The upcoming OnePlus 15 has already made headlines well before its official launch. Leaks have spread rapidly across the internet, revealing the flagship’s design, specifications, and some surprising decisions that have sparked debate in the tech community. OnePlus itself has played a part in the hype by teasing glimpses of the device ahead of time, making the full picture clearer much earlier than expected.
Familiar Design with a Few Twists
The OnePlus 15’s design has been fully exposed through leaked images, particularly the Sandstorm model, which shows off a tougher-than-titanium finish. This year’s model has drawn attention because it looks strikingly similar to the mid-range OnePlus 13T, a phone that already leaned heavily on iPhone-inspired aesthetics. Many observers see this as a step back in terms of uniqueness. To distract from the familiar design, OnePlus has included some unusual marketing visuals, but the similarities remain unmistakable.
Display and Performance Upgrades
The OnePlus 15 will feature a slightly smaller 6.78-inch AMOLED display with DC-like dimming technology, ideal for those with sensitive eyes. Compared to the OnePlus 13, there are notable differences. The refresh rate has been bumped up to an impressive 165 Hz, while the resolution has been reduced to 1.5K.
Under the hood, the phone sticks with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, ensuring smooth performance for demanding games and apps. OnePlus has also upgraded the internal cooling system to keep performance consistent during heavy use. Early leaks suggest the phone will handle titles like Wuthering Waves with ease.
Huge Battery Capacity
One of the biggest talking points is the massive 7,300 mAh battery that OnePlus has managed to fit into the 15. This is likely achieved through silicon-carbon battery technology, allowing higher capacity without excessive bulk. However, global variants might have slightly reduced capacity to comply with international regulations.
Despite its size, charging speeds remain impressive. The OnePlus 15 supports 120 W wired fast charging and 50 W wireless charging, ensuring that even such a large battery can top up quickly.
Mixed Camera News
Camera leaks paint a mixed picture. The main sensor is expected to be the Sony LYT-700, which is smaller and less capable than the LYT-808 used in the OnePlus 13. Additionally, the Hasselblad image processing partnership appears to have ended. Instead, OnePlus is debuting its in-house “Detail Max” engine.
While this shift raises questions, OnePlus claims that Detail Max focuses on producing natural-looking images without the over-processed feel that plagues many smartphones. If successful, this could lead to more realistic photography than what users experience on iPhones and other flagships.
Other Hardware and Features
Additional upgrades include enhanced stereo speakers, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and a new large “bionic” vibration motor. Notably, the iconic alert slider is gone, replaced by an AI-powered button that OnePlus says will offer more customization options.
On the software side, the OnePlus 15 will ship with OxygenOS 16, which officially launches on October 16. This update is expected to bring both visual refinements and deeper AI integrations.
Launch Timeline
The OnePlus 15 is expected to debut in China at the end of October, with a global release following shortly afterward. There’s also a smaller variant, the OnePlus 15T, planned for 2026. It will feature the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset but in a more compact 6.3-inch frame, catering to users who prefer smaller devices without sacrificing power.
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