OnePlus 13S, the company’s first compact smartphone, which is soon set to launch in India. Now, OnePlus is a brand in which it is not launched every month and almost every price segment has a very well-organized smartphone line-up catering for consumers, which is Rs. OnePlus at Rs 13 in all ways for 17,999 Nord CE4 lights. 69,999. With 13S, OnePlus says it has been addressing an important demand, where recently, consumers want a smartphone to provide a flagship-level performance in a small look factor. However, OnePlus emphasizes that “compact” does not mean renunciation of features.
Additionally, Counterpoint published a consumer survey last month, when it comes to compact smartphone, it was occupying the market intervals. While OnePlus started the survey, it was still a great way to investigate the consumer response and investigation. Next to the company’s big launch, Gadgets 360 got to talk to Robin Liu, CEO – OnePlus India, to understand why 13 more now. We also got a chance to talk to the Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak in the recent survey.
OnePlus OnePlus 13S is in position in its lineup as a strategically placed device, which provides balance between flagship performance and strength in a compact design. We asked Robin about the possible demand and observation of OnePlus as a smartphone manufacturer; He explained, “Depending on the major estimates of the market, 2025 actually looks as a popular requirement of the compact smartphone. While the big screen has their advantages and loved one and all, consumers and our community members are now looking at the facility of use as a major aspect when choosing a phone.”
Referring to the recent counterpoint survey, it has been said that users are now looking for a smartphone which are better align with everyday purposes. It said that 88% of Indian smartphone users expressed their desire to switch to compact smartphones without compromising on performance. We wanted to understand whether it was an excellent time for the launch of 13S. “It is interesting to see that compact smartphones are still gaining popularity among a section of our community, which are due to form factor and ease of use, such as they provide, such as casual gaming and social media activities, it creates a favorable solution for some. This compact flagship is a thrilling opportunity to rebuild flagship that does not fit in small pockets – but not fit in small pockets – but rationable opportunity does not fit – but rationable opportunities do not fit – but the robbin does not fit – but rationable opportunities do not. Said.
“Demand is clear: People want a compact phone that fit in their hands and in their lives.
13S will be operated by Snapdragon 8 Elite
OnePlus 13S should be kept between 13 and 13r
We also wanted to clarify the naming of the upcoming 13-series phone. Why was “S” chosen for this special model, and where is it fit in the company’s product line-up? Robin clarified, “OnePlus 13S indicates our discovery for excellence and our unwavering commitment is born to ‘Never Settle’ philosophy. This tool proudly pursues the heritage of our major OnePlus 13 series – for a small, clever and more powerful form for more for more factor for more factor, keeping in mind their needs, keeping in mind the needs, keeping in mind their needs, keeping in mind their needs, keeping in mind their needs, keeping in mind their needs Do not want to compromise on the flagship-grade performance while not burning a hole in your pocket. “
Robin Liu said it will be kept sweet between OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R
Subsequently, we wanted to understand that OnePlus is not the only brand to discover the compact segment. Many brands are searching for different approaches for compact design, for example, slimming bezels, reducing overall shapes and reducing performance dimensions. Which of these views do you believe that the Indian consumer will be the most strongly echo, and why?
Robin began by setting references about the entire compact smartphone ecosystem in India. “In markets like India, where phones are often the primary tool for entertainment and work, consumer performances are not ready to compromise. Often, when they hear the word ‘compact’, they think that it means compromise – because a small look means a factor that means battery, performance, performance, etc. can work with us.
Robin Liu, CEO, OnePlus India
Compact smartphone: required
Asked whether there is a significant difference in the Indian market for a really high-demonstration compact smartphone, which does not compromise on the major features, Robin replied enthusiastically, “Absolutely. About 68% of Indian users feel that the market feels that there is a lack of adequate options for compact smartphones in the market, which recently quoted from Counterpoint Survey.
“We are in a complicated place, where we are seeing that the Indian consumer is developing rapidly and expects a premium, all-round experience regardless of the form factor. When looking at the insight of the counterpost report, which focuses on the compact smartphone, is an interval, while a faolting statement to work at the same time is a failure. To work on the construction of OnePlus such as OnePlus 13s, falls for brands such as OnePlus, which ensures ease of use through its form factor, seamless software integration, which enables ease in the matters of high-demonstrations like gaming, content creation on-the-go and multitasking, “he said.
Given that 13S would enter a section with a low competition, we asked Robin how OnePlus sees the current competitive landscape for compact smartphones in India and some factors that affect the R&D of the phone. “Currently, the compact smartphone segment in India has not yet realized its full potential. While some devices are available in the compact form factor, consumer preferences indicate a perfect screen size of <6.5 inch while considering a compact phone, indicating a significant occasion for innovation." Said.
“In OnePlus, this is our ongoing discovery to find the best solution and provide the best user experience and thus the concept of OnePlus 13S was made. We see compact smartphone space as a perfect opportunity for leadership – developing a tool – which fulfills the needs of both local users and fulfills global performance agreements that fulfills global performance agreements,” he elevates the overall users’ needs, “they say they say, calling the global performance agreements.
When asked about the biggest challenges in this “smart yet powerful” proposal, Robin simplified, “challenge engineering is linked in engineering excellence. Small equipment disrupts internal space, which makes it difficult to adjust the high-end processor, cooling system and large battery. It becomes difficult to adjust to the correct balance between compact size and unconventional display.”
The new button phone is placed on the left side of the chassis
Understanding changing consumer preferences (feet counterpoint)
In an email conversation with Tarun, we asked about the major drivers behind this possible change towards compact smartphone in the Indian market in 2025. Breaks it for us“Changes towards compact smartphones in the Indian market in 2025 are largely inspired by changing consumer preferences and developing usage patterns. Since smartphones have become central for daily life-only used for communication or entertainment, but also for banking, health tracking and productivity, are also using those equipment that are now powerful and practical, which are powerful and practical for expansion.”
He continues, “After years of growing screen sizes, many consumers are now experiencing fatigue with large, heavy phones, which is difficult to handle. A compact form factor provides a more comfortable grip, reduces the possibility of casual drops, and is easily valued to use, especially for versatile use.
When asked about the primary pain points of consumers using large-screen smartphones, Tarun said, “Many users are starting to feel the need for compact smartphone devices. In fact, 53% say they struggle to operate them with one hand, and their phone is left to get stuck.
Beyond size, which specific use cases are increasing the demand for compact smartphones in India? Tarun replied, “The demand for compact smartphones in India is not only stems from their small size, which they are made by the facility offered in everyday life. Users find it easy to manage them during crowded metro rides, for a one-hand texting while walking, or when they slip in a small bag, they travel in a small bag. These real -life scenario threw a quick selfie with one hand when going to be paid, how a phone that fits well in the hand can make the daily conversation smooth and more comfortable. “
“With cases of these practical use, there is a growing place of users who are often affected by digital welfare and minimal lifestyle trends. They can opt for a compact smartphone to avoid distracted smartphones and focus on the necessary tasks on their smartphones.
The company has teased the full design of OnePlus 13 in India. It will have a new physical button, which can be sinked for special tasks. Power to the phone will be Qualcomm’s top level Snapdragon 8 Elite SOC, and the screen size is 6.32-inch, making it the smallest offering of the company in India in terms of screen size.
Stay at gadgets 360 for the launch of OnePlus 13S.
