OnePlus 13s Launches in India with Flagship Features, But No Global Rollout

OnePlus 13s Launches in India With Flagship Specs, But No Global Release-Why?

After weeks of building up the hype, OnePlus has officially launched the OnePlus 13s-but only in India. The launch event, streamed live at 6:30 AM UTC, showcased the fourth addition to the OnePlus 13 lineup, joining the already released OnePlus 13, 13T, and 13 Pro.

The 13s features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same powerhouse found in the other 13 series models. You’ll get a vibrant 6.32″ AMOLED display, a 32MP selfie camera with autofocus, and a refreshed design that introduces a new Plus Key on the left side, replacing the beloved Alert Slider seen in older models.

While the specs are undeniably impressive, the real controversy lies in the phone’s limited release strategy. With all the global marketing noise, many fans expected a broader rollout. Instead, OnePlus seems focused on India, leaving European and North American consumers scratching their heads.

The 13s is priced competitively, with the base 256GB + 12GB RAM variant listed around €899/£799. For those looking for more storage, the 512GB + 16GB RAM model costs around €949/£862. Still, concerns have surfaced over missing flagship features like IP68 rating, USB 3.0, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, and wireless charging.

Another hot topic: eSIM support is absent, and fans are wondering why OnePlus hasn’t taken that step yet, especially when other manufacturers are already moving in that direction.

Design-wise, opinions are split. Some adore the minimalist aesthetic with flat edges and a compact build. Others think it resembles a Pixel phone without the charm. Regardless, there’s no denying the 13s looks premium.

So what really sets the 13s apart from the 13T? The main differences seem to be better selfie camera hardware, possibly wider network band support, and regional availability. The 13T is aimed at the Chinese market, while the 13s is clearly targeted at Indian consumers.

For now, fans outside India will have to watch from the sidelines or hope for a future global release-or perhaps wait and see what the upcoming OnePlus 14 has in store. Until then, the 13s remains an impressive but elusive device.