The newly released OnePlus 15 appears to be an exceptional smartphone, but there are compelling reasons why the OnePlus Ace 6—also known as the OnePlus 15R—might be a more suitable option for some users, including myself. As someone who appreciates high-end devices yet despises paying full price, I'm left with two choices: decide if this is the right phone for me or find a way to acquire it at a lower price. Shopping events like Black Friday are infrequent, and carrier deals often come with fine print that can be frustrating. As an avid Android user, my options are limited to what China offers, with the latest flagship being the OnePlus 15, debuting on October 27 for approximately $560 when directly converted.
While the OnePlus 15 showcases impressive specifications, including a stunning design and expected high performance, I wouldn't consider purchasing it even if it were priced at $560 globally. The crux of my decision lies in another recently launched model, the OnePlus Ace 6, which debuted at an attractive price of under $370 in China. This model features a larger battery than the OnePlus 15, boasting a whopping 7,800 mAh capacity compared to the OnePlus 15's 7,300 mAh cell.
Before diving into price disparities, it's important to clarify a crucial point regarding purchasing phones from China. If you choose to buy the OnePlus 15 or OnePlus Ace 6 from Chinese retailers, the device will come with a Chinese ROM. This version is optimized for the Chinese market, lacking Google apps and often filled with local bloatware. Additionally, you might face challenges during the setup if you're not proficient in Chinese. Although updates may arrive faster, they often lack compatibility with global features or Western networks.
On the other hand, phones with global ROMs are designed for immediate usability, featuring Google services, multilingual settings, and full support for LTE and 5G bands. The price difference might be slight, but the convenience of cleaner software and regular updates offers valuable peace of mind. In summary, Chinese ROMs cater to enthusiasts willing to tweak their devices, whereas global ROMs suit those who prefer a hassle-free experience right out of the box.
Even though the OnePlus 15 is highly recommended for general use, my preferences lead me to consider the OnePlus Ace 6 as a more appealing option. The OnePlus 15 features a gorgeous 6.78-inch 1.5K display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, and rapid 120W charging. However, it only has one telephoto camera, which doesn't meet my expectations for optical zoom capabilities. I prefer devices with multiple dedicated telephoto lenses for better versatility in photography.
If I were in immediate need of a new phone, I would actively search for deals on smartphones that offer dual telephoto cameras, such as the Vivo X300 Ultra or the Oppo Find X9 Ultra. In the meantime, I would opt for the OnePlus Ace 6, an outstanding mid-range device priced under $370, equipped with a larger battery that outperforms the OnePlus 15.
The OnePlus Ace 6 is a powerhouse of a mid-range smartphone, boasting a massive 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a remarkable 165Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and can be configured with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. One of its standout features is the impressive 7,800 mAh battery, paired with 120W charging capabilities, providing extensive usage without frequent recharges.
While it may not possess the same premium feel as the OnePlus 15, the OnePlus Ace 6 still features an aluminum and glass build and delivers flagship-level performance. The base model starts at just 2,599 yuan (about $365), and even the high-end 1 TB version with 16 GB of RAM remains competitively priced under $550. In a market where flagship phones often exceed $1,000, the OnePlus Ace 6 offers exceptional value without skimping on essential performance.
Ultimately, whether I choose the OnePlus 15 or the OnePlus Ace 6, I am unlikely to get the ideal camera setup I desire. However, the OnePlus Ace 6 allows me to save a significant amount of money while still enjoying a top-tier smartphone experience. With its combination of powerful hardware and affordability, the OnePlus Ace 6 stands out as a wise choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking flagship performance.
