OnePlus has officially lifted the curtain on its upcoming OnePlus 13T, confirming a major selling point for fans of smaller flagships: a compact design. Leaked specifications and early hands-on photos have also sparked comparisons to its sibling, the OnePlus 13, while the brand’s new MagSafe-compatible accessories hint at a strategic push into the premium ecosystem race.
A Return to Compact Form
The OnePlus 13T’s dimensions, confirmed via an official Weibo post, reveal a device measuring 148.1 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm—marking a noticeable reduction from the OnePlus 12T’s bulkier frame. This shift aligns with growing demand for high-performance phones that fit comfortably in one hand. Early adopters praised the ergonomic design in leaked hands-on images (shared on X by @ShishirShelke1), which showcase a sleek aluminum frame and matte glass back. The 6.1-inch AMOLED display retains a buttery 120Hz refresh rate, suggesting OnePlus hasn’t compromised on specs to achieve the smaller footprint.
MagSafe Enters the OnePlus Universe
In a move mirroring Apple’s magnetic ecosystem, OnePlus unveiled its first MagSafe-compatible accessories, including a wireless charger, a detachable wallet, and a car mount. A Weibo preview highlights the accessories’ strong grip and seamless alignment, ensuring faster charging speeds compared to standard Qi pads. The magnetic ring also supports third-party MagSafe gear, a strategic play to attract iPhone switchers. Industry analysts speculate this could position OnePlus as a bridge between Android and Apple’s accessory ecosystem.
OnePlus 13 vs. 13T: Spot the Differences
While both models share the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 5,000mAh battery, early photos (via @OnePlusClub) highlight key design divergences. The 13T’s camera module is slightly smaller than the 13’s bold Hasselblad-branded array, though it retains a 50MP primary sensor. The 13T also opts for a flat display over the 13’s curved edges, appealing to users prioritizing screen durability. A follow-up Weibo post teases “surprise upgrades” to the 13T’s cooling system, likely targeting mobile gamers.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus 13T is expected to debut in October 2024, with pre-orders bundled with a free MagSafe charger. Meanwhile, accessories are already listed on Amazon, signaling an aggressive rollout. With a rumored starting price of 200, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Early Verdict
OnePlus appears to be striking a delicate balance between premium features and accessibility. The 13T’s compact build and MagSafe integration address two key consumer pain points, while its competitive pricing could disrupt the mid-flagship segment. As the launch nears, all eyes are on whether these tweaks will translate into a standout device—or leave buyers eyeing the pricier OnePlus 13 instead.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official release.
