The Indian smartphone market is gearing up for an intriguing clash within the same family. Oppo is set to unveil its Reno 15 Pro Mini model in India on January 8, marking its first foray into the 'Mini' smartphone segment. This new entrant is poised to directly challenge the compact flagship offering from its sister brand, the OnePlus 13s. While full specifications for the Oppo device are still under wraps, several leaks have painted a clear picture of what to expect, setting the stage for a fascinating comparison between the two power-packed, pocket-friendly phones.
Display, Performance, and Durability: A Side-by-Side Look
Starting with the display, both phones seem to favor a similar screen size. The OnePlus 13s features a 6.32-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED panel with Dolby Vision support and a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. Leaks suggest the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini will also sport a 6.32-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, though it remains uncertain if it will use the more power-efficient LTPO technology or a standard LTPS panel.
Under the hood, the performance divide becomes apparent. The OnePlus 13s is powered by the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. In contrast, the Reno 15 Pro Mini is expected to house the MediaTek Dimensity 8450 chipset, which also powered the Reno 14 Pro. While capable, this processor is not in the same performance tier as the OnePlus's flagship chip. It is also unclear if Oppo's mini flagship will feature the latest RAM and storage standards.
When it comes to durability, the Oppo device appears to have an edge. The Reno 15 Pro Mini is tipped to come with IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it can withstand submersion in water and resist high-pressure jets. The OnePlus 13s, with its IP65 rating, is protected against light rain and splashes but is not designed for submersion.
Camera, Battery, and Pricing: Where the Real Competition Lies
The camera department is where the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini seems to make a bold statement on paper. It is rumored to pack a triple rear camera setup headlined by a massive 200MP primary sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens. For selfies, a 50MP front camera is also speculated. The OnePlus 13s, meanwhile, features a capable but more conservative dual-camera system with a 50MP primary (Sony LYT-700) and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, along with a 32MP selfie shooter. However, real-world performance often depends on software tuning, making a spec-sheet judgment premature.
Battery capacity is another surprise in this compact segment. Defying expectations, both phones house large cells. The OnePlus 13s packs a 5,850mAh battery, while the Reno 15 Pro Mini is rumored to boast an even larger 6,200mAh unit. Both are said to support 80W wired fast charging and lack wireless charging support. In terms of dimensions, both are closely matched, with the OnePlus 13s at 8.15mm thickness and 185 grams, and the Oppo model expected to be around 7.99mm thick and weigh approximately 187 grams.
The Final Verdict: Which Compact Phone Should You Choose?
The pricing strategy will be crucial. The OnePlus 13s launched in India starting at ₹54,999, going up to ₹59,999 for the higher variant. Leaks indicate the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini could be priced around the ₹60,000 mark. If this holds true, the choice becomes clear-cut based on user priority.
The Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini emerges as the apparent choice for photography enthusiasts who desire a compact form factor without compromising on megapixel count and lens versatility. Its superior durability rating is a bonus. On the other hand, the OnePlus 13s will likely appeal to users who prioritize raw processing power and a proven flagship-tier performance for intensive tasks and gaming. The January 8 launch event will finally reveal all the official details, helping consumers make an informed decision in this compelling intra-family rivalry.
