There was a time when compact phones were easy to find in the budget segment. People used to spend extra money only for bigger displays and powerful performance. But now, things have completely changed. It almost feels like the smartphone market has flipped.
These days, if you want a compact phone, you will actually have to pay a premium price, and the latest proof of this is the newly launched OnePlus 13S.
Well this phone is priced at around ₹55,000 with a good design, but it comes with so many trade offs that you will come to know by the end of this post.
First Look- A Phone That Feels Like an iPhone
Let us start with the design of the OnePlus 13S. Honestly, this is one of the best parts of the phone. It looks super premium, and when you hold it in your hands, you immediately get that iPhone-like in-hand feel. The materials, finish, and form factor all feel very high-end. OnePlus has clearly paid special attention to the look and feel of this device.
So yes, if you love stylish and compact phones, you will fall in love with this one at first glance. It is light, slim, and feels very polished. It is clear that OnePlus wants to target those users who like a premium phone that is not too big or bulky.
The phone also comes with flagship-level specifications. The processor, display, battery, and performance – everything is at par with other premium devices.
But instead of repeating the spec sheet here, let us talk about something more important- the trade offs. Because let us be real – when you are spending INR 55,000, you want a complete package, not just a stylish compact phone.
Major Trade-Offs You Should Know About
Now this is where things get a little disappointing.
No Alert Slider
One of the signature features of OnePlus phones – the alert slider – is missing on the 13S. Instead, OnePlus has introduced something called the AI Plus Key. Honestly, it does not feel like an upgrade. The alert slider was one of those small things that made OnePlus unique and convenient to use. Replacing it with a button that does not add much value is not going to impress long-time users.
No Ultra-Wide Camera
Another thing that is missing is the ultra-wide camera. At ₹55,000, this is a big letdown. Most phones in this price range easily offer a good ultra-wide lens, and it is something people really enjoy using – especially for travel, group shots, and landscape photography. Skipping it in such a premium phone makes it feel incomplete.
No Water Resistance Rating
There is also no official IP rating for water or dust resistance. Again, this is expected in a phone that costs above ₹50,000. Even mid-range phones now come with at least basic water resistance. In this case, you’re left wondering if your phone will survive a little rain or an accidental spill. At this price, it should’ve been there.
Average Camera in Low Light
From what we have seen so far, the camera performance in low-light conditions is just okay – not bad, but not great either. For regular photos in daylight, the camera is fine. But the moment lighting conditions drop, you can see a clear drop in detail and clarity. Considering the price, a little more camera optimization was expected.
Who Should Buy It?
So the big question is – should you buy the OnePlus 13S?
Well, if your main priority is design, and you have been looking for a compact Android phone that feels premium and easy to handle, then yes – this phone is made for you. It definitely stands out in terms of design, and that iPhone-like experience on Android is something not many phones offer.
But if you are someone who is looking for an overall balanced smartphone—good camera setup, better features, more value for money—then you might want to consider other options.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you want more features for the same price, the Xiaomi 15 is a great option. It gives you a better-rounded experience overall, and does not cut corners on things like camera variety or water resistance.
And honestly, if you are spending ₹55,000 just to get that iPhone-style compact design, then you might as well go for the iPhone 15 itself. At least there, you get the full Apple ecosystem, guaranteed updates, and consistent camera performance.
Final Thoughts
It is a bit surprising to see brands treat compact phones as a luxury category. Earlier, they used to be budget-friendly, but now they are seen as a special business opportunity to charge more for less screen size. While the OnePlus 13S does look beautiful and perform well, its trade-offs are hard to ignore—especially at this price.
It’s definitely not a bad phone, but it is not for everyone either. It is best for those who prioritize style, compactness, and that premium feel above all else.
