OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13: The power sibling showdown

The OnePlus 13 and the recently launched OnePlus 13s share similar nomenclature, but make no mistake, they’re built for two very different kinds of users.

The OnePlus 13 is a maxed-out flagship that throws everything but the kitchen sink at power users. The OnePlus 13s? A more compact, lifestyle-focused smartphone that sneaks in flagship specs without going full beast mode. So, which one’s the better pick for you – the ultra-equipped OnePlus 13, or the leaner, smarter OnePlus 13s? Let’s break it down.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 build and design: Bulk vs balance

The OnePlus 13 is unapologetically flagship in form. It is a large 6.82-inch slab with a bold ceramic build, IP68 and IP69 protection, and a chunky 213g weight. It has the classic OnePlus alert slider and a stealthy matte finish that feels every bit as premium as you’d expect from a 2025 flagship.

In contrast, the OnePlus 13s is the minimalist’s dream – smaller and lighter at 185g, and easier to wield one-handed thanks to its 6.32-inch frame. It swaps out ceramic for glass and metal, but still gets the IP rating, solid finish, and even introduces a customisable Plus Key for quick AI actions or mode switching; think silent mode or flashlight with a tap.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 13s price in India: Here’s how much each variant costs

Both phones scream polish, but if you prefer pocketability with flair, the OnePlus 13s gets the edge.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 display: Bigger canvas or better usability?

With its Quad-HD+ LTPO 4.1 panel, the OnePlus 13 offers a cinematic visual experience. It’s got an impressive 510 PPI pixel density, 4,500 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision support. It’s a display that competes with the very best in 2025.

The OnePlus 13s may not match those raw numbers, but its 1.5K LTPO ProXDR panel is no slouch. At 1,600 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and Aqua Touch 2.0 support, it handles wet fingers, gloves, and daily use with finesse. It even gets the same 2,160Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort.

Choose the OnePlus 13 if you’re a display snob. Go for the 13s if you want day-to-day usability with just the right amount of wow.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 performance and software: Overkill vs optimal

Both phones come powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, but the OnePlus 13 pulls out all the stops with configurations going up to a whopping 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. Whether you’re gaming, editing, or multitasking, it won’t even flinch.

The OnePlus 13s, on the other hand, sticks to a sweet spot of 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage, which is still ample for most users. Both ship with Android 15 + OxygenOS 15, and both support the AI Plus Mind space, which collects your content, notes, images, and context into a central ‘brain’ for quicker access.

In day-to-day use, you’re unlikely to feel much difference unless you’re maxing out your tasks. The OnePlus 13 prioritises raw power; the 13s is most concerned with efficiency and intelligence.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 AI and features: Smarter touches on both

Both phones come with a laundry list of AI-powered tricks including AI Detail Boost, AI Unblur, Reflection Eraser, Call Assistant, Translate, Circle to Search, and more. But only the OnePlus 13s introduces the customisable Plus Key, a hardware shortcut that can access some of these AI features in a single click.

ALSO READ: OnePlus AI and iPhone-like Plus Key aim to make phones smarter and simpler

Whether you’re launching the camera, reading on-screen text, or just setting it to open your notes, it adds a layer of convenience that’s hard to ignore. Additionally, the OnePlus 13s also adds Gemini widget support to the lockscreen – something that’s missing on the 13.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 cameras: Triple threat vs tactical duo

The OnePlus 13 goes all-in on imaging with its triple 50MP Hasselblad-backed setup including a main camera, an ultra-wide shooter, and a periscope telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Its LYT-808 sensor has top-tier image processing. Add to that a 32MP front cam and you’ve got a photography champ.

The 13s opts for a more focused approach with dual 50MP sensors including a main shooter and 2x telephoto lens, plus, the same 32MP selfie camera. It still supports all the key AI imaging modes, but lacks the versatility of ultra-wide or periscope zoom.

If photography is your playground, the OnePlus 13 wins hands down. But if you just want great photos without fuss, the 13s should be more than enough.

OnePlus 13s vs OnePlus 13 battery and charging: Similar specs, different speed

Both devices come with massive batteries. 6,000mAh on the OnePlus 13 and 5,850mAh on the OnePlus 13s. But the differences lie in charging. The OnePlus 13 comes with 100W wired + 50W wireless charging, while the OnePlus 13s features 80W wired charging, but no wireless charging chops.

If wireless charging matters to you, the 13 is your pick. Otherwise, the 13s still charges insanely fast and it should last nearly as long.

Which OnePlus is the one for you?

The OnePlus 13 is a full-fledged flagship built for power users, photographers, and display snobs. It’s pricier, but it earns its keep. On the flipside, the OnePlus 13s is for the practical, stylish buyer who wants flagship-grade performance, meaningful AI features, and a lighter form factor – all at a significantly lower price point. The OnePlus 13 will set you back by Rs 69,999, while the 13s has launched at Rs 54,999.

In short, you should pick the OnePlus 13 if you’re chasing specs without compromise, but it’s prudent for your wallet to pick the OnePlus 13s if you want 90 per cent of the flagship experience at 70 per cent of the price – and in a more compact shell. For more comparisons like this one, stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma.