Why the OnePlus 13s could finally end the ‘Bigger is Better’ era in smartphones

OnePlus 13s

Smartphones have been hitting the gym a little too hard lately. Every year, they get larger, heavier, and often bulkier, especially with those giant camera bumps and humongous batteries that often contribute to their larger than life form factors . For many users, it’s starting to feel less like carrying a phone and more like hauling a mini tablet. Compact phones are deeply missed, but buyers often fear missing out on features, better cameras, and most importantly are faced with very few choices in the market.

But that might be about to change.

The OnePlus 13s, which is all set to hit the market on June 5, could be the much-needed breath of fresh air the compact phone market has been waiting for. While details are still under wraps, early leaks and industry chatter suggest that OnePlus is gearing up to deliver a compact flagship that doesn’t compromise on power.

And that’s a big deal—literally and figuratively.

Over the last few years, compact phones have quietly slipped into the shadows as manufacturers chased larger displays and chunkier form factors. The logic seemed simple: more screen, more battery, more power. But in the process, they forgot something—convenience.

Try typing a message one-handed on a modern 6.8-inch phone without feeling like you're about to drop it. Or try fitting one comfortably into your jeans pocket. Not fun.

This is exactly where the OnePlus 13S might shine. Rumors point to a smaller, lighter design compared to its flagship siblings, but without sacrificing top-tier specs. It is like having flagship-grade performance in a body that actually fits in your hand. And if you’re worried that smaller phones don’t look as appealing as larger ones, the OnePlus 13S unboxing videos already circulating online tell a different story.

While OEMs have increasingly focused on size, camera and battery, there’s a strong audience out there that prefers smaller phones. And we are not saying this but a recent Counterpoint report highlighted a growing demand for compact devices in India, especially among urban users who want powerful phones that don’t feel like bricks.

The iPhone 13 mini, which is now discontinued, was preferred by the users. The phone has now been replaced by the iPhone 16e, which has performed extremely well in India, Middle East and Africa, and helped Apple reach the top spot in the global smartphone market in the Q1 of 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. Yet despite its popularity, it lacked the full flagship experience, missing out on features like advanced cameras, fast charging, or powerful chipsets.

Google’s Pixel 9a also leans into the compact category. The phone is known for its camera prowess but certain shortcomings like the design, which though minimalistic, has not found too many takers and the thick bezels also makes it look a bit dated.

But OnePlus has something special going for it– a powerful chipset, a large battery, a triple-rear camera with a telephoto lens. While specs haven't been officially confirmed, the phone already appears to be a complete package, offering clean software, a refined design, and the trust of a loyal fan base

If the 13s manages to deliver all of that in a more compact form factor, it might just hit the sweet spot that other brands haven’t quite mastered.

While OnePlus hasn’t officially confirmed anything, early leaks suggest the 13s might feature a sub-6.2-inch display, slimmer bezels, and a flat screen—just what compact phone lovers dream of. Under the hood, it’s expected to run on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with the same fast charging tech and camera capabilities we’ve seen on other recent OnePlus flagships.

If the brand manages to price it well and OnePlus usually does, it could offer the best of both worlds,a powerful, premium smartphone that doesn’t scream for oversized pockets or double-handed use.

What makes compact phones appealing isn’t just portability, it’s the overall user experience. A compact phone is easier to handle, more comfortable for long-term use, and less straining on your wrist or fingers. It fits in smaller bags, slides into pockets without a bulge, and feels more “phone-like” than the monster slabs we’ve gotten used to.

And with brands like OnePlus now exploring this space, we might finally be seeing a shift in industry thinking. Maybe—just maybe—the idea that “bigger is better” is starting to lose its grip.

If the OnePlus 13s succeeds, it could send a strong message to other Android phone makers: compact phones are not niche, they’re necessary.

While foldables are getting all the attention, there’s a quieter and more practical revolution happening in the compact phone segment. And if OnePlus plays its cards right, the 13s could be the poster child of that movement.

The timing couldn’t be better either. As users get tired of over-sized devices and clunky form factors, the hunger for sleek, compact phones with flagship DNA is real.

Of course, all of this depends on the actual product OnePlus delivers. But from what we know and what’s being whispered across tech circles the 13s could finally be the phone that challenges the “bigger is better” status quo.

A phone that’s designed for real pockets, real hands, and real users.

So here’s hoping the OnePlus 13s lives up to the hype. Because sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.