Review of the OnePlus 15: An Excellent Phone, A Tough Choice

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The OnePlus 15 has a completely new design, which is an improvement. This is our evaluation.

In 2025, what really makes a great flagship? Is it just a list of features like the quickest chipset, the cleanest software, the longest-lasting battery, the brightest and most vivid display, and adaptable cameras? Even if they are essential, the list has grown in the current market. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) has gone from being a trendy term to a standard feature found in all high-end phones. The recently released OnePlus 15 enters this fiercely competitive market.

The base model of the OnePlus 15, which has 256GB of onboard storage and 12GB of RAM, costs Rs. 72,999 in India. However, the company’s decision to reduce some qualities in order to improve others has provoked intense controversy about its arrival. However, as we all know, specs on paper don’t necessarily convey the whole picture. In this review, I will discuss the OnePlus 15’s shortcomings as well as its strong points.

OnePlus 15 Design: Improved

• Dimensions — 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm
• Weight — 211 grams (Sand Storm)
• Colours – Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet
• Ingress rating – IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K

The OnePlus 15 has a completely new design, which is an improvement. The front and rear panels are completely flat, and all the curves are gone. Finding a phone screen protector should be simpler as a result of this move, which is one of its most underappreciated advantages. Because of its sharply rounded corners, the handset’s frame is similarly flattened, but not to the point where it begins to dig into your palms. The OnePlus 15 feels well-made in terms of usage. Because of its pleasant weight of 211g, you may handle it without feeling overly burdensome.

The OnePlus 15 has a completely new design that is an improvement. The front and rear panels are completely flat, and all the curves have vanished. Finding a phone screen protector should be simpler thanks to this improvement, which is one of its most underappreciated advantages. Because of its sharply rounded corners, the handset’s frame is likewise flattened, though not to the point where it begins to dig into your palms. The OnePlus 15 feels well-made when it comes to usefulness. Because of its pleasant weight of 211g, you may handle it without feeling overly burdened.

A new camera design is included with the OnePlus 15.

The OnePlus 15’s camera design is another significant alteration. It has a square camera island that is more aesthetically pleasing than the one on the recently released OnePlus 13s. This also makes the phone more aesthetically similar to the flagship models of its sister brand, the Oppo Find X9 series.

Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet are the three colorways of the OnePlus 15, and each offers a distinct look. With the deepest black finish I’ve seen on a smartphone to date, the Infinite Black gives it a Batman-like appearance. Ultra Violet, on the other hand, has an iridescent color change and a lavender hue, making it the most colorful choice.

Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet are the three colorways of the OnePlus 15, each of which offers a unique look. With the deepest black finish I’ve seen on a smartphone so far, the Infinite Black gives it a Batman-like appearance. Ultra Violet, on the other hand, has an iridescent color shift and a lavender hue, making it the most colorful choice of the group.

The phone is comfortable to grasp and has great ergonomics.

However, the new Sand Storm color—which also happens to be the primary choice for the OnePlus 15—is my personal favorite. It is a rough substance with a mid-frame and camera deco treatment that is nearly equivalent to ceramic. Smudges and fingerprints are not picked up by it.

The OnePlus 15’s Sand Storm color has a fiberglass back, which makes it more robust than the other two finishes, which have Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Regarding durability, you can use it outdoors with greater confidence because it has an IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K rating for dust and water resistance.

The company has finished switching from its alert slider to the Plus Key, a new button that activates the Plus Mind AI function on its most recent smartphone lineup, with the OnePlus 15. The alert slider was a really helpful feature and a hallmark of OnePlus phones, even though this decision appears to be in keeping with the current trend of putting AI at its core. It is therefore regrettable that it was left out.

A mixed bag is the OnePlus 15 display.

• Dimensions — 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm
• Weight — 211 grams (Sand Storm)
• Colours – Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet
• Ingress rating – IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K
• Size and resolution – 6.78-inch 1.5K flexible AMOLED, 1,272 x 2,772 pixels
• Refresh rate – 165Hz
• Protection – Gorilla Glass Victus 2

The OnePlus 15’s display and cameras have been at the center of the controversy. The brand’s name has been built over the years on the caliber of its screens, and the newest flagship carries on this tradition, albeit with some limitations. Its 6.78-inch 1.5K (1,272 x 2,772 pixels) flexible AMOLED panel has a refresh rate of 165 Hz and a maximum brightness of 1,800 nits (HBM).

The OnePlus 15’s display and cameras have been the main points of contention. The brand’s reputation has been built throughout the years on the caliber of its screens, and the newest flagship upholds that tradition, albeit with some limitations. Its 6.78-inch 1.5K (1,272 x 2,772 pixel) flexible AMOLED panel has a refresh rate of 165 Hz and a maximum brightness of 1,800 nits (HBM).

The OnePlus 15’s display has been improved to 165 Hz.

Punchy colors, vivid images, deep blacks, and a saturation level that helps the UI stand out make it clearly a OnePlus display. HDR and Widevine L1 certifications are now standard features, making it great for binge-watching entertainment.

The refresh rate of 165 Hz is a first for the company. As anticipated, it produces incredibly fluid animations when navigating the user interface, perusing the web, and scrolling through social media. Gamers also benefit from the brand’s native 165Hz support, which uses frame interpolation in Battlegrounds Mobile India, Call of Duty: Mobile, Real Racing 3, and a few other games. Playing first-person shooter games benefits from the fast refresh rate because it reduces motion blur, which improves aim and movement accuracy.

The company’s first refresh rate of 165 Hz is what’s new. As anticipated, it provides incredibly fluid movements when navigating the user interface, browsing the web, and scrolling through social media. Another advantage for gamers is that the company uses frame interpolation to provide native 165Hz compatibility in Battlegrounds Mobile India, Call of Duty: Mobile, Real Racing 3, and a few other games. When playing first-person shooter games, the fast refresh rate is useful since it reduces motion blur, which improves aim and movement accuracy.

The business used a panel with a lesser resolution and took some short cuts.

But this is where the display’s narrative gets convoluted. For the first time since the OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus has taken a step back and given the OnePlus 15 a lower resolution screen, which is unexpected and, to be honest, a little annoying. It reduces the resolution from a sharp 2K (Quad HD+) to 1.5K (FHD+). Details are slightly less sharp and are not the “pixel-free” experience that we’ve grown accustomed to, but the panel is still excellent at creating images and isn’t a fuzzy jumble.

In my view, the jump from 120Hz to 165Hz gives decreasing results and seems more like a step toward winning a numbers game than providing people with a real advantage. What is otherwise a great piece of gear is marred by this.

OnePlus 15 Software: OxygenOS 16 Enhances Quality of Life

• Dimensions — 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm
• Weight — 211 grams (Sand Storm)
• Colours – Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet
• Ingress rating – IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K
• Size and resolution – 6.78-inch 1.5K flexible AMOLED, 1,272 x 2,772 pixels
• Refresh rate – 165Hz
• Protection – Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Software – OxygenOS 16
• Version – Android 16
• Updates Promised –

OxygenOS 16, the company’s version of the most recent Android 16 firmware, powers the OnePlus 15. Although it doesn’t significantly differ from OxygenOS 15, it does include a number of quality-of-life improvements that add up to a fantastic software experience. Gaussian blur effects and translucent layers across the Quick Settings, system menus, and animations are just two examples of how OxygenOS 16’s design philosophy is obviously based on Apple’s Liquid Glass concept in iOS 26.

OxygenOS 16, the company’s version of the most recent version of Android 16, powers the OnePlus 15. Although it doesn’t significantly differ from OxygenOS 15, it has a number of quality-of-life improvements that come together to provide for an excellent software experience. Gaussian blur effects and translucent layers in the Quick Settings, system menus, and animations are just two examples of how OxygenOS 16’s design philosophy is obviously modeled off Apple’s Liquid Glass concept in iOS 26.

The OnePlus 15 features the Plus Mind AI function and a dedicated Plus Key.

One of OnePlus’s greatest improvements is the Quick Settings screen. Although there are many additional customization possibilities, the panel may seem a lot like OxygenOS 15. This also holds true for the lock and home screens, which are very customizable. For instance, you can loop your favorite memories and set video backgrounds for both screens.

The Predictive Back gesture, which predicts the app experiences you’re going to and from and offers a visual cue of the previous screen, is another noteworthy innovation. This enhances the navigation flow and helps avoid unintentional exits. Additionally, you can adjust key OnePlus AI functions like AI Search, AI Writer, and Plus Mind from a new dedicated AI area in the phone’s settings.

The Predictive Back gesture, which predicts the app experiences you’re going to and from and gives a visual clue of the previous screen, is another noteworthy innovation. This enhances navigation flow and helps avoid unintentional exits. Additionally, you can adjust key OnePlus AI functions like AI Search, AI Writer, and Plus Mind from a new dedicated AI area in the phone settings.

The Plus Mind function of the phone introduces Gemini integration.

Speaking of the latter, the iconic three-stage alert slider has been replaced with the new Plus Key. The feature functions exactly like the OnePlus 13s, with the exception of a new functionality that allows it to integrate with Gemini to aid recall information using natural language prompts. In our OnePlus 13s review, you can learn more about the Plus Key, Plus Mind, and other features.

Performance of the OnePlus 15: Significant Improvements

• Dimensions — 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm
• Weight — 211 grams (Sand Storm)
• Colours – Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet
• Ingress rating – IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K
• Size and resolution – 6.78-inch 1.5K flexible AMOLED, 1,272 x 2,772 pixels
• Refresh rate – 165Hz
• Protection – Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Software – OxygenOS 16
• Version – Android 16
• Updates Promised –
• Processor – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Memory – Up to 16GB, LPDDR5X Ultra+
• Storage – Up to 512GB, UFS 4.1

The OnePlus 15’s performance clearly ensures its flagship status, even though the choice of display is debatable. It is the first smartphone to introduce Qualcomm’s top Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset to the Indian market. A OnePlus Performance Tri-Chip, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage are among its other high-end features.

Although there is disagreement over the display option, the OnePlus 15’s performance clearly establishes its flagship status. Qualcomm’s premium Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset powers it, making it the first smartphone to use this CPU in India. It comes with additional high-end parts like a OnePlus Performance Tri-Chip, up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage, and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM.

The OnePlus 15 has a number of gaming-focused features.

Daily use is faultless and completely lag-free, as anticipated. The OnePlus 15 retains the smoothness of a flagship device whether navigating the user interface, quickly switching between a dozen apps, or loading large amounts of media. But it’s really put to the test when you play games with a lot of graphics. Here, the OnePlus’s exclusive OP Gaming Core technology contributes to its excellent long-term performance.

The new OnePlus Performance Tri-Chip, which combines three physical chips and optimizes them with hardware and software tools for better control, responsiveness, and stability, is a crucial component. It performs consistently, offering excellent touch response and controllable thermals.

The new OnePlus Performance Tri-Chip, which combines three physical chips and optimizes them using hardware and software tools for better control, responsiveness, and stability, is a crucial component. With excellent touch response and controllable thermals, it consistently performs well.

The OnePlus 15’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset is a true powerhouse.

Even with the graphical settings set to highest, the OnePlus 15 maintains great frame rates in well-known games like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Call of Duty: Mobile. The phone provided a steady 155–160 frames per second without any harsh throttling or heat buildup, and the company claims native 165Hz capability for the aforementioned games. The device was able to sustain a 60fps frame rate at the Render Resolution with everything else set to “high,” even if the computational load does rise in demanding games like Genshin Impact.

The OnePlus 15 doesn’t start to exhibit considerable heating until after extended gaming sessions. Even yet, it rarely gets uncomfortably hot and is often limited to the upper part of the body and away from the major locations where you hold it. This could be because the new 360 Cryo-Velocity Cooling system is made of tearable steel and has a bigger VC.

OnePlus 15 Cameras: Good

• Dimensions — 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm
• Weight — 211 grams (Sand Storm)
• Colours – Infinite Black, Sand Storm, Ultra Violet
• Ingress rating – IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K
• Size and resolution – 6.78-inch 1.5K flexible AMOLED, 1,272 x 2,772 pixels
• Refresh rate – 165Hz
• Protection – Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Software – OxygenOS 16
• Version – Android 16
• Updates Promised –
• Processor – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
• Memory – Up to 16GB, LPDDR5X Ultra+
• Storage – Up to 512GB, UFS 4.1
• Rear – 50-megapixel primary (f/1.8) + 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle (f/2.8) + 50-megapixel telephoto (f/2.0)
• Front – 32-megapixel (f/2.4)

The OnePlus 15’s camera setup is yet another contentious modification. The business has discontinued its partnership with Hasselblad and unveiled its brand-new, exclusive DetailMax photography technology. It still has a 50-megapixel triple camera unit, but almost all of the cameras have smaller sensors—at least in theory. How does the OnePlus 15 camera system perform, though, as this rarely transfers into the actual experience? It’s a mixed bag, to put it briefly.

The camera setup on the OnePlus 15 is yet another contentious modification. The business has discontinued the Hasselblad partnership and unveiled its brand-new, exclusive DetailMax imaging technology. Although it still has a 50-megapixel triple camera unit, almost all of the cameras have reduced sensors, at least in theory. But this rarely correlates to the actual experience, so what is the OnePlus 15 camera system’s performance? It is, in essence, a mixed bag.

The camera setup of the OnePlus 15 has generated a lot of discussion.

First off, in both daylight and low-light conditions, the 50-megapixel main sensor performs quite well. The device can handle challenging exposures by controlling highlights and capture fine details in well-lit environments. This also holds true for low-light images, which typically feature striking detail and little noise.

First off, in both daylight and low light conditions, the 50-megapixel main sensor performs quite well. The phone can handle challenging exposures by controlling highlights and capture fine details in well-lit environments. This also holds true for low-light images, which typically have remarkable detail and little noise.

Samples of the OnePlus 15’s daytime and low-light primary cameras (tap to expand)

However, a recurring problem is that, even when no specialized modes are utilized, certain images have a tendency to appear somewhat oversaturated. The new DetailMax engine, which adds extra processing to make up for the reduced size, seems to be the only problem, but I’m not totally sure what else could be to blame. Now that Hasselblad is no longer involved, OnePlus is anticipated to incorporate its exclusive photographic technology into all of its upcoming models. Additionally, I observed that the software has a tendency to aggressively brighten faces, much like a Pixel.

In good light, the OnePlus 15’s 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens likewise performs admirably. Despite having a large field of vision (FoV), it is able to prevent barrel distortion. Although it took softer and noisier pictures than the primary sensor, its low-light performance is tolerable.

In bright light, the OnePlus 15’s 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens also performs admirably. Despite having a large field of vision (FoV), it is able to avoid barrel distortion. Although it took softer and noisier pictures than the primary sensor, its low-light performance is adequate.

Samples of the OnePlus 15’s ultra-wide-angle daylight and low-light cameras (tap to expand)

A 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and 7x hybrid zoom is also included with the OnePlus 15. It is able to take well-balanced pictures with a respectable level of detail in both bright and dim light. In good illumination, the 7x hybrid zoom is also functional; but, in unfavorable lighting, noise intrudes.

A 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and 7x hybrid zoom is another feature of the OnePlus 15. It is able to take well-balanced pictures with a respectable level of detail, both in bright and dim light. under good illumination, the 7x hybrid zoom is also functional; but, under unfavorable lighting circumstances, noise intrudes.

Samples of the OnePlus 15’s 3.5x telephoto camera in daylight and low light (tap to enlarge)

The phone can magnify images up to 120 times overall. In the camera viewfinder, the subject looks like a grainy mess at this point, but the post-processing does a fantastic job of making them something recognizable. However, because of the attempt at noise reduction, you will still see smearing and smoothing around the margins of objects.

The phone may be magnified up to 120 times overall. The subject looks like a fuzzy mess in the camera viewfinder at this point, but the post-processing does a fantastic job of making them somewhat recognizable. However, because of the attempted noise reduction, you will still see smearing and smoothing at the margins of objects.

Samples of the OnePlus 15’s 7x telephoto camera (tap to enlarge)

When it comes to portrait photography, the OnePlus 15 does a fantastic job of capturing the edges and separating the subject from the background. Despite improvements, its portrait camera still falls short of what we’ve seen from Vivo and Oppo, the sister brand of OnePlus.

The OnePlus 15 does a superb job of capturing the edges and separating the subject from the background in portrait shots. Despite improvements, its portrait photography is still not quite as good as what we’ve seen from Vivo and Oppo, the sibling brand of OnePlus.

Samples of the OnePlus 15 macro camera (tap to enlarge)

Going forward, the selfie camera performs consistently. It works well for portrait photographs in both daytime and low light. The 32-megapixel sensor produces well-exposed, detailed photos. It’s important to note that popular features like the X-Pan mode are no longer available as a result of the Hasselblad relationship ending, which is a huge loss.

OnePlus 15 Battery: Significant Advantage

7,300mAh of battery capacity 120W for wired charging and 15W for wireless charging 120W charger

Thanks to the enormous 7,300mAh capacity, the business has almost completely eliminated battery anxiety with the OnePlus 15. The new flagship has an incredibly long battery life. The phone may run for up to two days on a single charge if you’re a casual user who uses it for things like chatting, browsing, and light media consumption. I got about 11–12 hours of screen time with regular use, which is great.

Thanks to the enormous 7,300mAh capacity in the OnePlus 15, the firm has almost completely eliminated battery anxiety. The new flagship has incredibly long battery life. The phone can last up to two days on a single charge if you’re a casual user who uses it for activities like chatting, browsing, and light media consumption. I was able to get 11–12 hours of screen time with regular use, which is great.

OnePlus was able to make the OnePlus 15 relatively thin while still accommodating a 7,300mAh battery.

Before requiring a top-up, power users will still be able to get more than a day’s worth of performance from the OnePlus 15.

I think the OnePlus 15’s charging speed is the fastest I’ve ever seen on a smartphone. Thanks to 120W cable charging and up to 50W wireless charging, it can be charged from 0 to the “Fully Charged” status in roughly 35 minutes, which is absurdly quick for a phone with a 7,300mAh battery. Its charging capacity greatly outpaces the 45W standard currently used by another smartphone, which is regarded as the greatest flagship smartphone. (Yes, Samsung, you are on our radar).

Verdict on the OnePlus 15

It’s difficult to write the OnePlus 15 decision, and it can be a lesson in competing priorities. It is a really capable phone that is limited by a few perplexing choices. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset gives the phone flagship-level performance, its revolutionary thermal management technology keeps it cool, and its enormous 7,300mAh battery provides longer battery life. The software is also feature-rich, quick, and well-designed.

But it seems like a mistake to forgo the 2K display resolution in favor of a refresh rate of 165 Hz. It also falls short of becoming the greatest photography smartphone available due to the downgraded camera sensors and their propensity for oversaturation.

In the end, the OnePlus 15 is a clear choice if you value long battery life and consistent flagship performance. It has drawbacks, too, so people looking for the sharpest screen or the best imaging quality might have to go elsewhere. Two future smartphones that should be considered are the Realme GT 8 Pro and the incoming iQOO 15.