OnePlus 15 news: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for 15, 7000mAh battery for 15R

Originally, OnePlus carved a niche for itself with ‘flagship killer’ smartphones, but the brand has evolved, demonstrating an ability to produce exceptional high-end devices.

The latest addition to their lineup, the OnePlus 13, stands out for its astonishing performance, remarkable battery longevity, and a user-friendly, AI-enhanced software interface. According to our comprehensive guide to the best smartphones available, it ranks high among the best handsets on the market.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 13R offers a solid mid-range experience, managing to deliver a surprisingly premium feel at a lower price point.

As excitement builds for the next generation, it’s important to note that due to the superstition surrounding the number 4 in China, OnePlus is skipping straight to 15. Here’s what we know so far.

Release Date for OnePlus 15

As with past releases, the OnePlus 15 series is slated to debut in China before making its way to global markets shortly after. Rumor has it that renowned leaker Digital Chat Station indicated an October 2024 launch in China. Following the revelation of its new chipset, which was confirmed by OnePlus in late September, the company teased further details would be shared soon.

For the UK and US markets, the only established timeline refers to ‘Q1 26’ for the global launch, meaning it could arrive anywhere from January to March of 2026.

Notably, there were reports of a launch date being set as 13 November, which was quickly removed. Whether that date holds water remains uncertain.

In a twist, OnePlus flagships typically launch in both the UK and the US markets, and we anticipate the same distribution for the 15 series.

Pricing for OnePlus 15

Although there’s no solid information regarding the pricing of the OnePlus 15 at this moment, we can glean insights from the current lineup:

• OnePlus 13, 256GB storage – £899/$899
• OnePlus 13, 512GB storage – £999/$999
• OnePlus 13R, 256GB storage – £679/$599.99

Unless there are significant changes to the lineup, pricing is likely to remain consistent, suggesting these will be premium smartphones.

Specifications and Features of the OnePlus 15

Months ahead of the anticipated UK and US release, various key specifications and features for the OnePlus 15 series have already leaked, particularly in light of the sooner Chinese launch.

Set to be one of the first smartphones featuring Qualcomm’s latest chipset, the OnePlus 15 is anticipated to outperform its predecessors.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

While leaks suggest a slightly smaller display than the OnePlus 13, dropping to 6.8 inches with a flat design, the display is confirmed to have a blistering 165Hz refresh rate, setting a new standard in mobile devices.

The new design may also see a complete overhaul of the back layout, moving away from the prominent circular camera module to a more compact square design in the upper left corner, as indicated in the initial leaked images.

Weibo

The anticipated color options include Absolute Black, Mist Purple, and Dune—with the latter boasting a titanium frame, resulting in a lighter overall weight.

Moreover, while the main, ultra-wide, and selfie cameras are likely to remain similar at 50Mp, the telephoto camera has been rumored to transition to a periscope configuration, potentially enhancing zoom capabilities. Importantly, OnePlus has replaced its long-standing partnership with Hasselblad for camera development with a new in-house system dubbed the ‘DetailMax Engine’, promising improved image performance.

Battery life optimization is always crucial, and the OnePlus 15 aims to improve upon the impressive 6000mAh battery of its predecessor, with potential support for charging speeds up to 120W.

Also stirring excitement is the forthcoming OnePlus 15R:

• Expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
• Will showcase a flat OLED 1.5K display with a 165Hz refresh rate
• Triple rear camera configuration (including main, ultra-wide, and telephoto—details on upgrades unclear)
• Potential battery of 7000mAh or more
• Possibly outfitted with an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor
• IP68/IP69 rating likely (unconfirmed)
• Possibility of a metal chassis

Transitioning to the previous generation’s Qualcomm flagship SoC assures top-notch performance, along with rumors indicating an increase in battery capacity to a whopping 7000mAh for extended use.

Moreover, upgrading to a 165Hz refresh rate and switching from an optical to an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner are appealing enhancements.

Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd

As for camera upgrades, there remains ambiguity surrounding both models, particularly due to the end of the Hasselblad collaboration, which has been a hallmark for OnePlus’ flagship range since the OnePlus 9 in 2021. The impact on overall camera quality remains uncertain.

OnePlus has touted the capabilities of the new DetailMax Engine, asserting it will deliver unparalleled depth and realism, with promises of the ‘clearest and most lifelike photos from a smartphone’.

Though unconfirmed, it’s likely that the OnePlus 15 series will launch with the OxygenOS 16 interface, based on Android 16. How the company will follow through on its previous commitments of four years of OS updates and six years of security updates remains to be seen.

Sources: Innogyan | Yogesh Brar via X | Digital Chat Station via Weibo | (2) | Debayan Roy via X | Even if the west wind blows via Weibo | Li Jie via Weibo | Xpertpick

This concludes our coverage on the OnePlus 15 series for now, but stay tuned for further updates as we approach its launch later this year.

In the meantime, check out our top selections for the best smartphones and best mid-range devices available for purchase.