OnePlus 13s Announced as Compact Flagship for India – But Don’t Expect a Global Launch
The OnePlus 13 is already considered one of the top smartphones of 2025, so news of a smaller variant naturally sparked excitement. That excitement turned to mild disappointment when the compact version, the OnePlus 13T, was launched as a China-exclusive. Fortunately, OnePlus has now confirmed that the device will reach additional markets, though availability remains limited.
A New Variant Under a New Name
On the social media platform X, OnePlus revealed that the OnePlus 13T would be launching in India under a new name: the OnePlus 13s. This marks the company’s first introduction of an “s” variant. In a forum post, a OnePlus product manager called the launch “the start of a new chapter,” suggesting that it could be the beginning of a broader product strategy.
The OnePlus 13s will be available in Black Velvet and Pink Satin color options. Its specs appear nearly identical to the Chinese 13T, including a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 2640 x 1216 resolution, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Despite its compact size, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, making it one of the smallest high-performance smartphones on the market.
Camera, Build, and Durability
On the back, the OnePlus 13s features a dual 50MP camera system, including a primary sensor with optical image stabilization and a 2x telephoto lens. The phone is also designed with portability in mind, measuring just 8.2mm thick and weighing 185g, while still offering IP65-rated protection against dust and water.
No Plans for US or European Release
In a statement to The Verge, OnePlus confirmed that there are no current plans to launch the OnePlus 13s in the US or Europe. However, since the Indian version includes Google Play Services and works with most global mobile networks, those interested may still consider importing it.
Pricing and Availability
In China, the OnePlus 13T starts at CNY 3,399 (roughly $450) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The OnePlus 13s is expected to be competitively priced in India, likely under INR 50,000. While the official launch date has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to arrive within the next few weeks.
