India just got its first taste of OnePlus’ compact ambition. The smartphone maker officially launched the OnePlus 13s — its first-ever compact phone — at a high-profile event streamed live on June 5. It’s sleek, light, and not shy about trying to outshine Apple, Google, and Samsung in the flagship-lite space.
The company may have gone smaller in size, but the specs tell a very different story. Starting at ₹54,999, this isn’t just about the looks — OnePlus is packing serious heat inside a pocket-friendly frame.
The First Truly Compact OnePlus Flagship
So, what’s different this time around? Well, for starters, size. And that’s the whole point.
The OnePlus 13s marks a sharp departure from the massive phones we’ve come to expect from the brand. Measuring just 8.15 mm in thickness and weighing only 185 grams, this is easily the slimmest OnePlus flagship in years.
This isn’t just marketing fluff either. It genuinely feels like something designed for human hands, not just spec sheets.
One sentence paragraph? Sure — It actually fits in your pocket.
The company’s emphasis was on everyday comfort without giving up performance, and from what we saw today, they’ve walked that line pretty well.
Price Tag vs Competition: Is ₹54,999 Justified?
Now, let’s talk numbers. The OnePlus 13s comes in two variants — both with 12GB of RAM:
• 256GB storage – ₹54,999
• 512GB storage – ₹59,999
The base model is up for pre-order starting today (June 5), while the top-tier variant hits stores on June 12.
And it’s walking straight into a war zone. The competition includes:
| Model | Expected India Price | Key Rival Feature |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16e | ₹60,000+ (expected) | iOS ecosystem |
| Pixel 9a | ₹49,999 (expected) | Camera & software |
| Galaxy S25 Edge | ₹58,999 | Samsung ecosystem |
Against that, OnePlus is clearly betting on specs-to-price ratio and community brand love. But it won’t be an easy ride.
Features That Actually Matter, Not Just Buzzwords
Sure, it’s easy to throw AI around like confetti. But how much of it helps real users?
OnePlus says the 13s has AI features focused on photography, scene detection, and performance optimization. It adapts how apps launch, tweaks settings based on user behavior, and claims better battery efficiency thanks to machine learning.
But here’s the kicker — no gimmicks. The phone doesn’t overdo the AI talk. It’s subtle, usable stuff.
Performance-wise, the phone runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. There’s a 6.55-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a 50MP main sensor.
Battery? 4,800mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging. No wireless charging though — that’s a bummer.
Not Just a Phone Day: OnePlus Pad 3 Joins the Party
While India got the compact flagship first, OnePlus wasn’t done for the day.
Globally, it rolled out the OnePlus Pad 3 across Europe, the UK, and North America. This tablet comes with an 8,000mAh battery, 144Hz display, and support for accessories like stylus and magnetic keyboard.
India’s still waiting on the Pad 3 launch, but the dual drop on the same day signals something — OnePlus wants to reassert its multi-device dominance.
And honestly, it’s smart timing. With Samsung’s Fold 6 and Apple’s WWDC around the corner, OnePlus needed something fresh.
Fans Are Talking, and So Are Reviewers
Social media lit up after the launch livestream ended. Many users praised the decision to make a compact flagship. Others were more skeptical about pricing, saying it feels “too close” to premium territory.
Early reviews seem mixed — the Verge called it “a refreshingly practical flagship,” while some Reddit users said they’ll “wait for the Pixel 9a before making a call.”
Either way, OnePlus has people talking again.
And that’s half the job done.
What Next? It’s a Tight Market From Here On
India’s smartphone segment under ₹60,000 is heating up. The 13s is jumping into a space that’s already flooded.
OnePlus is banking on brand loyalty, competitive pricing, and its fast Android skin — OxygenOS — to lure users in. But Apple is eyeing the same crowd with the iPhone 16e. Samsung’s got its loyalists. And Google’s Pixel 9a will almost definitely bring photography magic to the mix.
Still, if you miss the days of phones that actually fit your hand without sacrificing performance — the 13s might just be worth a look.
