Featuring a high-end camera setup, cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a vivid 6.73-inch AMOLED display. In contrast, offering solid flagship specs with a slightly smaller AMOLED display and a large battery, all at a more affordable price point. Below is a tech vlogging-style breakdown, their specs, and how they stack up against each other—with a comparison chart included for quick visual reference.
- Display: 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED, QHD+ (1440 x 3200), 120Hz refresh rate, 3200 nits peak brightness, Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 for enhanced durability.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), octa-core up to 4.32 GHz with Adreno 830 GPU.
- RAM & Storage: Options up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB/1TB UFS 4.1 storage; no card slot for expansion.
- Cameras (Rear): Quad camera setup:
- Front Camera: 32 MP punch-hole with 4K video support.
- Battery: 5410mAh (global), supporting 90W wired, 80W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging.
- Build & Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance; glass-fiber or eco-leather back; aerospace-grade glass fiber frame.
- Other Features: Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, full suite of sensors, IR blaster, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, dual stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio.
- Software: Android 15 with Xiaomi HyperOS 2, promised 4 major updates.
- Price (India): ₹1,09,999 for 16GB/512GB; includes photography kit with pre-order in India.
OnePlus 13S: Complete Specifications
The OnePlus 13S offers a robust flagship experience, focusing on performance and battery endurance:
- Display: 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1216 x 2640 pixels (FHD+), 120Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak, Crystal Shield Glass protection.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), octa-core up to 4.32 GHz, Adreno 830 GPU.
- RAM & Storage: 12GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 storage; no microSD expansion.
- Cameras (Rear): Dual camera setup:
- Front Camera: 32 MP with 4K video.
- Battery: 5850mAh, 80W wired charging (with PPS/PD/QuickCharge support), 5W reverse wired.
- Build & Durability: Lighter at 185g, glass front, aluminum frame, IP65-rated (protection from dust/low-pressure water jets).
- Other Features: Optical in-display fingerprint, stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0.
- Software: Android 15 with OxygenOS 15.
- Price (India): ₹59,998 for 12GB/512GB.
Feature Comparison Chart
Below is a side-by-side comparison to highlight key areas:
Comparison chart of Xiaomi 15 Ultra vs OnePlus 13S major specifications, price, and launch details
In-Depth Vlog-Style Breakdown
Display & Design
Both phones bring flagship displays but with distinct approaches. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers a larger, higher-res panel with extreme peak brightness suitable for HDR content and sunlight legibility, surrounded by premium glass and eco-leather or glass-fiber options—a treat for those who value both durability and aesthetics. OnePlus 13S, being smaller and lighter, feels more ergonomic, though its screen is slightly less dense and bright—still plenty sharp for everyday use.
Camera Prowess
Photography defines Xiaomi’s Ultra, with its Leica-engineered quad camera array rivaling professional shooting gear, especially the unique 200MP periscope telephoto for far-off zoom and the massive 1″ sensor for great low-light shots. It’s a phone for content creators craving versatility: 8K video, wide-to-ultra zoom, RAW, Pro Modes—delivering what few phones can. OnePlus 13S, while using high-quality sensors, sticks to a dual setup—a reliable performer for portraits and day-to-day, but doesn’t match Ultra’s zoom flexibility or creative features.
Performance & Software
Both are equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, making them some of the fastest Androids in 2025. This processor, paired with UFS 4.1 (Ultra) or 4.0 (13S) storage, ensures smooth multi-tasking and gaming. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts up to 16GB RAM, making it friendlier for heavy users who keep lots of apps or games open. On the software side, HyperOS (Xiaomi) and OxygenOS (OnePlus) both ship on Android 15, but Xiaomi promises a longer update period, helpful for those who plan to keep their device for years.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is a toss-up with the 13S packing a larger 5850mAh cell—expect multi-day use for all but the heaviest users. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t far behind with its 5410mAh battery, but it ups the ante on charging: 90W wired and an industry-leading 80W wireless. If speed is the priority, Xiaomi wins out. For sheer capacity, OnePlus has the edge.
Build Quality and Extras
Both offer robust bodies and dust/water protection, though Xiaomi’s IP68 rating means it survives greater submersion than OnePlus’s IP65 (great for rain/splashes but not immersion). Thoughtful features like IR blasters and stereo speakers appear on both, but Xiaomi takes the lead for advanced audio hardware and satellite communication—tricks useful for extreme users and travelers.
Value and Pricing
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra commands a significant premium at ₹1,09,999 (more than double the 13S), justified by its camera, charging, and luxury finishes. The OnePlus 13S punches above its price, providing most flagship essentials for those willing to compromise a bit on camera flashiness and some extras, starting at ₹59,998. If camera tech and pro features aren’t top priorities, OnePlus offers incredible value.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
- Buy Xiaomi 15 Ultra for the ultimate phone camera, fast wireless charging, and four years of Android updates—a true no-compromise flagship for hobbyists, travelers, and tech enthusiasts.
- Buy OnePlus 13S if flagship performance, long battery life, comfort, and value-for-money are priorities. It’s a workhorse lacking only in Ultra’s creative photographic edge.
Both these 2025 flagships shine in their specialties. Xiaomi’s Ultra lives up to its name, but OnePlus 13S makes a strong case as the sensible flagship killer. Decide based on camera needs, budget, and brand preference—the future of Android is brighter than ever.
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