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After two weeks of making the switch from my trusty Pixel 7 Pro to the new OnePlus 13s 256GB in a stunning lime green, I can confidently say this phone is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a device; it’s a statement, and a surprisingly capable one at that, especially considering its competitive price point. While no phone is perfect, the OnePlus 13s delivers an exceptional user experience that truly highlights OnePlus’s commitment to user-centric design and performance. Banner images are clicked on iPhone 14.
A Design That Defines Comfort and Style
One of the first things that struck me about the OnePlus 13s is its incredibly slim design and lightweight feel. In a world of ever-increasingly bulky flagships, the 13s is a joy to hold and carry. It slips effortlessly into any pocket, making one-handed use a genuine pleasure. The lime green color of my 256GB variant is vibrant and eye-catching, adding a touch of personality to an otherwise sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It’s clear that OnePlus prioritized ergonomics, and it truly pays off in daily comfort.
Battery Life and Charging: A Game-Changing Combination
Forget daily charging anxiety! The superb battery life on the OnePlus 13s has genuinely impressed me. I’m consistently getting 1.5 to 2 days of usage on a single charge, even with my moderately heavy usage of social media, Browse, and media consumption. This is a significant upgrade from many other phones in its segment.
And when you do need to top up, the fast charging is simply incredible. I can go from near-empty to a substantial charge in a matter of minutes, a feature that quickly becomes indispensable. What’s more, OnePlus continues to be one of the few brands that includes a charger in the box, saving you an extra purchase and hassle. This thoughtful inclusion further enhances the value proposition of the 13s.
Seamless Transition: A Truly Hassle-Free Onboarding
Switching phones can often be a headache, but the OnePlus 13s made the process remarkably smooth. Transferring all my relevant data from my Pixel 7 Pro was a breeze thanks to the pre-installed OnePlus ClonePhone app. It intelligently transfers contacts, messages, photos, and even app data, making the transition feel almost effortless.
The eSim transfer was another pleasant surprise. I was using Jio on my Pixel, and the OnePlus 13s allowed me to easily transfer the eSim directly through the phone’s settings menu, without needing to contact my carrier. This level of user-friendliness is a testament to OnePlus’s attention to detail and commitment to a seamless user experience.
A Clean and Responsive Software Experience
OnePlus has long been praised for its OxygenOS, and the 13s carries that tradition forward. The OS is remarkably clean, devoid of unnecessary bloatware or intrusive pre-installed applications. Other than Netflix and the standard suite of Google apps, my phone was free of clutter. This lean software contributes significantly to the phone’s snappy performance and overall responsiveness. Navigating the interface is fluid, animations are smooth, and multitasking feels effortless.
A Visual Feast: The Awesome Screen
The display on the OnePlus 13s is a highlight, offering an awesome viewing experience for its price point. The brightness levels are excellent, making it perfectly usable even in bright sunlight. The high refresh rate ensures incredibly smooth scrolling and an immersive experience whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or simply Browse. While the resolution might be slightly less than some ultra-premium flagships, I’ve never felt it was lacking during day-to-day usage. The colors are vibrant, and the clarity is impressive, making content truly pop.
Thoughtful Inclusions: More Than Just a Phone
Beyond the core features, the OnePlus 13s comes with a couple of thoughtful additions that enhance its overall value:
- Comes with a charger: As mentioned, this is a significant bonus in today’s market.
- Comes with a very good quality back cover: The included rubber back cover provides excellent grip and protection, even featuring a flap to cover the charging port, which is a nice touch for preventing dust and lint buildup.
- Pre-applied screen protector: Right out of the box, the OnePlus 13s has a basic screen protector already applied. This is a small but valuable detail that saves you the immediate hassle and cost of buying and installing one yourself, providing instant protection for that awesome display.
The Nuances: Where the OnePlus 13s Could Improve
While my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, no device is without its minor drawbacks. If I have to be picky, here are a few areas where the OnePlus 13s isn’t perfect:
- Camera Performance: The camera, while good for its price, is inferior to my previous Pixel 7 Pro in all aspects, especially in low-light conditions. Pixel phones are renowned for their computational photography, and the 13s doesn’t quite match that prowess. However, for casual photos and everyday use in good lighting, it holds its own and captures decent images.
- No Wireless Charging/MagSafe Compatibility: This is a minor inconvenience for me. The OnePlus 13s does not support wireless charging and, consequently, is not compatible with MagSafe accessories. While I don’t frequently use wireless charging, I do own power banks that support it, so it’s a feature I’ve occasionally missed. Many competing mid-range and even some budget phones now offer wireless charging, so this could be a deciding factor for some users.
- eSIM Limitation (But Dual SIM is Present): While the OnePlus 13s supports dual SIM functionality (either 2 physical SIMs or 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM), it’s important to note that only one eSIM can be active at a time. My Pixel 7 Pro allowed for two active eSIMs simultaneously, which was convenient for managing personal and work numbers without physical SIMs. This isn’t a deal-breaker for most users who might use one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two physical SIMs, but it’s a point to consider if your workflow specifically relies on having multiple active eSIMs.
Comparing the OnePlus 13s to the Competition
When looking at similar budget-friendly phones, the OnePlus 13s truly stands out in several key areas. While phones like the Samsung Galaxy A series or some offerings from Xiaomi and Realme might compete on price, the 13s often surpasses them in terms of:
- Software Cleanliness: OnePlus’s OxygenOS typically offers a much cleaner and less cluttered experience compared to the often bloatware-heavy interfaces of some competitors.
- Charging Speed: OnePlus’s SuperVOOC charging technology is consistently among the fastest in the market, often outperforming rivals in the same price bracket.
- Build Quality and Design: The slim profile, premium feel, and thoughtful inclusions like the in-box charger and quality case give the OnePlus 13s an edge in perceived value and user experience.
- Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the OnePlus 13s delivers flagship-grade performance for its price, making it a strong contender for demanding tasks and gaming.
However, if camera performance is your absolute top priority and you’re considering a “budget flagship,” devices like the Google Pixel 8a or older flagship models (like the Pixel 7 Pro if you find a good deal) might still offer a superior photography experience, albeit potentially sacrificing some other aspects like raw battery longevity or charging speed. For wireless charging, phones like the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) offer the feature at a more affordable price point, though you’d be looking at a different performance tier.
The Verdict: A Highly Recommended Mid-Range Powerhouse
The OnePlus 13s, particularly the 256GB Lime Green variant, has quickly become my preferred daily driver. Its compelling blend of premium design, exceptional battery life with blazing-fast charging, a delightfully clean and fluid OS, and a vibrant display makes it a truly outstanding smartphone for its price. While the camera might not be Pixel-level and the lack of wireless charging is a minor quibble, these are easily outweighed by its numerous strengths.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that offers a fantastic overall experience without breaking the bank, and you value a sleek design, long-lasting battery, and a smooth software experience, the OnePlus 13s should be at the very top of your list. It truly is an underrated gem that delivers far more than its price tag suggests.
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What are your thoughts on the OnePlus 13s? Share your experiences in the comments below; Also let me know if you want to see images clicked by the phone in all lights!
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