OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 13S – Should You Upgrade?
OnePlus is set to launch its 2025 flagship, the OnePlus 13S, as a successor to the OnePlus 12. If you own a OnePlus 12 or are considering an upgrade, this comparison will help you decide: Is the OnePlus 13S worth it, or should you stick with the OnePlus 12?
Let’s break down the key differences in performance, display, camera, battery, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Specs Comparison: OnePlus 12 vs OnePlus 13S
| Feature | OnePlus 12 (2024) | OnePlus 13S (2025 – Rumored) | Upgrade? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) | ✅ ~20% faster |
| Display | 6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4500 nits | 6.32″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1600 nits | ❌ Smaller but sharper |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 24GB LPDDR5X / 1TB UFS 4.0 | Up to 12GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 | ❌ Less RAM option |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP (Sony LYT-808) + 64MP (3x periscope) + 48MP (ultrawide) | 50MP (wide) + 50MP (2x telephoto) | ❌ No periscope zoom |
| Battery | 5400mAh | 6260mAh (Si/C Li-Ion) | ✅ Bigger & more efficient |
| Charging | 100W wired, 50W wireless | 80W wired, no wireless | ❌ Slower, no wireless |
| Durability | IP65 (dust/water resistant) | IP65 (same) | ➖ No change |
| Software | Android 14 (OxygenOS 14) | Android 15 (OxygenOS 15) | ✅ Newer OS |
| Expected Price | ₹64,999 (12+256GB) | ₹69,999 – ₹74,999 (12+256GB) | ❌ More expensive |
Key Differences & Who Should Upgrade?
1. Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs 8 Gen 3
- OnePlus 13S wins with the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering ~20% better CPU/GPU performance and improved efficiency.
- Verdict: Worth it for gamers & power users, but the OnePlus 12 is already very fast.
2. Display: Bigger vs More Compact
- OnePlus 12: 6.82-inch (better for media, but bulky).
- OnePlus 13S: 6.32-inch (easier one-hand use, sharper 460 PPI).
- Verdict: Pick based on size preference—bigger screen (12) vs compact flagship (13S).
3. Cameras: More Lenses vs Simpler Setup
- OnePlus 12: Triple cameras (including 3x periscope zoom) – better versatility.
- OnePlus 13S: Dual cameras (2x telephoto only) – likely better processing but less zoom.
- Verdict: Stick with OnePlus 12 if you need periscope zoom.
4. Battery & Charging
- OnePlus 13S: 6260mAh battery (longer life) but slower 80W charging vs 100W on OnePlus 12.
- Verdict: 13S for battery life, 12 for faster charging.
5. Software & Future Updates
- OnePlus 13S will launch with Android 15, getting 1 extra year of updates vs the 12.
- Verdict: Better long-term support on 13S.
6. Price Difference
- OnePlus 12: Starts at ₹64,999.
- OnePlus 13S: Expected ₹69,999+ (12+256GB).
- Verdict: OnePlus 12 is better value if you don’t need the latest chip.
OnePlus 13S: Rumored Flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite & 6260mAh Battery
Final Decision: Should You Upgrade?
✅ Upgrade to OnePlus 13S If:
✔ You want the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite performance.
✔ You prefer a more compact flagship (6.32″ vs 6.82″).
✔ You need longer battery life (6260mAh).
✔ You care about Android 15 & longer software support.
❌ Stick with OnePlus 12 If:
✔ You don’t need extreme performance (8 Gen 3 is still flagship-level).
✔ You want better zoom (3x periscope) & ultrawide cameras.
✔ You prefer faster 100W charging & wireless charging.
✔ You want to save money (OnePlus 12 will drop in price after 13S launch).
Alternatives to Consider
- Samsung Galaxy S24+ (Better cameras, IP68) – ₹80,000+
- iPhone 15 Pro (iOS, A17 Pro) – ₹1,30,000+
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (Best AI features) – ₹75,000+
Conclusion
The OnePlus 13S is a refined flagship with a better chipset, compact design, and bigger battery, but it loses periscope zoom and wireless charging. If you already own a OnePlus 12, upgrading may not be worth it unless you really want the latest processor.
Wait for reviews before deciding, but if you’re buying new, the 13S is the better future-proof choice.
