The OnePlus 15 is generating buzz with rumors suggesting it may feature a higher zoom telephoto camera while also potentially being offered at a lower price point. This news comes as OnePlus has officially announced the end of its partnership with Hasselblad, opting instead to develop its own camera system. However, specific details about this new system are still awaited, leading to a flurry of leaks about the upcoming flagship smartphone.
Recent insights from the OnePlus Club indicate that the company might be shifting its strategy with the OnePlus 15 by significantly reducing its price. This information suggests that OnePlus has decided to cut back on some of the more expensive components typically used in flagship devices and instead prioritize performance. While the authenticity of this information remains uncertain—whether it is speculation or a legitimate leak—it appears to align with OnePlus's historical focus on delivering value.
Earlier rumors surrounding the device hint at a slightly smaller display with lower resolution, featuring flat edges and a higher refresh rate. Furthermore, with OnePlus no longer required to pay licensing fees to Hasselblad, the potential for a lower price point becomes even more feasible.
In addition to pricing changes, there are exciting developments regarding the camera system of the OnePlus 15. According to a leak from Digital Chat Station, the smartphone may boast a remarkable 50MP periscope telephoto camera. This camera is expected to have an 85mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.8 aperture, which translates to approximately 3.5x to 3.7x optical zoom, depending on the primary shooter’s focal length.
To put this in context, the OnePlus 13 featured a 23mm primary camera with a 50MP sensor and a 73mm periscope telephoto camera that provided triple optical zoom. However, the periscope zoom camera on the OnePlus 13 had a f/2.6 aperture. If the new rumors hold true, the OnePlus 15 would have a slightly narrower aperture of f/2.8, which may impact its low-light zoom photography capabilities.
Regardless of the pricing strategy, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be a formidable device. It is expected to be one of the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (possibly referred to as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5). The device is rumored to support up to 16GB of RAM and a staggering 1TB of storage, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and storage needs.
Adding to its appeal is a 6.78-inch, 1.5K OLED display with a dazzling 165Hz refresh rate, along with a robust 7,000 mAh battery that supports 120W wired charging. Such features position the OnePlus 15 as a competitive option in the flagship smartphone market.
As the smartphone landscape continues to evolve, rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 series have yet to indicate any price reductions, and it’s too early to speculate about the Galaxy S26 series. Should the new information regarding the OnePlus 15 be accurate for the US market, it may emerge as the only flagship smartphone available at a lower price compared to its predecessor.
While skepticism about discounts in the smartphone market is common, if OnePlus is indeed making substantial changes to its strategy, we could witness a revival of its flagship-killer reputation. In a time when smartphone prices are on the rise, this shift could significantly disrupt the market.
For enthusiasts of mobile technology, the upcoming release of the OnePlus 15 promises a blend of affordability and high-end features, potentially reshaping consumer expectations in the flagship smartphone segment. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor developments leading up to its launch.
