The OnePlus 15 has officially arrived, and it’s making waves in the smartphone industry with a compelling mix of performance, battery life, and cutting-edge technology. After skipping the number 14 (a cultural choice in China where the number is considered unlucky), OnePlus is back with a device that promises to challenge the best that Samsung, Apple, and Google have to offer.
Launch and Availability
The OnePlus 15 launched in China on October 27, 2025, and the global rollout is imminent. The global launch is set for November 13, with availability in the US, UK, and Europe. The device will be available in three colors: Sand Storm, Infinite Black, and Ultra Violet.
Display: The High-Refresh Champion
One of the OnePlus 15’s standout features is its display technology. The 6.78-inch BOE X3 screen features a 165Hz refresh rate, joining an exclusive club of devices with such high refresh rates. This is a significant jump from the OnePlus 13’s 120Hz panel.
OnePlus is advertising 13% higher brightness and 11.8% improved color accuracy compared to its predecessor. The display features 1.15mm bezels on all four sides and delivers an immersive viewing experience. The screen also includes true hardware-level 1 nit minimum brightness, which is certified by TÜV Rheinland.
There’s one notable tradeoff: the screen resolution drops to 1.5K from the OnePlus 13’s QHD+, which some enthusiasts may view as a compromise, though the higher refresh rate likely compensates for most users.
Performance: Maximum Raw Power
The OnePlus 15 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, representing the pinnacle of Android performance in late 2025. This latest processor offers superior power and efficiency compared to its predecessor, making it ideal for demanding apps, gaming, and creative work.
Storage and memory options are generous. The device comes with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, catering to power users and content creators who need ample space.
Battery Life and Charging: The Endurance Champion
One of the most impressive upgrades is the battery capacity. The OnePlus 15 features a massive 7,300mAh battery, significantly larger than the OnePlus 13’s 6,000mAh cell. This translates to significantly longer battery life for everyday users.
Charging speeds are equally impressive. The device supports 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, allowing users to top up quickly despite the larger battery size. These speeds far exceed what competitors like Samsung offer.
Thermal Management: Stay Cool While Gaming
OnePlus has invested heavily in cooling technology for the OnePlus 15. The device features a new Glacier cooling system with ultra-thin steel and a space-grade aerogel layer. For gamers, OnePlus includes a “Gaming Hand Cooling Model” that targets ten heat zones, combined with a G2 gaming network chip and a console-grade gyroscope for precision gaming control.
Camera System: New Perspectives
While the megapixel counts remain consistent at triple 50MP sensors, the camera hardware itself has been refined. The main 50MP sensor is now larger, growing from 1/1.56″ to 1/1.4″, promising improved light capture and image quality.
The telephoto lens receives a notable upgrade. The 50MP telephoto now offers 3.5x magnification instead of 3x, providing an 85mm equivalent focal length that’s particularly useful for portrait photography and distant subjects.
A significant change is that OnePlus has ended its partnership with Hasselblad and introduced the new DetailMax Engine for improved image processing. This new computational photography approach aims to deliver striking colors and shadow detail.
Software and User Experience
The OnePlus 15 runs OxygenOS based on Android 16, offering a clean, fast software experience. Storage technology has also improved—the OnePlus 15 moves to UFS 4.1 storage, meaning apps load instantly and file transfers happen quickly with improved power efficiency.
Pricing Expectations
While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed for all markets, leaks suggest the high-end model could come in at around £949 in the UK (~$1,265), potentially representing a price cut compared to the OnePlus 13. If OnePlus maintains its current pricing strategy, the base model could start around $899.
The Verdict
The OnePlus 15 represents a thoughtful evolution of the OnePlus formula. With its massive battery, top-tier processor, smooth 165Hz display, and fast charging, it positions itself as a genuine competitor to flagship phones from Samsung, Apple, and Google. For those seeking a premium Android experience without the ultra-premium price tag, the OnePlus 15 deserves serious consideration.
With its global launch just weeks away, the OnePlus 15 is poised to make a real impact on the flagship smartphone market in late 2025.