After weeks of anticipation, OnePlus has officially launched its latest compact smartphone, the OnePlus 13T, in China. This new model marks OnePlus’ answer to the growing trend for lightweight and sleek devices, positioned alongside upcoming flagship models like the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone 17 Air. Despite its small form factor, the OnePlus 13T is equipped with formidable features, boasting a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, an exceptional high-resolution screen, and a sizeable battery that sets it apart from competitors of similar size.
The standout feature of the OnePlus 13T is undoubtedly its compact design, a refreshing deviation from the common trend of larger smartphones. The device sports a 6.32-inch AMOLED display — noticeably smaller than the 6.9-inch version found on the OnePlus 13. Yet, it doesn’t compromise on quality, delivering a sharp 1.5K resolution with an adaptive refresh rate that reaches up to 120Hz. The screen also supports stunning Dolby Vision and can achieve a peak brightness of 2,400 nits.
Visually, the design of the OnePlus 13T seems to draw inspiration from the iPhone 16, featuring a button reminiscent of the iPhone’s Action Button. This customizable button can be configured for various functions, including toggling audio profiles and accessing camera modes. The phone’s frame gives off a premium impression, akin to titanium, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Weighing in at just 185 grams, the OnePlus 13T is lighter than many of its peers; however, it is still heavier than both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 16. Its compact nature allows for easier one-handed use, as demonstrated by OnePlus during its unveiling.
Users can choose from three attractive colors: light pink, silver, and dark gray, all featuring a matte finish on the glass back. Alongside the phone, OnePlus will also offer a selection of cases to enhance its minimalist design.
Historically, OnePlus devices with the “T” suffix have lagged in performance when compared to their main series counterparts. Nonetheless, the OnePlus 13T defies this trend, sharing the same high-end specifications as the OnePlus 13. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with a whopping 16GB of RAM, and it features a multi-layer vapor cooling system to maintain performance during demanding tasks like gaming. Storage options peak at an impressive 1TB, providing ample space for all your apps and media.
The device packs a robust 6,260mAh battery, offering performance comparable to larger smartphones. It supports fast charging at 80W via SuperVOOC, along with wireless charging capabilities at 27W using OnePlus’ magnetic charging puck.
To optimize space, OnePlus has reduced the camera setup, including two rear cameras instead of the three found on the OnePlus 13. Notably, the camera island design draws parallels to the anticipated iPhone 17 Pro. The dual-camera arrangement features a 50MP primary sensor along with a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2X optical zoom. The primary camera also includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), although it lacks Hasselblad’s color science features.
In China, the OnePlus 13T operates on Oppo’s ColorOS 15, but if it becomes available globally, we expect it to run on OxygenOS, which offers similar functionality with slight regional modifications.
OnePlus has announced pricing for the Chinese market, starting at CNY 3,399 (approximately $470) for the 12GB + 256GB model, with the 16GB + 1TB variant priced at CNY 4,499 (around $620). These prices may vary significantly in other regions due to tariffs and market conditions, particularly in the U.S., which could impact OnePlus’ decision to launch there. More information is anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
