In the Android world the Compact Flagship phone section has saw a resurgence in 2025 after Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro and Xiaomi 15. The newly launched Oneplus 13s has brought back people’s attention back to this niche section. Xiaomi 15 was launched a while back, and is a direct competitor of One Plus. Both the devices come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
So, let’s find out all the pros and cons of both the phones and come to a conclusion on who deserves to be on the throne of “Compact Flagship”.
Let the battle begin:
Xiaomi 15 – As of now the only variant available is the 12+512 GB, which is available online on Amazon and Mi.com for Rs 64,998.
Oneplus 13s – The 12+256 GB variant is available on Amazon for Rs 54,998, and the 12+512 GB for Rs 59,998.
Clearly the 13s is almost Rs 5000 cheaper than Xiaomi (considering the 12+256 GB models)
Xiaomi's dominance:
Display and Audio: Both have amazing LTPO AMOLED displays around 6.3 inches, but Xiaomi has a slightly sharper and brighter display and thinner and more symmetrical bezels all around.
Both have dual speaker setup. Both get amazingly loud. But Xiaomi has better and fuller sound.
Camera: Xiaomi has a triple camera setup (50 MP main sensor with OIS + 50 MP telephoto + 50 MP wide angle) against the dual setup of Oneplus (50 MP main sensor with OIS + 50 MP telephoto).
Xiaomi takes better photos with excellent dynamic range and better skin tones for portrait shots and also better night photographs. Also more versatile with having the advantage of wide angle lens which is completely missing in One Plus.
Tides are turned for the selfies. Both sport a 32 MP shooter but Oneplus has better output.
Oneplus comeback:
Build: Both have a solid constructuin of glass and metal, but the 13s feels more premium in hand with its satin finish.
UI and Software: The OxygenOS on 13s feels refined, it is smooth to use, has tons of useful features, less gitches, beautiful animations, and wonderful integration with haptics.
The HyperOS on Xiaomi falls short on this account. Although having a better hardware component in almost every aspect it falls short to provide users with that premiumness.
Battery: The Oneplus has done a excellent job here. They have some how fit a 5850mAh battery which has an excellent 8+ hours of screen on time on moderate use and a very good standby time too. Paired with a 80W charger it refills in a jiffy.
The Xiaomi 15 comes with a 5240mAh battery with 90W charging. Not a slouch at all, but falls short in comparison.
Verdict: Well there is no clear winner, but you can clearly make up your mind based on your choice and preference.
If you are someone who is heavily invested in the hardware side of things, you should go with the Xiaomi 15.
But if you are someone who wants a polished experience the Oneplus 13s is the phone for you.
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