- Bold new design spotted: A live image leak shows the OnePlus 15 with a revamped rear look – a square-ish camera island with a pill-shaped cutout housing two lenses, plus separate cutouts for a third lens and flash [1]. This breaks from OnePlus’s recent circular camera bumps and has even drawn comparisons to the look of Google’s Pixel and Apple’s iPhone Pro devices [2].
- Triple 50MP cameras, Hasselblad out: The OnePlus 15 is rumored to pack three 50 MP rear cameras (main, ultra-wide, and telephoto with 3× optical zoom) [3]. OnePlus has ended its Hasselblad partnership for camera tuning, instead introducing its own “DetailMax” imaging engine to deliver sharper detail and natural colors while preserving past Hasselblad improvements [4].
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 power: OnePlus’s new flagship is expected to debut Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, bringing top-tier performance. Early benchmark leaks suggest around 30% higher performance than the previous generation – with single-core scores over 4,000 and multi-core above 11,000 [5]. The chip uses a new Oryon CPU architecture on a 3 nm process for big efficiency gains [6]. Up to 16 GB RAM could accompany the chip for heavy multitasking [7].
- Massive battery & ultra-fast charging: The OnePlus 15 may carry a huge 7,000 mAh battery, a jump from the 6,000 mAh in the OnePlus 13 [8]. Despite the larger battery, OnePlus reportedly used high-density cells (as with the prior model) to keep the phone slim [9]. It’s expected to support blazing 120 W wired charging and around 50 W wireless charging for quick top-ups [10]. (Some leaks even hint at 100 W wireless charging, though 50 W is more likely based on past models [11] [12].)
- Display upgrade with 165 Hz refresh: The OnePlus 15 will reportedly feature a flat 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display at ~1.5K resolution, slightly lower than the OnePlus 13’s QHD+ screen [13]. In return, it will boast an ultra-high 165 Hz refresh rate (confirmed by OnePlus’s CEO) for exceptionally smooth visuals [14]. The LTPO panel can dynamically scale from 1–165 Hz to balance fluidity and battery life [15]. Leaks even suggest a special performance mode to drive games at 165 fps and fully utilize the new display [16].
- New software out of the box: This could be the first OnePlus to ship with OxygenOS 16 (Android 16), expected to debut a fresh user interface and smarter features [17]. OnePlus has hinted at improved multitasking and AI-driven optimizations in the new OS [18]. (In China, the phone will run Oppo’s ColorOS 16 skin [19], as OnePlus aligns with Oppo’s software for that market.)
- Premium build and colors: Leaked info points to a premium build, possibly with a titanium alloy frame on at least one variant for strength and weight savings [20]. The OnePlus 15 is expected in three colors at launch – Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Original Sand Dune (gold/tan) [21]. Notably, a white model was seen in leaked photos [22], but tipsters say OnePlus may omit a white/silver option this time (unlike the OnePlus 12 and 13 which had a white edition) [23].
- Farewell to the alert slider?: OnePlus might remove its iconic three-position alert slider on the 15, replacing it with a customizable action button [24]. This change — already seen on some Oppo phones — could allow more functions, but fans worry it sacrifices a beloved quick-toggle feature. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has suggested the change comes from a desire for greater customization, but critics note it could “risk sacrificing a long-standing feature that gave the brand its unique identity” [25].
- Launch timeline and competition: The OnePlus 15 is rumored to launch in China in October 2025, with a global rollout (including India and Europe) by early 2026 [26] [27]. OnePlus is skipping the “OnePlus 14” name entirely – much as it skipped “OnePlus 4” – likely due to Chinese superstitions around the number 4 [28]. Pricing isn’t confirmed, but insiders expect a tag similar to the OnePlus 13 (around ₹70,000 in India, ~$899), aiming to undercut rival flagships [29] [30]. With these specs, the OnePlus 15 is poised to compete against Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google’s next Pixel, potentially offering comparable performance for hundreds less [31].
Leaked Design Reveals a Bold New Look
The OnePlus 15 is generating buzz for its radical design departure from previous models. Leaked images circulating on Chinese social media (via reputable tipster Digital Chat Station) show a completely new camera layout: a square-edged camera module on the back with rounded corners, instead of the round camera hump OnePlus has used for the last few generations [32] [33]. Within this module, there’s a pill-shaped cutout vertically housing two large camera lenses, and next to it are two smaller circular cut-outs – believed to be the third camera lens and the LED flash [34]. In essence, the OnePlus 15’s camera island layout is unlike the OnePlus 13’s circular tri-lens design; in fact, it more closely resembles the style of Google’s Pixel or Apple’s latest iPhones than OnePlus’s own past flagships [35]. As one tech editor put it, the new placement “messes with [the] OnePlus’ unique look, making it look a lot like a Pixel or even the iPhone 16 Pro” [36].
This design shake-up actually harks back to some earlier OnePlus concepts – the pill-shaped dual camera cutout is reminiscent of the OnePlus 7T era – but it’s a marked change after three generations of circular camera bumps. Notably, the leak in question came from an event in China (the 2025 Peace Elite League esports finals), where participants posed with a hidden device believed to be the OnePlus 15, teasing the new look [37]. The color of the unit in the photos was a white/silver tone, which caught observers’ attention since earlier reports only mentioned black, purple, or titanium finishes [38]. In fact, OnePlus’s white colorway may not launch at all – insiders claim only “Absolute Black”, “Mist Purple” and an “Original Sand Dune” (a sandy gold/khaki) will be offered, with no white model on the list [39] [40]. If true, this would break OnePlus’s recent tradition of including a white or silver edition (both the OnePlus 12 and 13 had one) [41].
Beyond colors, the OnePlus 15’s build materials are also drawing interest. One leak suggests the Sand Dune variant could use a titanium alloy frame, making it a few grams lighter than the others [42]. Specifically, the Sand Dune model is tipped to weigh ~211 g versus 215 g for the black and purple, presumably due to titanium’s lighter weight compared to stainless steel or aluminum [43]. A titanium frame would give the device a more premium, durable construction – following a trend started by Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series and echoed by other high-end Android flagships.
Another potential design controversy is brewing around the alert slider. The signature OnePlus three-way alert toggle (ring/vibrate/silent), typically on the phone’s side, might be removed on the OnePlus 15. Rumors indicate OnePlus could replace the slider with a single customizable action button, similar to what Apple did on the iPhone 15 Pro and what OnePlus’s sister brand Oppo has tried on some models [44]. The idea would be to let users program this button for various shortcuts (camera, voice assistant, etc.) rather than a fixed slider. However, many longtime fans see the alert slider as a defining convenience of OnePlus phones. Early hands-on reports of Oppo’s implementation note it’s less intuitive – you have to cycle through modes or long-press, instead of a quick flick [45]. OnePlus’s CEO Pete Lau defended the change as seeking more flexibility, but even he acknowledged it was a tough call since the slider is a beloved feature [46]. The backlash is already palpable: commentators warn that dropping the slider could erase a unique OnePlus trait in exchange for a more generic design [47]. It will be interesting to see if OnePlus ultimately sticks with this decision or finds a way to retain the slider alongside the new button.
On the front, the OnePlus 15 is expected to maintain a clean, symmetrical display design. Leaked specs point to ultra-thin, even bezels all around the flat screen for a modern look [48] [49]. A centered hole-punch selfie camera is likely (following OnePlus’s usual approach, though the exact front camera specs haven’t leaked yet). With a flat panel (no curved edges) and possibly sturdier glass, the phone should also appeal to those who prefer durability and easier screen protector application over flashy curved displays [50]. Overall, if these design leaks pan out, the OnePlus 15 will look and feel quite different from its predecessors – aligning more with the current design language of its BBK Electronics stablemates and even some competitors. In fact, images of Oppo’s upcoming Find X9 flagship show a nearly identical camera layout and body shape, strongly hinting that OnePlus and Oppo are sharing a common design blueprint this generation [51]. (Oppo’s Find X9 is set to launch in mid-October and was showcased in four colors – the resemblance to the OnePlus 15’s leaks is striking [52].) This kind of cross-brand design synergy isn’t too surprising, as OnePlus, Oppo, and Vivo often collaborate internally – but it means the OnePlus 15 might not be quite as visually “unique” in the broader market, despite being a big change for OnePlus itself.
Camera Upgrades: Triple 50MP Sensors & New “DetailMax” Engine
OnePlus appears to be going all-in on camera hardware for the 15. Multiple sources report the phone will sport a triple camera array, all with 50 megapixel sensors [53] [54]. That likely means a high-resolution 50 MP main shooter, a 50 MP ultra-wide, and a 50 MP telephoto lens. The telephoto is rumored to support 3× optical zoom for lossless zoomed-in shots [55] – a welcome improvement, as previous OnePlus telephoto cameras often used lower resolutions or relied more on digital crop. With each lens at 50 MP, the OnePlus 15 could offer more consistent imaging quality across focal lengths, similar to what Samsung did on the Galaxy S23 Ultra which had high-megapixel sensors for multiple cameras.
Leaked photos of the OnePlus 15’s rear show how these cameras are arranged: two of the lenses sit together in that pill-shaped cutout (likely the main and ultra-wide), while the third lens (likely the telephoto) sits separately beside the LED flash [56]. This layout is a departure from the OnePlus 13’s triangular arrangement of three 50 MP cameras within a circular bump [57]. It also differs from the “half-half” split dual-circle design seen on the OnePlus 11 and 12. The change might be partly aesthetic, but also functional – a larger, square module could accommodate bigger camera sensors or lenses with better stabilization. The leaked OnePlus 15 images indeed show a pronounced camera bump, suggesting significant hardware inside [58] [59].
Perhaps the most significant camera news is not the hardware itself but OnePlus’s shift in imaging strategy. The OnePlus 15 will not carry Hasselblad branding on its cameras [60] – marking the end of a partnership that OnePlus maintained from the OnePlus 9 through the OnePlus 13 series [61]. Hasselblad’s color tuning and camera tweaks had become a selling point of recent OnePlus flagships, so this is a notable change. OnePlus confirmed that it has concluded its collaboration with Hasselblad (interestingly, Oppo will continue working with Hasselblad for its Find X9 series, as they extended that partnership in July 2025 [62]). To fill the void, OnePlus is introducing its first in-house image processing system, dubbed the “DetailMax Engine.” According to the company, DetailMax is designed to “further enhance images” with sharper details, realistic colors and improved low-light performance, while retaining the improvements made with Hasselblad over past generations [63] [64]. In other words, OnePlus wants to take everything it learned from Hasselblad and build on it internally, potentially using advanced algorithms tailored for those 50MP sensors.
Enthusiasts are eager to see how DetailMax performs in real-world photography. OnePlus has implied this new engine focuses on preserving fine details and dynamic range without aggressive post-processing – aiming for a more natural yet detailed look to photos [65] [66]. Features like an improved Night Mode, AI scene detection, and better HDR are likely on the menu, given the mention of “AI enhancements” in leaks [67]. The OnePlus 15’s camera app may also see some tweaks to reflect the new system, though the user experience will probably remain similar to current OxygenOS camera apps (minus the orange Hasselblad accent color and Pro mode elements).
Without Hasselblad’s involvement, OnePlus has more freedom to tune color and processing to its own style. This could result in images that differ in tone from previous OnePlus phones – perhaps closer to Oppo’s style (since their R&D is closely linked) or something entirely new. It’s a bold move, as Hasselblad’s name lent premium credibility. But if DetailMax lives up to its name, OnePlus 15 could still deliver flagship-caliber photography that holds its own against the likes of Google’s Pixels (known for computational photography) and Samsung’s Ultras (known for versatile zoom). And having all 50MP sensors means it can leverage pixel-binning and possibly even output full-res shots with lots of detail.
On the video front, while specific leaks are scarce, we can expect [based on the chip] support for 8K video recording and improved stabilization. Qualcomm’s new ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 should enable better 4K HDR video and AI-based features like background blur or live HDR effects. If OnePlus is pushing imaging heavily, they might introduce new camera modes or emphasize existing ones (e.g. a new super nightscape mode or ultra-steady video). Until official announcements, though, the exact camera feature set remains speculative. What’s clear is that OnePlus is investing heavily in the camera this generation, likely to keep pace in the ever-intense cameraphone race.
Next-Gen Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 & More
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is expected to be an absolute powerhouse. It will likely be one of the very first phones powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – the chip maker’s latest and greatest mobile chipset slated to be announced in late September 2025 [68]. (Notably, Qualcomm’s new naming convention uses “Elite” instead of “Plus” or incremental numbers, so this is the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/4 series, effectively Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 by another name [69].) Early reports about this chip are impressive: built on a cutting-edge 3 nm process, it features a novel CPU configuration (rumored 2 high-performance + 6 efficiency cores) with clock speeds up to ~4.8 GHz, plus an Adreno 840 GPU clocked higher than before [70]. According to leaked benchmarks, the 8 Gen 5 (Snapdragon 8 “Elite 2” in some leak parlance) is posting scores around 4,000+ in single-core and 11,000+ in multi-core on Geekbench [71] – roughly a 30% jump in CPU performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3/4 era. This would put it in the same league as Apple’s latest A-series chips in raw speed. Qualcomm is also introducing its custom Oryon CPU cores with this generation, which are expected to dramatically boost performance and efficiency [72].
For OnePlus 15 buyers, this means the phone should fly through any task, from heavy 3D games to multitasking with numerous apps. Paired with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM (as one leak suggests for the top configuration) [73], the OnePlus 15 will comfortably handle high-end gaming, 4K video recording, and productivity use without breaking a sweat. Storage will likely use UFS 4.0 technology and come in options ranging from 256 GB upward (possibly up to 1 TB on special editions, though that’s speculative). OnePlus has always marketed their phones as “fast and smooth”, and the 15 looks to continue that tradition, potentially setting new company records for speed. In fact, some early Geekbench comparisons show the OnePlus 15’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 narrowly beating Apple’s year-old A18 chip in multi-core performance [74] – a testament to how far Qualcomm has come on 3 nm, though sustained performance and real-world use will tell the full story.
Backing all this power is the aforementioned 7,000 mAh battery, which is larger than almost any mainstream flagship today (for comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra has 5,000 mAh, and even gaming phones rarely exceed 6,000). OnePlus actually bumped its battery significantly with the OnePlus 13 (to 6,000 mAh), and is now going even further. Importantly, they’re using high-density battery tech (silicon-carbon anode) that allows more capacity without proportionally larger size [75]. This tech was employed in the OnePlus 13, and rumor has it the 15 will use an improved version to fit 7,000 mAh while keeping the phone reasonably slim. The benefit to users: potentially 2-day battery life under moderate use, and far less “range anxiety” even for power users. OnePlus could market the 15 as a battery beast that doesn’t compromise on thickness or weight.
When you do need to charge, OnePlus’s trademark Warp Charge (also known as SuperVOOC under Oppo) is expected to hit new speeds. Leaked specs point to 120 W wired fast charging support [76], in line with the OnePlus 13 which already had 120 W. At that rate, a full charge from 0 to 100% might take on the order of 20–25 minutes – incredibly fast for such a large battery. Some conflicting reports have emerged about wireless charging: the Indian Express and other sources list 50 W wireless charging support [77] (the same as the OnePlus 13’s wireless speed), but one source claimed up to 100 W wireless could be possible [78]. The 100 W figure should be taken with caution, as it would be unprecedented (and would require a very advanced cooling and coil system). It’s possible that was a misinterpretation or an optimistic prototype spec. Realistically, expect around 50 W wireless charging, which is still among the fastest in the industry (only a few niche models have hit 50–70 W wireless). At 50 W, you could fully wirelessly charge the phone in roughly an hour. OnePlus will likely sell a proprietary wireless charger to achieve those top speeds, while standard Qi charging will work at lower wattage.
Thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and large battery, the OnePlus 15 should also excel in endurance. With the LTPO display dialing down to 1 Hz for static content and the adaptive refresh, screen-off efficiency, etc., users might see noticeable battery life gains over the OnePlus 13 even with the bigger battery – potentially all-day gaming or heavy use without needing a midday top-up. Also, OnePlus tends to include software optimizations (like aggressive background app management, which some power users tweak) to stretch battery life further.
The phone is expected to feature other high-end internals as well: Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4, and of course 5G with support for a wide array of bands (including mmWave in the U.S. if it launches there). OnePlus 15 will likely carry stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, and improved haptics (OnePlus has been using an advanced haptic motor since the 11). Cooling is another area OnePlus might upgrade given the powerful chip – perhaps a larger vapor chamber to keep temperatures in check during long gaming sessions.
In short, OnePlus 15’s leaked specs indicate a true top-tier performer. It’s aiming to match or beat the likes of Samsung’s next Galaxy S series and whatever other Android flagships emerge in early 2026. And OnePlus’ advantage often lies in optimization – coupling beefy hardware with light, fast software to deliver that snappy feel. If all holds true, OnePlus 15 could be one of the fastest Android phones on the market when it debuts.
Display & Software: High Refresh, New OxygenOS 16 Features
OnePlus is known for its excellent displays, and the 15 looks to continue that streak with a few notable tweaks. According to leaks, the OnePlus 15 will have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that is flat (no curved sides) and has a resolution around 1.5K (~1220p) [79] [80]. This is slightly less than the OnePlus 13’s 6.82-inch 2K (1440p) screen [81], meaning the new phone trades a bit of pixel density for other benefits. The big news is the refresh rate: a blazing 165 Hz panel, up from the already-smooth 120 Hz of the previous model [82]. This ultra-high refresh was actually confirmed by OnePlus CEO Li Jie in a post (for the China market) [83], showing that OnePlus is keen to tout the 15’s fluid display – likely targeting gamers and enthusiasts who crave the highest frame rates. At 165 Hz, even basic interactions and scrolling will look extremely fluid, and supported games or UI animations can take full advantage for buttery-smooth motion.
To make the most of 165 Hz, OnePlus is reportedly working on a “performance engine” that can drive games at 165 fps [84]. Currently, most mobile games top out at 120 fps support, but perhaps OnePlus will partner with game developers or use interpolation techniques to go beyond that. Still, it’s worth noting that 165 Hz vs 120 Hz is a marginal difference to the eye for most people; 120 Hz already provides an excellent experience [85]. The higher refresh might be more about bragging rights and ensuring the OnePlus 15 isn’t outdone by any competitors (as a few gaming phones have 144 Hz or 165 Hz screens). Crucially, the display is an LTPO 3.0 panel, which means it can dynamically adjust its refresh rate all the way down to 1 Hz when static to save power [86]. So users get the benefit of 165 Hz without the screen sipping high power all the time – it will intelligently ramp up only when needed (e.g. during scrolling or gaming) and drop to, say, 30 Hz for video or 1 Hz for an always-on display clock. This tech was present in OnePlus’s last couple of flagships and is a must-have for balancing high refresh and battery life.
Display brightness and color capabilities should be top-notch as well. While not explicitly leaked, the OnePlus 15 likely uses a Samsung-made OLED capable of very high peak brightness (perhaps 2000 nits for HDR, given the trend) and supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The mention of “advanced glass protection” in one source [87] suggests it will use the latest Gorilla Glass (Victus 2 or successor) to improve drop resistance, which aligns with the durability theme (and possibly needed if the phone is heavier due to the big battery).
On the software side, the OnePlus 15 is poised to be the launch vehicle for OxygenOS 16, which will be OnePlus’s Android 16 based software. This is significant because it represents a generational update in the operating system, likely bringing a refreshed UI design and new features. The Indian Express notes that OnePlus 15 may be the company’s first phone running OxygenOS 16 on Android 16 with a “new user interface” [88]. OnePlus has been talking up its integration of AI features and system optimizations; for instance, OxygenOS 15 (Android 15 on OnePlus 13) introduced the OnePlus AI engine and special features like “Smart Cutout” in photos, and Google’s AI integrations [89]. We can expect OxygenOS 16 to push further. Leaked info suggests improved multitasking capabilities, smarter notification management, and tighter integration with the broader ecosystem of devices (like easier pairing with OnePlus Buds, or linking to PCs) [90]. Visually, there might be new themes or layout changes – perhaps adopting some of the design language from Oppo’s ColorOS 16 while still keeping the OxygenOS identity that fans in global markets prefer (clean, near-stock feel).
One interesting aspect is that in China, the OnePlus 15 will run ColorOS 16 out-of-the-box [91], which is effectively the same core software but with Oppo’s interface. OnePlus has done this dual-software strategy for a few years now: ColorOS for China, OxygenOS for global. It means Chinese users get a feature set tuned for that market (like different default apps, Oppo’s app store, etc.), while international users get OxygenOS which lacks some of the heavy Chinese services. However, deep down the codebase is unified, which allowed OnePlus to accelerate updates. So, OxygenOS 16’s new features might mirror those in ColorOS 16. For example, if ColorOS 16 adds a new always-on display customization or privacy feature, OxygenOS 16 will likely have it too.
Security-wise, the phone is expected to have a more advanced fingerprint sensor than before. Rumor has it that OnePlus is upgrading to an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader [92] (similar to Samsung’s Ultras) instead of the optical sensors OnePlus traditionally used. Ultrasonic sensors can be faster and work better with wet fingers, so that would be a nice upgrade for usability. The OnePlus 15 is also said to come with an IP68 (or even IP69) water and dust resistance rating [93] – essentially making it fully waterproof for everyday purposes. (IP69 would imply protection against high-pressure water jets, slightly above IP68; OnePlus 13 had an IP68 rating and some reports said IP69 for certain variants [94], so the 15 should at least match that durability standard.)
Another expected software feature is continued support for OxygenOS’s performance modes. OnePlus often includes a High Performance mode in settings (for max power at the expense of battery) and various toggles for gaming optimizations (Game Mode, Fnatic Mode in older versions, etc.). With the 165 Hz display and new chip, they may introduce an updated Pro Gamer Mode to fully unleash the hardware for games. Additionally, camera software will be new due to the DetailMax engine – possibly a revamped Pro mode or new filters.
OnePlus is likely to support the 15 with a solid update policy too. Currently, OnePlus promises 4 Android version updates and 5 years of security patches for its flagships. So the 15 launching on Android 16 should get updates through Android 20, into 2030, which will reassure buyers that the device is somewhat future-proof.
In summary, the OnePlus 15 will marry cutting-edge hardware (display and internals) with OnePlus’s latest software experience. OxygenOS 16 will aim to deliver that trademark smoothness and speed, while layering in new features to keep up with Google’s stock Android 16 and Oppo’s innovations. If OnePlus executes it well, the 15 could offer one of the most polished and fast user experiences in the Android world.
Expected Launch, Pricing & Competition
The excitement around the OnePlus 15 leaks also comes with anticipation for its official launch timeline. Multiple sources indicate an October 2025 unveil in China for the OnePlus 15 [95] [96]. One report from Android Headlines suggests OnePlus will announce the phone in China next month (October) following Oppo’s Find X9 launch on October 16 [97]. This timing makes sense – OnePlus often releases its flagship in Q4 in China (for example, OnePlus 13 was launched in China in December 2024) and then brings it globally a few months later. Indeed, the leaks point to a global release (North America, Europe, India) in early 2026 [98] [99], possibly January or February. India Today reports that OnePlus is likely to bring the 15 to India by “early next year,” which likely means Q1 2026 [100]. We might see an India/EU launch event around CES 2026 or MWC 2026, aligning with OnePlus’s pattern (the OnePlus 13 series had a global launch in January 2025).
Interestingly, the naming confirms a quirk: OnePlus is skipping the number 14 entirely. The new flagship is called OnePlus 15 even though the last was 13 – following the Chinese superstition where “14” (pronounced similar to “want to die” in Mandarin) is often avoided [101]. OnePlus did a similar skip years ago by jumping from OnePlus 3 to OnePlus 5 to avoid “4”. So while it might confuse some casual observers, it’s a deliberate numbering choice. (There were also mid-cycle models named 13R, 13T, etc., but those aside, the next major jump is to 15.)
Pricing for the OnePlus 15 remains speculative as no leaks have firmly pinned it down. However, there’s consensus that OnePlus will keep it in roughly the same bracket as the OnePlus 13. The OnePlus 13 launched at ₹69,999 in India (around $899 for the base model) [102], and around $799–849 in the US for base configurations. Given the upgraded hardware, OnePlus might push the base price up slightly, but it’s still expected to significantly undercut ultra-premium competitors. Industry watchers predict something like $899 (₹70k, £799) for the base variant and higher for more storage editions [103]. As PhoneArena notes, $899 is not exactly cheap but it’s a far cry from the ~$1,299 Samsung and Apple charge for their top models [104]. OnePlus historically aims to be a “flagship killer” offering similar specs for less, and it seems the 15 will continue that positioning – offering, for example, a massive battery and latest chip at perhaps a couple hundred dollars less than a Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Speaking of competition, the OnePlus 15 will enter a crowded arena of late-2025 and early-2026 smartphones. Its closest Android rivals will likely be Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series (expected Q1 2026) and Google’s Pixel 10 series (expected October 2025 for Pixel 10/10 Pro). Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to also feature a new high-megapixel camera system and a large battery (though probably 5,500 mAh, still smaller than OnePlus’s) and of course Samsung’s own Exynos or Snapdragon variant chip. OnePlus might actually one-up Samsung in raw specs (e.g., 165 Hz screen vs Samsung’s 120 Hz, or 7,000 mAh vs ~5,500 mAh battery) if these leaks hold true. Against Google’s Pixel 10, OnePlus will present a very different value proposition: Pixels focus on software experience and camera AI rather than raw hardware, whereas OnePlus is packing brute-force specs. Some consumers will compare the OnePlus 15 to a Pixel 10 Pro – OnePlus offering faster charging, more RAM, etc., while Pixel offers Google’s clean OS and camera magic.
Another competitor is OnePlus’s cousin Oppo Find X9 Pro, launching around the same time. In fact, as mentioned, Oppo’s Find X9 Pro leaks suggest nearly identical design and likely similar core internals (though Oppo might use MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9500 chip in some versions [105]). The Find X9 Pro will continue with Hasselblad cameras and probably a slightly different camera tuning approach, whereas the OnePlus 15 uses the DetailMax system. It will be fascinating to see comparisons between these two “sibling” phones – they could end up being very similar devices tailored to different regions or audiences (Oppo has a smaller presence in North America and India where OnePlus is stronger).
We should also consider Apple: by the time OnePlus 15 hits global markets, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup (released September 2025) will be current. OnePlus clearly has its sights on converting some users who want top performance without the Apple or Samsung tax. For instance, OnePlus is likely to tout how the 15’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 can hold its own against Apple’s A18 chip, and how features like 165 Hz display or super-fast charging are things an iPhone just doesn’t offer. With a rumored price under $900, the OnePlus 15 might appeal to Android enthusiasts and even some budget-conscious buyers who are seeing $1,200+ price tags elsewhere.
In the end, OnePlus’s challenge will be to deliver on the hype that these leaks have built. If the OnePlus 15 launches with the leaked specs – a fresh design, class-leading battery, blazing performance, and improved cameras – it could mark OnePlus’s big comeback in the premium phone segment. Tech experts are already calling it one of the most anticipated phones of late 2025. As more official details emerge (OnePlus will likely start teasing features as launch nears), consumers will get a clearer picture. But based on the current information, the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be an Android powerhouse that “takes a bold step forward, both in aesthetics and performance” [106], potentially giving Samsung, Google, and others a run for their money in 2026.
Sources: The Indian Express [107] [108]; India Today [109] [110]; Android Central [111] [112]; Android Headlines [113] [114]; PhoneArena [115] [116]; DXB News Network [117] [118].
References
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