The OnePlus 15 is set to make its debut soon, coinciding with the arrival of October, a month that typically heralds the release of highly anticipated flagship smartphones. As is customary, the device will first launch in its home country, China, before rolling out to global markets, likely in early 2026. With a rumored price tag of $899, which is not exactly cheap, it's essential for potential buyers to stay informed about its specifications and features. This flagship model promises to offer exceptional value, especially when compared to competitors like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which comes with a hefty price of $1,300.
One of the standout features of the OnePlus 15 is its anticipated battery capacity. Following the OnePlus 13, which boasted a 6,000 mAh battery, the upcoming model is rumored to include a substantial 7,000 mAh battery. Reports indicate that OnePlus could have pushed for an even larger 8,000 mAh battery but opted for a more streamlined design. The phone will retain support for 120W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, allowing users to recharge their device rapidly and efficiently. With charging speeds exceeding 100W, users can expect to gain a full day of usage in just a few minutes.
In terms of display, the OnePlus 15 is expected to introduce some noteworthy changes. While the phone may feature a smaller 6.78-inch panel compared to the OnePlus 13's 6.82-inch screen, it is set to offer a remarkable 165Hz refresh rate at a reduced 1.5K resolution. This upgrade could significantly enhance the gaming experience, as leaks suggest OnePlus is working on a performance engine to enable games to run at 165 fps. However, for everyday users, the difference may not be substantial, as the current 120Hz displays already provide an excellent viewing experience.
Another anticipated change is the potential removal of the iconic three-way alert slider. The OnePlus 15 might replace it with a customizable button, which, while offering more flexibility, could complicate the simple toggling between alert modes that users have come to appreciate. Early impressions from similar designs suggest that this new button may require users to cycle through modes or hold the button, making the process less intuitive.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (also known as Snapdragon 8 Gen 5) chipset, Qualcomm's premium mobile processor. This chip promises exceptional performance, boasting single-core benchmark scores exceeding 4,000 points and multi-core scores above 11,000. Built on TSMC's advanced 3nm process, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 features a 2+6 CPU layout and delivers about 30% higher performance compared to its predecessor, making it one of the most powerful mobile chipsets available.
In a significant design shift, the OnePlus 15 may feature a new rectangular camera module positioned in the top-left corner, moving away from the traditional circular design. This change aligns with the aesthetics of the upcoming OnePlus 13T and 13s and indicates a stronger emphasis on camera hardware. Additionally, OnePlus is reportedly discontinuing its collaboration with Hasselblad, opting instead to introduce its own camera system called the DetailMax Engine, which aims to deliver sharper details and more realistic tones without excessive processing.
Early leaks suggest that the OnePlus 15 could also introduce a more robust zoom system with a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, featuring an 85mm equivalent focal length and an f/2.8 aperture. This new setup is expected to offer approximately 3.5x to 3.7x optical zoom, providing enhanced photographic capabilities compared to the OnePlus 13's 3x zoom. While this may improve reach, it could come at the cost of low-light performance, possibly indicating a larger sensor to compensate.
With the OnePlus 15 set to debut soon, enthusiasts are eager to see how its features will compare to its predecessor. From the large battery and new camera system to the higher refresh rate display and raw power of the Snapdragon chipset, there’s plenty to discuss. Which feature excites you the most? Is it the impressive battery life, the new camera technology, the enhanced display, or the powerful performance? Whatever your preference, the OnePlus 15 aims to deliver a comprehensive flagship experience.
