The tech world was buzzing as OnePlus unveiled its flagship device, the OnePlus 13s. Known for delivering high-performance smartphones at competitive prices, OnePlus has positioned the 13s as a direct contender to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out as we deep-dive into the design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and user experience of this powerful smartphone.
OnePlus 13s is a device that promises to push the boundaries of design, performance, and is Known for delivering high-performance devices at competitive prices, OnePlus has once again captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. With cutting-edge features and premium build quality, the OnePlus 13s is targeting those who seek luxury combined with value.
Wondering if this flagship is worth your time and investment? This review dives deep into every feature of the OnePlus 13s, from its design and display to its camera and performance capabilities. By the end, you’ll know whether the OnePlus 13s is the right device for you.
Design and Display
The OnePlus 13s is a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation, with its ceramic back panel and aircraft-grade aluminum frame exuding premium quality. Measuring just 7.9mm thick and weighing 190g, it maintains a slim, lightweight form factor for easy handling.
The 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display steals the show with its 2K resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. HDR10+ support makes colors pop, and the peak brightness of 1500 nits ensures visibility in direct sunlight. While the display lacks the curved-edge design seen on the Galaxy S25 Edge, many users prefer the flat panel for fewer accidental touches.
Verdict: While the S25 Edge offers a more immersive curved design, the 13s delivers on practicality with equally sharp visuals and vivid color reproduction.
Performance
Powering the OnePlus 13s is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options (256GB, 512GB, and 1TB). Built on 4nm architecture, this setup ensures lightning-fast performance with a 20% efficiency boost compared to its predecessor.
On the benchmark front, the 13s boasts impressive scores, rivaling that of the Galaxy S25 Edge. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the Vapor Chamber Cooling System, keeping the device cool even during prolonged gaming sessions of titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
Verdict: The OnePlus 13s is a performance beast. Whether you’re multitasking, running AI-heavy apps, or gaming, it delivers consistent performance comparable to the S25 Edge.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system on the OnePlus 13s, developed in collaboration with Hasselblad, promises to elevate smartphone photography. Here’s a breakdown of the setup:
- 50MP Sony IMX998 primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharp, detailed shots in various lighting conditions.
- 48MP Ultra-Wide Lens with a 115° field of view for group photos and landscapes.
- 32MP Telephoto Lens with 3x optical zoom for portraits and distant subjects.
While its primary sensor captures vibrant and true-to-life images, the Galaxy S25 Edge’s 200MP camera edges ahead in terms of sheer detail. Low-light performance is where OnePlus shines, thanks to its NightScape 3.0 technology, producing noise-free and bright images.
For video enthusiasts, the 13s supports 4K recording at 120fps and advanced stabilization, although it can’t quite match Samsung’s 8K prowess.
Verdict: If night photography and realistic colors are priorities, the 13s is an excellent choice. However, Samsung edges it out in zoom capability and video resolution.
Battery Life
The OnePlus 13s houses a 5,500mAh battery, a slight step down from the S25 Edge’s 6,000mAh capacity, but it delivers excellent endurance. While you can easily get through a day of moderate-to-heavy use, the real star is its 150W SuperVOOC fast charging, which gets you 80% in just 15 minutes.
Wireless charging, capped at 50W, is another plus, though Samsung’s 65W wired charging and 30W wireless charging make the S25 Edge an equally competitive option.
Verdict: The faster charging speed gives the OnePlus 13s a notable edge, even if the S25 Edge slightly edges out in all-day battery longevity.
Software and User Experience
The OnePlus 13s runs on OxygenOS 14, built over Android 14, and remains one of the cleanest Android experiences on the market. With minimal bloatware and a fluid interface, it feels snappy and intuitive.
New features such as Smart Efficiency Tools and Advanced Always-On Display customizations enhance usability. OnePlus also promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, aligning with Samsung’s update policy on the S25 Edge.
OxygenOS includes several customization options, allowing users to tweak everything from themes to gestures. The phone is also promised to receive three years of major Android updates and an additional year of security patches, ensuring longevity.
Verdict: Both devices deliver excellent user experiences, but OxygenOS wins for minimalism while Samsung’s One UI leans toward feature-packed offerings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Elegant design with premium materials
- Sharp 2K AMOLED display
- Top-tier performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Hasselblad-tuned camera for stunning photos, especially in low light
- Ultra-fast 150W charging
Cons:
- 4K video recording limits, compared to competitors’ 8K
- Slightly smaller battery compared to rivals
Who Should Buy the OnePlus 13s?
The OnePlus 13s is ideal for those who:
- Value clean, minimalistic software with robust performance.
- Want blazing-fast charging without worrying about battery life.
- Appreciate stellar low-light photography.
- Seek flagship features at a more wallet-friendly price compared to Samsung’s S25 Edge.
For users seeking extra features like higher video resolution or superior zoom, the Galaxy S25 Edge might be the better option.
Final Thoughts
The OnePlus 13s strikes a delicate balance between premium features and competitive pricing. While it doesn’t dethrone Samsung’s flagship in every category, its fast charging, user-friendly software, and excellent low-light photography make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking quality without breaking the bank.
If you’re considering stepping into the premium smartphone world, the OnePlus 13s offers incredible value and performance.
