OnePlus 13s Set to Launch in India Soon: Here’s What We Know So Far
The OnePlus 13s is positioned to appeal to users looking for flagship-like performance and features in a more compact, affordable package.
The OnePlus 13s is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about phones of 2025, and it looks like Indian fans won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on it.
While OnePlus hasn’t officially confirmed the launch date just yet, a dedicated microsite is already live on Amazon and the company’s own website, so it’s safe to say the big reveal is around the corner.
A Compact Flagship with a Twist
The OnePlus 13s is expected to be a rebranded version of the OnePlus 13T, which recently made its debut in China. For Indian buyers, that means a compact flagship that sits neatly between the OnePlus 13R and the full-fledged OnePlus 13, offering high-end specs at a more wallet-friendly price.
One of the more interesting changes is that the beloved Alert Slider is reportedly getting swapped out for something called the "Short Key," a multifunctional button that could let you launch apps or switch profiles on the fly. It’s a bold move from OnePlus, especially in a market where the Alert Slider has become something of a signature feature.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
Expected Launch Timeline
According to leaks and insider tips, the OnePlus 13s is likely to launch in May 2025, maybe even sooner than that. If the growing buzz around the microsite is anything to go by, the unveiling could happen any day now.
Sleek Design, Familiar Feel
Design-wise, the OnePlus 13s is sticking with the brand’s tried-and-true formula: clean, sleek, and premium. We’re talking about a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, slim bezels, and a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. Around the back, you’ll find a vertically aligned dual-camera setup sitting on a slightly raised bump, all wrapped up in a matte finish.
Colour options are rumoured to include Cloud Ink Black, Morning Mist Grey, and Powder Pink, giving you a bit of flair no matter your style.
Power Under the Hood
This isn’t just a pretty phone—it’s packing some serious muscle. The OnePlus 13s is expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is built for top-tier performance and power efficiency. You can expect configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage, making it a solid pick for gamers, multitaskers, and power users alike.
The battery is another highlight: a massive 6,000mAh cell (or 6,260mAh, depending on which leak you believe) with fast-charging support. Early reports point to either 80W or 90W wired charging, which should juice up your phone in no time. However, don’t expect wireless charging—likely a trade-off to keep the phone slim and light.
Camera Setup: Dual but Mighty
While it’s not rocking a triple-camera array, the OnePlus 13s seems to make up for it with quality over quantity. Rumours suggest a 50MP main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilisation) and a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, you’re looking at a 16MP front camera—standard, but solid.
OnePlus is known for its software tuning and image processing, so even with a dual setup, we’re expecting some pretty impressive shots, especially in good lighting.
Software and Extras
The OnePlus 13s will likely ship with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 right out of the box. Plus, there’s talk of four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches, which is great news if you’re planning to hold onto your phone for a while.
Other expected features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and all the usual connectivity options you’d expect from a 2025 flagship.
Expected Price: Mid-Range with Flagship Vibes
Pricing rumours put the OnePlus 13s somewhere around ₹45,000 to ₹50,000, which neatly positions it between the ₹42,999 OnePlus 13R and the ₹69,999 OnePlus 13. That makes it a sweet spot for buyers who want high-end performance without totally blowing the budget.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13s is positioned to appeal to users looking for flagship-like performance and features in a more compact, affordable package.
With its upgraded specs, clean design, and long-term software support, it stands as a strong contender in the premium mid-range segment. As OnePlus finalises its launch plans, all eyes are on how the 13s will compete with rivals from Samsung, Xiaomi, and iQOO in the coming months.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
