Back in April 2025, we compared the OnePlus 13T with Google’s Pixel 9a. While the Pixel 9a is a “mid-range” phone according to Google, it is still expensive enough to compete with budget flagships like the OnePlus 13T. However, the 13T managed to outclass the Pixel 9a in more ways than one. Now, OnePlus has officially announced the OnePlus 13s (Review) as the global variant of the 13T, but it’s not a one-to-one copy. There are some changes, including upgrades and downgrades. So does it offer a better value over the Pixel 9a? Read on to find out.
1. OnePlus 13s vs Google Pixel 9a: Design & Display
Despite Google’s pricing of the Pixel 9a, this model features a plastic rear panel to cut corners. This is surrounded by an aluminum frame, but it’s definitely not as premium as the OnePlus 13s with its glass and metal design. The latter clearly offers a more flagship build quality on its compact phone.
Even in the display department, the OnePlus 13s has an edge thanks to the LTPO technology for a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate. But unlike the iPhone 16e, the Pixel 9a doesn’t suffer from the 60Hz refresh rate. To recall, the Pixel 9a sports a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2700 nits of peak brightness. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 13s has a 6.32-inch LPTO AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, and 1600 nits of peak brightness.
2. Performance
Just like the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13T, the OnePlus 13s is equipped with Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. This chipset easily outperforms Google’s Tensor G4 chip. The Snapdragon processor is also the best chipset for gaming on an Android phone.
On the other hand, the Google Tensor places its focus on AI. But OnePlus’ AI is still quite capable and versatile, so you’re not losing AI functionality with the 13s. Since most users are not mobile gamers, the Tensor G4 can be sufficient for daily tasks, but the OnePlus 13s’ 3nm Snapdragon 3nm chip is quite power efficient as well. So you’re not trading performance for battery life. On that note, here’s another area where the OnePlus compact flagship blows past the Pixel.
3. Battery & Charging
OnePlus 13s has a smaller 5,850mAh battery pack compared to the 13T’s huge 6,260mAh cell. But it is still larger than even the huge Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Even with its thinner and lighter body, the 13s easily outclasses the Pixel 9a’s 5,100mAh battery. When you look at the charging speeds, the Pixel is once again left in the dust with its 23W wired fast charging against OnePlus’ 80W charging speed. But Google has a slight trick up its sleeve with the Pixel 9a, which supports 7.5W wireless charging.
4. Pricing
Google dropped the Pixel 9a with a starting price tag of 499 US Dollars for the 8GB + 128GB base model, with the 8GB + 256GB listed for 599 US Dollars. In the Indian market, the Pixel 9a only comes in the 256GB option for 49,999 INR. OnePlus just unveiled the OnePlus 13s for a 54,999 INR starting price for the 256GB configuration. But thanks to bank offers, it is available for 49,999 INR. Google’s Pixel 9a might be slightly cheaper depending on the region, but the OnePlus 13s is a better bet if it’s available in your region.
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