The iconic Alert Slider that has been a hallmark of OnePlus devices for years is being replaced with something new. OnePlus is making significant design changes to its upcoming compact flagship, the OnePlus 13T, with the introduction of a customizable shortcut key and impressively thin bezels that rival the iPhone 16 Pro.
The End of an Era: Alert Slider Replaced
OnePlus president Louis Lee recently confirmed that the company's upcoming OnePlus 13T will no longer feature the brand's signature Alert Slider. Instead, the device will introduce a new shortcut key that promises enhanced functionality while still honoring the Alert Slider's legacy. According to Lee, this new physical button will allow users to easily switch between options in a series of operations, making it very practical for everyday use.
The shortcut key will maintain the Alert Slider's core functionality by supporting different notification modes—silent, vibrating, and ringing—but will apparently offer additional features that will be revealed closer to launch. This change aligns with OnePlus CEO Pete Lau's March announcement that the company was moving toward a more personalized button option that he described as incredibly intuitive and future-ready.
Impressive Display with Ultra-Thin Bezels
In a direct comparison shared by OnePlus, the upcoming 13T appears to have bezels at least as thin as the iPhone 16 Pro—an impressive feat for a compact Android device. The company has placed particular emphasis on the phone's display, noting that it was designed with feedback from users who prefer smaller screens.
The OnePlus 13T will feature a 6.31-inch flat OLED display, which represents a more compact form factor compared to many modern flagships. Despite its smaller size, the display will support an adaptive refresh rate and house an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner underneath. The bezels appear to be uniform around the display, enhancing the phone's premium aesthetic.
Powerful Internals in a Compact Body
Despite its relatively compact size, the OnePlus 13T won't compromise on performance or battery life. The company has confirmed that the device will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, positioning it firmly in flagship territory.
Perhaps most impressive is the battery capacity, which OnePlus has hinted will be at least 6,000mAh—remarkably large for a device of this size. This substantial battery is expected to be complemented by 80W wired fast charging, according to regulatory listings, though official confirmation is still pending.
Design and Camera
The physical button layout places the power and volume controls on the right side of the device, with the new shortcut key positioned more discreetly on the left side. OnePlus has also confirmed that the 13T will weigh just 185 grams, making it relatively lightweight for a modern smartphone.
Camera specifications remain partially under wraps, but reports suggest the device will feature two 50-megapixel cameras on the rear. This would represent a departure from the triple-camera setups found on many flagship devices, but could potentially allow for better optimization of the included lenses.
OnePlus 13T Confirmed Specifications:
- Display: 6.31-inch flat OLED with adaptive refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Battery: At least 6,000mAh (rumored)
- Charging: 80W wired fast charging (rumored)
- Weight: 185 grams
- Camera: Expected dual 50MP rear cameras
- Special Features: New customizable shortcut key replacing Alert Slider
- Expected Launch: Late April 2025
- Expected Price Range: USD 600-900
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus 13T is scheduled to launch later in April, though an exact date has not yet been announced. While official pricing remains unconfirmed, rumors suggest the device could be priced anywhere from USD 600 to USD 900, positioning it as a premium mid-range or entry-level flagship offering.
As OnePlus continues to tease features of the 13T ahead of its launch, the company appears to be targeting users who want flagship performance in a more compact, manageable form factor—a segment that has been somewhat underserved in recent years.