After the introduction of the OnePlus 13 in January, the next smartphone set to launch from this popular brand, a by-product of Oppo, is the OnePlus 13T. The official unveiling of this device is slated for April 24, so the wait is almost over.
However, there’s a small catch: the launch event will be held in China, and it remains unclear if this phone will be released globally, including in the United States. There may be more to the story. While the OnePlus 13 had its global presentation in January 2025, it was initially announced in China back in October 2024, suggesting that this compact flagship might also make its debut in other markets.
Numerous leaks have surfaced regarding this device, confirming its design and indicating that the traditional alert slider will be swapped out for a new shortcut button, among other features. With the official release date for China now established, we have also caught wind of several leaked specifications.
The OnePlus 13T is anticipated to showcase a 6.3-inch 1.5K OLED display, featuring a flat design within a frame that boasts sharp edges and rounded corners, reminiscent of the iPhone 16. The camera configuration on the back represents a significant departure from the OnePlus 13, marking this device as more than just a mini version of its predecessor.
Expected to come equipped with two 50-megapixel cameras, the primary camera will utilize a Sony LYT700 sensor, while the telephoto lens will be powered by a Samsung JN5 sensor, providing 2x optical zoom. Additionally, there is a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
One distinguishing feature of this smartphone is its flagship-level hardware, which includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a robust 6100mAh battery housed in a compact form factor. The device will support 80W fast charging for its battery.
Notably, the size of the battery stands out in comparison to other compact devices—the Samsung Galaxy S25, for instance, has a 4000mAh battery with a 6.2-inch display, while the popular Sony Xperia 5 V is equipped with a 5000mAh battery.
The OnePlus 13T is also expected to introduce a new shortcut key, replacing the long-standing alert slider that has been a hallmark of OnePlus devices since the One launched in 2014. This new feature may serve as OnePlus’ response to Apple’s Action Button, potentially unlocking a range of capabilities.
Over the past decade, the smartphone market has been characterized by large devices, making smaller, pocket-friendly options increasingly rare. However, OnePlus’ return to a more compact model, coupled with the revival of the T series naming, could potentially shift trends in favor of smaller smartphones.
This begs the question: do consumers genuinely desire a smaller phone, or continues the appeal of larger displays to prevail?
