The countdown for the OnePlus 15 global launch is officially on. The phone debuted in China on October 27, and based on the latest leaks and teasers, its international release could be just around the corner – with November 13 tipped as the possible global launch date.
With its launch in China, we already have a pretty clear picture of the OnePlus 15’s looks, specs, and performance – the only major unknown is the price for markets outside China.
Everything else should be mostly the same as the Chinese version. The OnePlus 15 is powered by Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and packs a huge 7,300mAh battery with super-fast charging.
The design gets a serious makeover too – it ditches the signature circular camera island from the previous model in favor of a sleek rectangular setup.
Out of the box, the phone runs OxygenOS based on Android 16. Let’s break down the key upgrades and features this flagship brings.
While surprising, the timing makes sense, especially since OnePlus has already started teasing the phone across its US and international social media channels.
For a clearer breakdown, check out the table below.
Device family
Announcement
Global release
OnePlus 12
December 4, 2023
February 6, 2024
OnePlus 13
October 31, 2024
January 7, 2025
OnePlus 15
October 27, 2025
November 13, 2025*
* - probable dates
Why a OnePlus 15 debuts instead of a OnePlus 14?
Instead of a OnePlus 14 following the current OnePlus 13, the company decided to jump straight to the OnePlus 15. The reason? In China, the word for “four” sounds a lot like the word for “death,” so plenty of local brands avoid using it in their product names.
Oppo – OnePlus’ sister brand – already did this in its foldable lineup, going from the Find N3 straight to the Find N5 without a 4 in sight. So, OnePlus follows the same playbook and we will never see a OnePlus 14.
OnePlus 15 price
For now, we don't expect the OnePlus 15 to come with a price hike. That said, pricing for global markets will definitely vary depending on your region.
If OnePlus sticks to its current strategy, the new model could start around $899, the same as the OnePlus 13. Since the company already raised prices by $100 with the last release, another jump so soon seems unlikely.
To see how OnePlus phone prices have changed over the years, check out the table below.
Model
256 GB of storage
512 GB of storage
OnePlus 12
$799
$899
OnePlus 13
$899
$999
OnePlus 15
$899*
$999*
*- anticipated prices
OnePlus 15 camera
OnePlus 15 camera app. | Image credit – OnePlus
The OnePlus 15 steps up its camera game. Unlike the OnePlus 13, which stuck with the same 50 MP main sensor as its predecessor, the new model upgrades the main shooter – the 50 MP sensor is now larger, growing from 1/1.56" to 1/1.4".
The 50 MP 3x telephoto lens also gets a boost, now offering 3.5x magnification. Another major change: OnePlus has ended its partnership with Hasselblad, and the OnePlus 15 introduces the new DetailMax Engine for improved image processing.
OnePlus 15 camera setup:
50 MP main camera
50 MP ultra-wide camera
50 MP 3.5x telephoto camera
OnePlus 15 storage
In China, the OnePlus 15 sticks with storage options similar to the past model. That means the base version comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, while a higher-end variant offers 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.
However, don’t count on the 16 GB + 1 TB version coming to global markets – it’s likely to remain a China-only model.
OnePlus 15 expected storage capacity for global markets:
12 GB of RAM with 256 GB storage space
2 GB of RAM with 512 GB storage space
16 GB of RAM with 256 GB storage space
16 GB of RAM with 512 GB storage space
OnePlus 15 design
This year, OnePlus is shaking things up with a major design refresh. The brand is ditching its signature circular camera island and replacing it with a sleek, rounded-corner rectangular bump tucked neatly in the top-left corner on the back.
If that design rings a bell, it’s because it mirrors the look of the OnePlus 13T and 13s – clearly showing that OnePlus is unifying the design language across its entire lineup.
OnePlus 15 in Sand Storm. | Image credit – OnePlus
The phone’s standout Sand Storm color shows off its new metal body with aerospace-grade micro arc oxidation – a fancy way of saying it’s coated to feel ceramic-smooth and tough as nails. It’s a finish used in aircraft and industrial tools, built to resist scratches and daily wear.
Along with Sand Storm, we are also getting Purple and Black. However, it is still not clear if all these colors will be available outside of China as well.
OnePlus 15 in all its colors. | Image credit – OnePlus
Another tweak comes to the front – the OnePlus 15 ditches the slightly curved display seen on the OnePlus 13 for a fully flat screen, aligning it with modern iPhones and Galaxy flagships.
And another big change? The fan-favorite alert slider is replaced by a new iPhone-like Action Button, marking another bold move in OnePlus’ evolving design strategy. The new Plus Key can be programmed for different tasks.
OnePlus has long leaned on Samsung's OLED panels, but last year it shook things up by trying out BOE panels instead. That partnership is here to stay. The OnePlus 15 switches to BOE X3 display material, moving on from the BOE X2. This upgrade gives the phone super slim 1.15 mm bezels, making for a more immersive viewing experience.
The custom BOE X3 panel is said to last 30% longer, use less power, and deliver better brightness and color accuracy than the previous generation. It’s powered by OnePlus’s in-house Display P3 chipset, which keeps brightness consistent and can dim down to just 1 nit for easy night-time viewing.
There’s a small trade-off with the display, though. The OnePlus 15 comes with a 1.5K resolution, slightly lower than the 2K panel on the previous model. That said, it makes up for it with a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate, delivering super smooth scrolling and gameplay despite the minor dip in resolution.
OnePlus 15 battery
OnePlus 15 has a huge battery with super-fast charging. | Image credit – OnePlus
The OnePlus 15 comes with a huge 7,300mAh battery, a big jump from the 6,000mAh cell in the OnePlus 13. OnePlus has confirmed 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, so refueling that huge battery won’t take long.
Just note – to get those top speeds, you’ll need to use OnePlus’ own charger and cable. Third-party options will work, but charging will be slower.
OnePlus 15 features and software
The OnePlus 15 runs on Oxygen OS 16, based on Android 16, right from the start. And of course, there are some AI-powered features as well:
AI Detail Boost: Enhances photo clarity and overall quality.
AI Unblur: As expected, it reduces blur in images.
AI Reflection Eraser: A handy tool for snapping photos through glass.
AI Notes: Offering support for note-taking.
Circle to Search: Another convenient feature to make searching easier.
If OnePlus sticks with its current update policy, you can expect the OnePlus 15 to receive four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches, once it launches globally as well.
OnePlus 15 hardware and specs
OnePlus has always relied on Qualcomm chips for its premium devices, and that trend continues with the OnePlus 15. Inside you will find the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
In terms of performance, the OnePlus 15 has more than enough muscle to handle everything you throw at it and then some. It is set to outshine the already impressive OnePlus 13, which holds its own against flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 series. So, top-tier performance is definitely be on the cards for the new generation.
The OnePlus 15 also debuts a new Glacier cooling system made from ultra-thin, hand-tearable steel that is said to dissipate heat twice as fast as before. It also introduces a "Glacier" chip air conditioning setup – a custom system designed to lower the chip's core temperature – plus a "Glacier" aerogel layer that uses space-grade insulation to keep your fingers cool while gaming.
For gamers, OnePlus goes even further with its first-ever “Gaming Hand Cooling Model,” which targets ten specific heat zones to keep your fingers comfortable during long sessions.
On top of that, there’s a new G2 gaming network chip to boost Wi-Fi and cellular performance in tricky spots, and a console-grade gyroscope for faster response times and more precise controls.
Should I wait for OnePlus 15?
You should wait forOnePlus 15 if you are a die-hard OnePlus fan and already have the OnePlus 11 or OnePlus 12. The upgrade is more substantial, especially since the OnePlus 13 isn’t that much of a leap from the 12. Plus, OnePlus 15 might launch globally next month, so you won't have to wait long to get it.
You should not wait for OnePlus 15 if you simply don't like the new design or don't think the OnePlus 15 is much of an upgrade. Galaxy S25 or another top-tier flagship Android phone available right now might be the safer pick – though the OnePlus 15 is shaping up to be the phone to beat this year and into next.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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