OnePlus has long stood out in the Android landscape for its unique blend of minimal design and practical features. One of the most beloved among these features—the Alert Slider—may finally be bowing out. With recent leaks surrounding the OnePlus 13 series, the tech world is buzzing about the introduction of a new ‘Plus Key’ that is set to replace the Alert Slider.
This marks a major shift in OnePlus’s philosophy and hints at deeper hardware-software integration. Let’s explore everything we know so far about the OnePlus 13, broken down category-wise for clarity.
🔍 Design & Build: A Shift in Legacy
The OnePlus 13 is expected to take a bold step forward in terms of industrial design:
- Flat glass panels with precision-machined aluminum edges
- Slimmer bezels and more ergonomic in-hand feel
- Color options may include Obsidian Black, Arctic White, and a rumored Titanium Silver
The most striking change, however, is the removal of the iconic Alert Slider, a feature OnePlus fans have adored since the OnePlus 2. In its place comes the ‘Plus Key’, a reprogrammable button on the left frame.
This ‘Plus Key’ is rumored to support:
- Shortcut toggles (Camera, DND, Flashlight)
- Custom apps
- Smart automation routines
It’s a shift away from a static hardware toggle to a dynamic, AI-enhanced function key, aligning with industry trends set by Apple’s Action Button and Samsung’s Side Key.
📺 Display & Visuals
If the leaks are accurate, the OnePlus 13 will feature:
- A 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED QHD+ display
- 1-120Hz dynamic refresh rate
- Up to 2600 nits peak brightness
- 1.5K resolution sweet-spot for power and clarity
Expect a more immersive multimedia experience with minimal punch-hole interruption, thanks to a centered front-facing camera and thinner chin bezels. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support are also expected for elite visual fidelity.
📸 Camera Upgrades: Hasselblad Continues
OnePlus continues its strategic partnership with Hasselblad, and the OnePlus 13 will reportedly carry a triple camera array:
- 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor (improved light capture and dynamic range)
- 50MP ultra-wide with macro functionality
- 64MP periscope telephoto lens with up to 6x optical zoom
On the front, a 32MP selfie shooter promises crisp photos and 4K video recording.
Camera software upgrades may include:
- Hasselblad Portrait Mode
- Nightscape 2.0
- AI-backed scene recognition and stabilization
This setup could push OnePlus closer to the likes of Samsung and Pixel in photography prowess.
⚙️ Performance & Hardware
OnePlus 13 is shaping up to be a performance powerhouse. Under the hood:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC
- Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- UFS 4.0 Storage up to 1TB
Thermal management will be powered by a new dual vapor chamber cooling system, ensuring peak performance even during intense gaming or multitasking.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or editing on the go, the OnePlus 13 promises smooth, lag-free performance that justifies its flagship status.
🔋 Battery & Charging
Battery life remains a focal point for OnePlus. Rumors suggest:
- 5400mAh battery
- 100W wired fast charging
- 50W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging supported
With AI-based charging optimization, the battery could learn your usage patterns and reduce wear over time.
For perspective, it may charge from 1% to 100% in just 25 minutes, continuing OnePlus’s tradition of ultra-fast charging.
🔐 Software & OxygenOS
The OnePlus 13 will likely debut with OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15. The new Plus Key is expected to integrate closely with OxygenOS, offering customizable interactions such as:
- Launching voice assistant
- Quick commands for Smart Home controls
- Focus Mode activation
Key software features expected:
- Zen Mode 3.0
- AI Text Summarizer
- Advanced Theming Engine
- OnePlus File Dash+
OxygenOS continues to walk a fine line between a clean UI and useful features, and the OnePlus 13 could represent its most refined version yet.
🌐 Connectivity & Features
Top-tier connectivity is a given in the OnePlus 13:
- 5G SA/NSA support with all major global bands
- Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC
- USB Type-C 4.0
- IP68 water and dust resistance
The Plus Key may also integrate with smart wearables and IoT features, expanding its use beyond the phone itself.
In an earlier report by details emerged confirming the final hardware design and some prototype use cases for the Plus Key, which aligns with OnePlus’s shift toward a more modular ecosystem.
📅 Launch Timeline & Availability
The OnePlus 13 series is expected to be unveiled in China in late October 2025, followed by a global launch in November.
India, Europe, and North America will receive the device within the first wave. Pre-orders may open soon after the China launch, with retail availability by mid-November.
Pricing could start at:
- ₹64,999 for the base 12GB+256GB variant
- ₹74,999 for the 16GB+512GB variant
- A OnePlus 13 Pro or Ultra variant may be introduced later with enhanced camera hardware and build
🔄 Plus Key vs Alert Slider: A Necessary Trade-Off?
OnePlus’s Alert Slider was a beloved feature for fans seeking simplicity, letting users switch between silent, vibrate, and ring modes effortlessly.
However, the Plus Key opens up new possibilities:
| Feature | Alert Slider | Plus Key |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Function | Yes | No |
| Customization | No | Yes |
| AI Integration | No | Yes |
| App Launch | No | Yes |
| Smart Scenes | No | Yes |
While die-hard fans may mourn the loss, this new hardware could appeal to a broader, more tech-savvy audience. The shift also reflects a desire to differentiate from Apple and Samsung, not mimic them.
✅ Final Thoughts
The OnePlus 13 signals a maturing vision—one that balances performance, camera technology, and software polish with smart hardware evolution. The Plus Key may not have the tactile charm of the Alert Slider, but it brings a new layer of utility to users who want more control over their smartphone experience.
Whether this shift divides loyalists or attracts a new fanbase remains to be seen. What’s certain is that OnePlus isn’t afraid to evolve, and the OnePlus 13 proves it’s willing to take calculated risks in the pursuit of innovation.