Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Which compact phone is the right pick for you?

Once an oddity in a world obsessed with bigger screens, compact smartphones are having their moment, and how. The new wave isn’t about settling for less; it’s about fitting flagship performance into a sleek, palm-friendly chassis.

Enter the Vivo X200 FE and OnePlus 13s. These two pint-sized powerhouses are gunning for your attention with serious specs and premium flair. If you’re hunting for your next everyday powerhouse that doesn’t feel like a slab, here’s a specs comparison of the Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s to help you decide.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Build and display

The Vivo X200 FE feels engineered for life’s little mishaps. With an aluminium frame, glass back, and both IP68 and IP69 protection, it’s basically the Bear Grylls of smartphones; ready for accidental drops, dust, and the occasional rainfall ambush.

ALSO READ: Vivo X200 FE launches with a compact build, Zeiss-tuned cameras

It’s also impressively slim at 7.99mm, and the 186g weight strikes a sweet balance. It’s not featherlight and feels premium enough, but it’s never a burden. OnePlus counters with the 13s, which is a gram lighter at 185g and just as sleek.

While its aluminium frame holds its own, the rear finish feels more plasticky, though the matte look does lend it a slightly more refined aesthetic. Its IP65 rating means it’ll survive splashes, but it’s not as robust as the X200 FE. In short, OnePlus wins the beauty pageant, but Vivo wins the arm-wrestle.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Performance and software

Under the hood, both phones are formidable. Vivo equips the X200 FE with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300+ chip, which should deliver solid day-to-day speed and gaming finesse. OnePlus raises the bar slightly with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, giving it a performance edge, especially for power users and benchmark fanatics.

RAM and storage are evenly matched with up to 12GB LPDDR5X and 512GB, but OnePlus edges ahead with the faster UFS 4.0 storage (versus UFS 3.1 on the Vivo). You’ll feel that difference in large file transfers and app loading speeds.

Both run on Android 15 out of the box, with Vivo’s Funtouch OS 15 and OnePlus’ OxygenOS 15. Vivo promises four years of OS updates and five of security patches. OnePlus? Same for OS, but an extra year of security love. And yes, AI features are plentiful on both phones including Gemini integration, AI Eraser, and other smart tricks are baked right in.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Cameras

This is where things get spicy. Vivo steps into flagship territory with a Zeiss-branded triple cam setup that includes a 50MP main shooter, 50MP periscope with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. There’s laser autofocus too, which comes in clutch for crisp shots. This makes the X200 FE ideal for portrait lovers and anyone who enjoys versatility in their camera setup.

ALSO READ: OnePlus 13s is the compact powerhouse you didn’t know you needed

OnePlus 13s opts for simplicity with a 50MP main and a 50MP ultrawide. No telephoto means it falls slightly short for zoom and depth-rich shots. For selfies, Vivo again goes bigger with a 50MP front camera and 4K60fps video recording. The OnePlus has a 32MP selfie cam, which still supports 4K60fps, but resolution-hunters may lean toward Vivo.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Battery life and charging

Battery bragging rights clearly belong to Vivo. A massive 6,500mAh cell powers the X200 FE, and it supports 90W fast charging, meaning you’ll spend less time tethered to the wall. OnePlus has a 5,850mAh battery and 80W charging, which is still speedy, just not as beastly.

Neither device supports wireless charging (a miss for some), but OnePlus does include 33W PPS and 18W PD support, making it a bit more travel-friendly if you’re using third-party USB-C chargers.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Which one is perfect for you?

If your wishlist includes ironclad durability, camera versatility, and battery life that just won’t quit, the Vivo X200 FE is your winner. It’s the compact phone for those who do not compromise. However, if you’re after a slicker design, slightly faster performance, and longer-term security updates, with just a hint of minimalist camera charm, the OnePlus 13s makes a strong case.

Which compact phone has caught your eye? Drop a comment with your thoughts, and stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for the latest updates surrounding the world of tech.