. The primary camera, featuring a 1/1.56-inch Sony LYT-700 sensor and an f/1.8 aperture with OIS, captures stunning images in various lighting conditions. My experience photographing a Harry Potter-themed event showcased its impressive capabilities, despite the absence of an ultrawide lens. **AI Innovations** OnePlus has significantly enhanced its AI functionalities with the 13s. New tools like AI Eraser and AI Unblur elevate photo quality, while the AI Recompose feature allows for quick adjustments post-capture. The standout offering is the Plus Mind, serving as a personal AI assistant. By utilizing the Plus Key or a simple gesture, users can save screen content into a digital journal, with AI analyzing and suggesting relevant information, such as calendar entries for plans made. The integration of AI has also improved features like Intelligent Search, making interactions smoother and more intuitive. **Performance Powerhouse** At the core of the OnePlus 13s is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, delivering exceptional performance across all tasks. My experience—ranging from using AI features to gaming—proved seamless, with no lag or performance drops. The device's advanced cooling system, featuring a 4,400mm² 3D Cryo-Velocity Vapor Chamber, kept temperatures in check even during intensive use. **Battery Life** I was pleasantly surprised by the 5850mAh battery, which easily lasts throughout the day without compromise—a testament to the potential of compact devices. Plus, the OnePlus 13s supports rapid 80W charging and features Bypass Charging to maintain battery health during gaming sessions. **Final Thoughts** Priced starting at ₹54,999, the OnePlus 13s emerges as a compelling option for anyone seeking a powerful, compact smartphone. Its premium feel, impressive battery life, and advanced AI features make it a strong contender in today’s market. I eagerly await the future iterations of OnePlus’s “S” series to see how they build upon this success. **Availability** The OnePlus 13s is available in Green Silk, Black Velvet, and Pink Satin, with the 12+256GB variant priced at ₹54,999, and a 12+512GB option available for ₹59,999. Open sales begin on June 12, 2025, through OnePlus's online platforms, Amazon, and retail partners.