Ditch the Samsung S25 Ultra – the OnePlus 15 might just eclipse it as the Android powerhouse to watch in 2025! Imagine a smartphone that not only competes with the heavyweights but potentially outshines them in design, battery life, and performance. If you're tired of the same old flagships, this could be the game-changer you've been waiting for. But here's where it gets exciting – OnePlus is shaking things up without relying on past partnerships. Stick around, because this phone's innovations might redefine what we expect from Android devices.
[Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source (https://cc.zdnet.com/v1/otc/00hQi47eqnEWQ6T9d4QLBUc?element=BODY&elementlabel=Add+us+as+a+preferred+Google+source&module=LINK&objecttype=text-link&objectuuid=5e5d2e64-4b30-43e6-8555-26eac7e449f3&position=1&template=article&trackcode=COMCLICKID&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fpreferences%2Fsource%3Fq%3Dzdnet.com&viewinstanceuuid=379e95d2-6b56-476b-a90b-043a8dd63bd3) on Google.]
ZDNET's key takeaways
- The OnePlus 15 will hit markets outside China on November 13.
- This marks OnePlus's debut model following the conclusion of its collaboration with Hasselblad.
- The international version boasts an impressive 7,300mAh battery.
Earlier this year, the OnePlus 13 (https://www.zdnet.com/article/oneplus-flagship-phone-is-a-solid-alternative-to-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-heres-why/) made waves with its solid performance, and now the brand is gearing up for its follow-up. Having debuted in China on October 27, the OnePlus 15 is scheduled to arrive in the US and beyond on November 13.
Also: I test dozens of Android phones every year: How the Google Pixel 10 Pro stacks up (https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-android-phone/)
Before the official rollout, OnePlus has teased some standout features for its latest flagship. Based on the China edition, the OnePlus 15 looks poised to challenge other top-tier smartphones head-on.
Redefining the Aesthetics: The OnePlus 15's Fresh Design
Unlike recent trends where phones often mimic their predecessors, the upcoming OnePlus model breaks the mold completely. From an overhauled camera setup to a brand-new back finish, it bears little resemblance to the OnePlus 13. In preparation for its worldwide release, OnePlus has released numerous photos of the device, including an eye-catching 'sand storm' color option.
The camera system on the OnePlus 15 draws inspiration from the Asia-only OnePlus 13T (or OnePlus 13S in India). It includes a textured back for better handling, which is a practical touch – though I'll admit, I might miss the faux leather feel of the OnePlus 13. Still, based on the images, the redesign looks sleek and appealing. I'm crossing my fingers for some level of fingerprint-resistance on that surface.
Also: The best value flagship phone of 2025 is getting a sequel - but without an iconic partnership (https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-best-value-flagship-phone-of-2025-is-getting-a-sequel-but-without-an-iconic-partnership/)
Beyond that, the OnePlus 15 incorporates a fiberglass rear panel encased in a ceramic-coated metal frame, which the company claims is more durable than aluminum or titanium – materials frequently used in rival devices. Much like the Oppo (https://www.zdnet.com/article/oppos-new-foldable-phone-is-one-of-the-thinnest-ive-seen-and-i-hope-oneplus-and-samsung-follow-suit/) Find X9 Pro, it includes a customizable Plus Key, positioned similarly to the Action Button on an iPhone (https://www.zdnet.com/article/ive-used-my-iphone-16s-action-button-many-ways-but-this-one-is-my-favorite/), enabling quick shortcuts and access to Plus Mind. And this is the part most people miss – these small customizations can make daily use feel more intuitive and personalized.
Elevating the Screen Experience: Could This Be the Smoothest Display Around?
The OnePlus 13 already impressed with its vibrant screen, highlighted by strong brightness and the innovative AquaTouch technology. Now, its successor ramps things up with an even faster refresh rate, narrower edges, and what promises to be an even more engaging way to enjoy content.
From the previews OnePlus has shared, the device will boast 1.15mm thin bezels on every side – thinner than those on the iPhone 17 Pro. It achieves a 165Hz refresh rate, a trait we've seen in LCD phones before. But here's where it gets controversial – this might be among the first major flagship devices to pair that high refresh rate with an OLED screen, potentially making animations and scrolling buttery smooth for gamers and media lovers alike. (Is high refresh rate overrated, or is it a must-have for modern phones?)
Also: This premium Android phone is $150 off before Black Friday - act fast since this deal won't last (https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-premium-android-phone-is-150-off-before-black-friday-act-fast-since-this-deal-wont-last/)
OnePlus has collaborated with BOE to create a new X3 luminescent material, said to boost high brightness mode (HBM) by 13% and enhance color precision by 11.8%. It also aims to cut power usage by 10% and extend the display's life by 30% over previous models. For beginners, think of HBM as the screen's ability to stay bright under sunlight, making it easier to view outdoors without straining your eyes.
The brand is promoting the OnePlus 15 as the inaugural Android smartphone (https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-android-phone/) with true hardware-based 1-nit minimum brightness, validated by TÜV Rheinland Smart Eye Protection 5.0 Gold certification. Whether these specs deliver tangible benefits in everyday scenarios remains to be tested, but they certainly sound promising on paper.
Battery Specs That Are Pushing Boundaries
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 runs on Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-got-a-glimpse-of-future-android-smartphones-here-are-three-major-upgrades-you-can-expect/) chipset, delivering enhanced video capabilities, better energy efficiency, and advanced on-device AI personalization. This processor boasts a potential 25% uptick in single-core tasks and 20% in multi-core performance, which could mean snappier apps and smoother multitasking.
Even with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-got-a-glimpse-of-future-android-smartphones-here-are-three-major-upgrades-you-can-expect/) being more power-efficient, OnePlus has equipped it with a substantial battery. The US model features a 7,300mAh unit supporting 80W rapid charging (scaled down from the China version's 120W Super Flash Charging) and 50W wireless fast charging.
Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and fix slow performance for good) (https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-clear-your-android-phone-cache-and-fix-slow-performance-for-good/)
These battery and charging figures are ahead of the curve. To put it in perspective, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-compared-the-pixel-10-pro-to-every-older-google-flagship-model-the-biggest-upgrades-you-can-expect/) offers 5,200mAh. If the efficiency claims hold true, the OnePlus 15 could easily power through more than a full day without needing a plug, making it ideal for heavy users on the go.
The Uncertain Factor: Cameras Without Hasselblad
For years, OnePlus teamed up with Hasselblad to fine-tune camera colors on their devices, but that alliance wrapped up in September. Now, the OnePlus 15 introduces the OnePlus DetailMax Engine, aimed at 'capturing and unveiling the world in authentic, crisp detail,' as described by OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau.
This fresh camera tech is built to produce the clearest, most natural shots possible, leveraging computational photography to show scenes realistically, avoiding excessive filters or alterations. In a Weibo update, Lau noted, 'Zoom into a photo, and you'll see why I'm sure you'll adore the outcome.' But here's the controversy: Without Hasselblad's expertise, will OnePlus's in-house solution truly match the quality fans expect, or is this a bold step toward innovation that might divide opinions? Could prioritizing 'real' over 'beautiful' photos alienate users who love polished edits?
Launch Timeline for the OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 is already on sale in China after its October 27 unveiling, alongside the region-specific OnePlus Ace 6. (https://www.zdnet.com/article/if-these-oneplus-15-rumors-are-true-im-worried-for-samsung-and-google-in-2026/) Internationally, expect it on November 13.
Pricing for the US hasn't been revealed yet, but in China, it starts at 4,899 Chinese Yuan – about $689 USD, £515 GBP, or AU$1,050 AUD. Configurations begin with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, scaling up to 16GB RAM with 1TB storage.
It'll be fascinating to see which models OnePlus brings globally. Keep checking ZDNET for the newest info.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. (https://www.zdnet.com/newsletters/)
What do you think? Is ditching established partnerships like Hasselblad a risk worth taking for OnePlus, or could it lead to subpar camera results? And with such a massive battery, do you believe this phone will redefine endurance in a crowded market? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree that the OnePlus 15 could outshine rivals like the Samsung S25 Ultra, or are you skeptical about its bold changes? We'd love to hear your perspective!
