OnePlus Might Join the Flat Edge Design Trend with the OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 could be going flat — and it seems to be a move that fans will appreciate. A leaked image of the upcoming flagship was recently posted on Weibo, only to be swiftly removed. However, it was spotted by 9to5Google before disappearing. The leak hints at a modest redesign for the OnePlus 13, with the phone featuring flat sides instead of the curved edges seen in recent models. This shift would place OnePlus in line with a growing number of smartphone makers embracing the flat-edge design, which many argue is more comfortable and practical.

The trend toward flat-edged phones first took off in 2020 when Apple released the iPhone 12, drawing inspiration from the older iPhone 4 and 5 designs. Since then, other tech giants have followed suit. Samsung began flattening the screens and side rails of its Galaxy S series starting with the S22, while Google’s latest Pixel 9 series also features straight edges. Even Motorola has adopted the flat-edge style for most of its models this year, with the exception of its “Edge” line, which stays true to its namesake with curved edges.

So why is this design shift important? At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal, especially when many users immediately cover their new phone with a case. But for phone enthusiasts and those who spend considerable time discussing design aesthetics, flat edges make a notable difference. Phones with straight edges tend to feel better in the hand, are easier to pick up from a flat surface, and simply have a cleaner, more modern look. In a market where many phones already resemble iPhones, adopting a flat-edge design feels like a natural progression.

Although we don’t yet know all the details about the OnePlus 13’s design, it’s expected that we won’t have to wait long for an official reveal. Rumors suggest that OnePlus is planning to launch its new

flagship in China this month, and soon we’ll see just how flat the future of OnePlus will be.