Quick Read
- OnePlus 15 features Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, debuting first in India.
- Massive 7,300mAh battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers 165Hz refresh rate but uses lower 1.5K resolution.
- Triple 50MP rear cameras with AI enhancements, but sensor downgrades spark debate.
- Runs OxygenOS 16 with Gemini AI integration and new Plus Key replacing alert slider.
OnePlus 15: A Flagship Designed for 2025’s Demanding Users
The launch of the OnePlus 15 in India marks more than just another entry into the crowded flagship smartphone market. It’s a bold, sometimes polarizing, statement about what a high-end phone should prioritize in 2025. With artificial intelligence now a central pillar of smartphone design and user expectations at an all-time high, the OnePlus 15 aims to carve its niche with raw performance, battery longevity, and a suite of new AI features. But as with any ambitious device, the road to perfection is riddled with trade-offs.
Design and Build: Flat, Durable, and Distinct
OnePlus has completely overhauled its design language for the 15, opting for flat front and rear panels—a departure from the curved aesthetics that defined its previous generations. The result is a phone that not only feels modern but is easier to accessorize with screen protectors and cases. The frame remains ergonomic, thanks to heavily rounded corners that ensure comfort during extended use.
Available in Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet, each colorway offers a unique visual identity. Infinite Black is deep and dramatic, Sand Storm (the lead variant) features a ceramic-like texture and a fibreglass back for extra durability, while Ultra Violet offers an iridescent, eye-catching finish. The IP66+IP68+IP69+IP69K rating means the OnePlus 15 is exceptionally dust and water resistant, reassuring for users on the move.
Display: Chasing Refresh Rates, Sacrificing Sharpness
The OnePlus 15’s 6.78-inch flexible AMOLED display boasts a world-first 165Hz refresh rate for the brand, delivering silky smooth animations and a noticeable edge for gamers in titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Call of Duty: Mobile. HDR support and Widevine L1 certification ensure vivid colors and deep blacks for streaming, making binge-watching a pleasure.
However, this impressive refresh rate comes with a caveat—the resolution drops to 1.5K (1,272 x 2,772 pixels), a step down from the crisp 2K panels of previous flagships. While the difference isn’t glaring during everyday use, those accustomed to pixel-perfect screens may find the downgrade a little jarring. The pursuit of higher refresh rates appears to be more about marketing than meaningful user experience, raising questions about whether the trade-off was worth it.
Software and AI: OxygenOS 16, Gemini, and the Plus Key
Running OxygenOS 16 atop Android 16, the OnePlus 15 introduces subtle but impactful quality-of-life upgrades. The interface borrows from Apple’s iOS 26, with translucent layers and Gaussian blur effects creating a sleek, modern look. Customization is front and center, with video wallpapers, highly tweakable Quick Settings, and a Predictive Back gesture that streamlines navigation.
AI is not just an afterthought—it’s woven into the phone’s DNA. The new Plus Key replaces the signature alert slider, giving users instant access to Plus Mind AI. This feature, now integrated with Google’s Gemini, offers everything from natural language information recall to AI-powered search, writing, and personalized suggestions. The dedicated AI settings allow fine-tuning, making the OnePlus 15 one of the most customizable AI-driven phones yet.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Leads the Charge
At the heart of the OnePlus 15 lies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, debuting for the first time in India. Paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, this device is built for speed. Everyday tasks are handled with ease, and even the most demanding games and multitasking scenarios show no sign of lag or stutter.
The proprietary OnePlus Performance Tri-Chip and OP Gaming Core technology ensure that touch responsiveness and thermal management remain top-notch. Whether pushing frame rates in competitive gaming or juggling multiple apps, the phone remains cool and stable, thanks to its 360 Cryo-Velocity Cooling system and advanced vapor chamber design.
Cameras: Triple 50MP Setup—Solid, But Not Groundbreaking
The camera system on the OnePlus 15 is both robust and controversial. All three rear sensors—the primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto—are 50 megapixels, but with some sensor downgrades compared to previous models. The DetailMax engine attempts to compensate with aggressive post-processing, but this occasionally leads to oversaturated colors and unnaturally bright skin tones.
Daylight photos shine with detail and accurate exposures, while low-light shots are surprisingly clean, though sometimes a bit soft. The telephoto lens offers 3.5x optical and 7x hybrid zoom, but pushing to the maximum 120x magnification introduces grain and smoothening. Portraits are crisp, with good edge detection, but fall short of the perfection seen in Vivo and Oppo’s flagships. The selfie camera—32MP—delivers consistently sharp results across lighting conditions, and video capabilities stretch up to 8K at 30fps.
Battery: A Genuine Leap Forward
If battery anxiety is a thing of the past, it’s thanks to the OnePlus 15’s massive 7,300mAh silicon-carbon cell. The phone is designed to last up to two days for casual users, and power users can expect a full day of heavy use without scrambling for a charger. Charging speeds are nothing short of remarkable—120W SuperVOOC wired charging can top up the device in around 35-39 minutes, and 50W wireless charging adds convenience for those who prefer to go cable-free.
The design manages to accommodate this enormous battery without making the device uncomfortably thick or heavy, and thermal management ensures that even marathon gaming sessions don’t turn the phone into a hot potato.
Price, Value, and the Final Verdict
Priced at Rs. 72,999 for the base model (12GB RAM/256GB storage) and Rs. 79,999 for the top variant (16GB RAM/512GB storage), the OnePlus 15 sits squarely in the premium segment. Early buyers benefit from launch discounts and bundled accessories, making it a tempting offer for existing OnePlus users.
Yet, the verdict on the OnePlus 15 is far from clear-cut. For those prioritizing performance, battery life, and AI-driven experiences, it’s a compelling choice. However, the compromises on display resolution and camera finesse may leave some users wanting more, especially given the competition from Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and iQOO’s upcoming models.
The OnePlus 15 is a masterclass in balancing priorities—power and endurance are its strengths, but perfection in every area remains elusive. Is it a brilliant flagship? Yes, in many respects. Is it a difficult decision? Absolutely, especially for those who demand the very best in display and imaging technology.
OnePlus 15’s launch highlights the evolving nature of flagship smartphones in 2025: raw specs are no longer enough, and meaningful user experiences now hinge on nuanced trade-offs. This device will satisfy tech enthusiasts seeking speed and battery life, but those chasing camera and display excellence may be tempted by rivals. The real innovation may lie in how well it integrates AI and everyday usability—a trend to watch as the market shifts.