Introduction
The OnePlus 15 is here, and it’s making serious waves in the smartphone world. OnePlus has officially launched this flagship powerhouse in India on November 13, 2025, and it’s already turning heads as potentially the best value-for-money flagship of the year. This isn’t just another phone release—it’s the first smartphone in India to feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a chip that promises desktop-level performance right in your pocket.
So, what makes the OnePlus 15 so special? Let’s find out if it’s worth your money. With a massive 7,300mAh battery, an incredible 165Hz AMOLED display, and a refined triple camera system, this phone targets power users, mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who refuses to compromise on performance. Whether you’re a heavy gamer, a multitasking professional, or simply someone who wants the latest flagship technology without breaking the bank, this OnePlus 15 review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Design & Build Quality
OnePlus has dialed back the flashiness this time around, favoring elegance and practicality instead. The OnePlus 15 sports a refined design that feels premium without trying too hard. The phone measures 161.4 x 76.7 x 8.1mm and weighs either 211g or 215g depending on the variant, making it feel solid yet comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The body features a metal frame paired with a glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) and a choice of glass or fiber-reinforced plastic back. The standout feature here is the redesigned square-ish camera module—gone is the circular camera island of previous models, replaced with a more traditional rectangular design that houses the triple camera setup beautifully. The metal bump is subtle, with only a slight step up, keeping the overall surface nearly flat and giving the phone a sleek, balanced appearance.
You’ll find the phone available in three stunning color options: Infinite Black, Ultra Violet, and Sand Storm. The flat edges and slim bezels (just 1.15mm on all sides) give it a contemporary look that feels modern and sophisticated. The power button and volume rocker are intuitively placed, while the action button lets you customize quick-access functions for apps, camera, and voice notes—a feature that separates this from competing flagships.
Display
This is where the OnePlus 15 truly shines. The phone features a massive 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (1272 x 2772 pixels) and an exceptional 165Hz refresh rate—the industry’s first at this refresh rate level. While not a full 2K panel, OnePlus prioritized a smoother, more practical refresh rate while maintaining excellent sharpness at around 450ppi pixel density.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and achieves impressive brightness levels with up to 1,800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). When you’re indoors or in low-light conditions, the display can drop as low as 1 nit for comfortable nighttime viewing—a feature that’s genuinely thoughtful for reducing eye strain.
Colors are rendered accurately across the full 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, supported by HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HDR Vivid standards. This means streaming movies, playing games, or editing photos becomes an absolute visual treat. The screen includes TUV Rheinland Intelligent Eye Care 5.0 certification, along with Eye Comfort Mode and Eye Comfort Reminder features that automatically adjust color saturation to reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching Netflix, the 165Hz refresh rate makes everything feel buttery smooth.
Hardware & Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor built on a cutting-edge 3nm process. This is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.
But here’s the secret sauce: OnePlus has implemented a triple-chip architecture specifically designed for this phone. Alongside the main processor, there’s a dedicated touch response enhancement chip and a standalone Wi-Fi chip for improved network stability. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it genuinely makes a difference in real-world usage.
For performance, the OnePlus 15 absolutely dominates. In gaming benchmarks, the Adreno 840 GPU delivers consistent framerates even under demanding conditions. We tested it with games like Genshin Impact at maximum graphics settings, and the experience is jaw-dropping. The phone maintains frame rates that rival gaming-focused devices while keeping thermals in check thanks to the 360-degree Cryo-Velocity Cooling System. This advanced thermal management features a massive 5,731mm² 3D vapor chamber, an aerogel insulation layer, and a white graphite back panel for even heat distribution.
Real-world gaming performance is stellar—PUBG Mobile runs at 144fps and soon will support 165fps, while games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Brawl Stars, and Clash of Clans have native 165fps support. Delta Force running at 165Hz feels genuinely surreal. That extra 45 frames per second compared to traditional 120Hz phones means faster opponent reaction times and sharper competitive edge. For multitasking and everyday use, the performance is practically overkill in the best way possible.
Camera Features
OnePlus has ended its long-standing partnership with Hasselblad, introducing its proprietary DetailMax imaging engine instead. Don’t let that concern you—the camera system is genuinely impressive and possibly OnePlus’s best ever.
The setup consists of three 50MP cameras on the rear. The primary sensor is Sony’s IMX906 with a 1/1.56-inch size, f/1.8 aperture, 24mm focal length, and advanced multi-directional PDAF with optical image stabilization (OIS). The ultra-wide lens features a 116-degree field of view with PDAF, while the periscope telephoto offers 3.5x optical zoom at 85mm focal length with PDAF and OIS. The 32MP front camera handles selfies with excellent detail and natural-looking skin tones.
Photo quality is consistently excellent. In daylight, the primary camera captures stunning detail with accurate color reproduction. The DetailMax engine delivers images that look natural without aggressive processing or oversaturation. Zoom photos at 7x still show crisp details—leaves maintain texture, buildings retain sharpness, and skies display beautiful gradations. Even at 20x digital zoom, the telephoto lens maintains clarity without turning into a pixelated mess.
Night mode performance is where this camera truly separates itself from competitors. Low-light shots show superior highlight control and detail retention. The phone captures more brightness and detail than rivals while maintaining natural contrast. The Night Mode leverages AI detection to intelligently enhance specific elements, whether that’s preserving starlight or bringing out subtle details in shadowy areas.
Video recording is professional-grade, supporting 8K at 30fps, 4K at up to 120fps (with Dolby Vision and Auto HDR support), and 1080p at up to 240fps. The Pro Video mode includes histogram support for manual exposure control, focus peaking with color marking, and the updated Shadowless Capture 3.0 system that freezes perfect moments instantly. Whether you’re a content creator or casual recorder, the stabilization via gyro-EIS is rock-solid even in challenging environments.
Software & UI Experience
The OnePlus 15 runs Android 16 with OxygenOS 16, a collaboration between OnePlus and Oppo. The UI is clean, fast, and thoughtfully designed with meaningful AI features woven throughout. The ColorOS 16 interface is smooth and responsive, and you get the new AI one-click tools that can edit photos intelligently and summarize text.
One concern some users had with the transition from standalone OxygenOS to this hybrid version was potential bloatware, but OnePlus has kept pre-installed apps minimal and unnecessary software stripped. The system feels uncluttered and quick to navigate. You get regular security patches and timely software updates, though you should know this comes with the caveat that OnePlus supports updates for typically 3-4 years (compared to Samsung’s 7 years on flagship S series phones).
The overall UI smoothness is exceptional. Animations feel natural and quick, app launches are snappy, and multitasking with 16GB RAM means zero stuttering even with dozens of apps running simultaneously. The fingerprint sensor under the display is responsive and reliable, and face unlock works quickly though the fingerprint option is generally faster.
Battery & Charging
The 7,300mAh Silicon NanoStack battery is genuinely enormous and one of the largest in its class. This battery is engineered to retain over 80% of its capacity even after four years of daily use—a remarkable feat in battery longevity. It also continues functioning in temperatures as low as -20°C, making it suitable for extreme conditions.
Real-world battery life is impressive. With typical mixed usage (browsing, social media, some gaming), you’ll easily push 1.5 to 2 days between charges. Heavy users might see a full day of battery with aggressive usage, which is solid considering the 165Hz refresh rate. The larger battery capacity directly addresses criticisms of the OnePlus 13, which was criticized for only 6-7 hours of screen-on time. The OnePlus 15 flips this narrative completely.
Charging speed is absolutely blistering—120W wired charging through SUPERVOOC and 50W wireless charging (AIRVOOC). OnePlus claims you can achieve 50% charge in just 15 minutes and full charge in 40 minutes with wired charging. The charger comes included in the box, which is refreshing compared to competitors who’ve removed it entirely. Interestingly, OnePlus also supports 10W reverse wireless charging and 5W reverse wired charging, letting you use your phone to charge other devices—a neat addition.
Connectivity & Network
The OnePlus 15 supports comprehensive 5G connectivity with SA/NSA Sub-6 bands for international versions and an extensive list of bands for Chinese variants. For 4G/LTE, you get support for bands 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, and 66. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 support ensure blazing-fast local network speeds, while Bluetooth 6.0 with aptX HD and aptX Adaptive support provides excellent audio quality for wireless earbuds and headphones.
Positioning options include GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, and NavIC (Indian satellite navigation system), ensuring accurate location tracking globally. NFC is included for contactless payments and data transfer, and there’s an infrared port for controlling compatible devices. The phone uses a USB Type-C 3.2 OTG connection for data transfer and charging.
The dual SIM setup supports either two Nano-SIM cards or a Nano-SIM plus eSIM combination (maximum 2 active at a time). Unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot for storage expansion, so choose your storage variant wisely upfront.
Extra Features
The OnePlus 15 comes equipped with an array of useful extra features. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display is fast, accurate, and more reliable than optical alternatives. Face unlock works quickly, though it requires your eyes to be open for added security (you can disable this if preferred).
The dual stereo speakers deliver surprisingly loud audio with clear mids and decent bass, perfect for gaming, watching videos, and listening to music without external speakers. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack (becoming increasingly rare), so you’re tied to Bluetooth or USB-C adapters if you use wired headphones. The phone supports 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio for those with quality headphones.
Durability is exceptional with multiple IP ratings—IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications mean protection against dust, full immersion in water, and high-pressure water jets. You can safely submerge it up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. The haptics feel premium thanks to the precision vibration motor, adding tactile feedback to gaming and notifications. The custom UAV-grade gyroscope translates motion into precise in-game movements for gaming-focused titles.
Price & Availability
The OnePlus 15 is priced competitively in India with the following variants:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Rs 72,999
- 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage: Rs 76,999
While unofficial pricing has been mentioned, the official prices are expected to fall around these figures. The phone officially launched on November 13, 2025, at 7 PM and is available through multiple channels including Amazon, Flipkart, the official OnePlus store, and offline retail partners across major Indian cities.
Launch offers and discounts are typical with OnePlus releases. You may find special deals through ICICI Bank, Flipkart Plus memberships, or trade-in offers for older devices. Some retailers are bundling OnePlus Nord earbuds (worth approximately Rs 2,699) with the purchase, adding excellent value to the overall package.
Competition & Comparison
The OnePlus 15 faces stiff competition from similarly-priced flagships in the Indian market. The iQOO 15 with a 12GB variant starting at Rs 59,999 offers better value initially, featuring a 2K 144Hz display and powerful gaming-centric features like RGB lighting around the camera and 4D haptics. However, the iQOO 15’s camera system is noticeably weaker, and it lacks OnePlus 15’s superior 165Hz display and faster charging.
The Oppo Find X9 Pro takes a different approach with a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor instead of Snapdragon 8 Elite. While it offers exceptional camera features through Oppo’s partnerships, it typically costs more and isn’t yet officially available in India in large quantities.
Compared to these rivals, the OnePlus 15’s strengths are its industry-leading 165Hz display, faster 120W charging (versus competitors’ 100W), excellent all-around camera system with the new LUMO technology, and superior software optimization. The weaknesses include the lack of Hasselblad partnership (though DetailMax is genuinely excellent), no microSD card expansion, and marginally higher starting price than the iQOO 15.
For pure everyday usage and content creation, the OnePlus 15 stands out. For hardcore gaming enthusiasts with a tighter budget, the iQOO 15 offers strong competition.
User Reviews & Feedback
Early user reactions to the OnePlus 15 have been overwhelmingly positive. Tech reviewers consistently praise the 165Hz display as a genuine game-changer that feels noticeably smoother than traditional 120Hz screens. Gaming enthusiasts highlight how the extra 45 frames per second provide competitive advantages in fast-paced titles.
The battery life improvements compared to the OnePlus 13 have received particular praise—users appreciate the full-day (and often multi-day) endurance combined with lightning-fast charging. The camera system has been pleasantly surprising to reviewers who doubted the switch from Hasselblad to the DetailMax engine. Shots in daylight, low-light, and night modes consistently receive compliments for their natural rendering and lack of oversaturation.
Common concerns among users include the lack of microSD card expansion, the absence of Hasselblad branding (though performance doesn’t suffer), and a few reports of thermal throttling during extreme gaming sessions (though this is more theoretical than practical). Some users would have preferred a slightly bigger battery or even lower base pricing, but these are minor quibbles.
Conclusion
Is the OnePlus 15 worth your money? Absolutely, if you’re after a well-balanced flagship smartphone. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, stunning 165Hz AMOLED display, generous 7,300mAh battery with 120W charging, and excellent camera system makes this one of the most compelling flagship launches of 2025.
Best suited for:
- Gaming enthusiasts: The 165Hz display and powerful processor with advanced cooling make this a gaming powerhouse.
- Content creators: The triple 50MP camera system with 8K recording and Pro Video modes delivers professional results.
- Professionals and power users: Effortless multitasking with 16GB RAM and OxygenOS 16’s optimization ensures smooth daily performance.
- Battery-conscious users: The massive 7,300mAh battery and 120W charging provide true all-day confidence.
Final verdict: The OnePlus 15 is a refined flagship that nails the fundamentals. It’s not perfect (no storage expansion, price sits higher than some rivals), but it delivers genuine flagship performance without unnecessary gimmicks. If you’ve been waiting for a “flagship killer” that justifies its premium positioning, the OnePlus 15 is a strong investment for 2025.
FAQs (Quick & Practical)
Q1: Does the OnePlus 15 support 5G?
Yes, the OnePlus 15 fully supports 5G connectivity with both SA (Standalone) and NSA (Non-Standalone) modes across Sub-6 bands for international variants. It also maintains excellent 4G LTE support for all major Indian networks.
Q2: How long does the battery last on the OnePlus 15?
With mixed typical usage (browsing, social media, some gaming), you’ll comfortably get 1.5 to 2 days of battery life. Heavy gamers might see a full day with aggressive use. The massive 7,300mAh capacity is among the largest in its class.
Q3: Is the display AMOLED or LCD?
The display is LTPO AMOLED with a 6.78-inch size, 1.5K resolution, and exceptional 165Hz refresh rate. It’s not LCD and offers superior color accuracy and contrast.
Q4: How is the camera performance in low light?
Exceptional. The OnePlus 15’s night mode is a standout feature with superior highlight control, excellent detail retention, and natural color reproduction. The 50MP sensors with PDAF and OIS deliver stunning low-light shots that rival or exceed many competing flagships.
Q5: Does it come with a charger in the box?
Yes! OnePlus includes the 120W SUPERVOOC charger in the box, which is a refreshing change compared to competitors who’ve removed chargers entirely. You’ll get full charging capability right out of the box.