The OnePlus 15 presents a fascinating paradox in the premium smartphone arena. It arrives as a device packed with undeniable brilliance in performance and battery life, yet it makes some puzzling choices that distance it from the brand's established identity. After several weeks of testing, it's clear this phone is a marked improvement over its predecessor, the OnePlus 13, but it feels less uniquely 'OnePlus' than any flagship before it.
A Radically New Look and Feel
One of the most immediate changes is the complete overhaul of its design language. Gone is the familiar circular camera module and the textured rear panel that had become a signature for OnePlus. In its place, the OnePlus 15 embraces a flatter, more minimalist aesthetic that draws clear inspiration from recent iPhones. While this results in a cleaner, classier look—especially in the deep, anti-reflective Infinite Black finish—it also comes across as generic, lacking the distinctive flair of earlier models.
The phone is available in Ultra Violet and a more durable Sand Storm variant. Regardless of color, the build quality is excellent, and it boasts robust IP ratings for dust and water protection. Notably, it includes an all-new IP69K rating, safeguarding it against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The flat sides, however, make it slightly less comfortable to hold than the curved OnePlus 13, and the 215-gram device can be slippery. A significant change for fans is the removal of the iconic alert slider, replaced by a customizable 'Plus Key' for triggering AI features or switching notification modes.
Performance and Display: Built for Speed and Gaming
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is an uncompromising powerhouse. It is powered by the top-shelf Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. This combination ensures buttery-smooth performance across every task, from social media and streaming to heavy multitasking, fully living up to the brand's 'fast and smooth' mantra.
The display courted some controversy with its specifications. OnePlus has prioritized a high refresh rate over resolution, ostensibly for gamers. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen features a 165Hz refresh rate for supported games like Call of Duty Mobile, but the resolution has been downgraded to Full HD+ from the QHD+ seen on predecessors for years. In practice, the screen remains crisp and vibrant, with a 1800 nits high brightness mode that is sufficient for most conditions, though it lacks an anti-glare layer.
For gamers, the experience is enhanced by intelligent load distribution and a dedicated touch response chip, which keeps frame rates high and input lag imperceptible. The phone only warms up slightly after prolonged, intense gaming sessions.
Camera Capabilities and Stellar Battery Life
The camera system represents a point of transition for OnePlus. The rear houses a trio of 50-megapixel sensors (primary, ultrawide, and a 3.5x telephoto), but these are technically sensor downgrades on paper. Furthermore, the Hasselblad partnership has ended, with OnePlus now relying on its own homegrown 'DetailMax' engine for image processing.
The results are a mixed bag. In good light, the OnePlus 15 captures respectable, often pleasing photos. It can even manage the occasional winner in low-light scenarios. However, it struggles with inconsistencies, including color shifts between lenses and exposure challenges in dimly lit conditions. While it works well for casual 'point-shoot-and-share' moments, it is currently outclassed by camera-centric rivals from Vivo and Oppo.
Where the OnePlus 15 truly excels is in its battery endurance. It packs a high-density 7300mAh battery that is nothing short of exceptional. With moderate to normal use, it easily lasts a full two days. For power users relying heavily on mobile data, maps, and video streaming, it consistently delivered well over a day of use. When it's time to recharge, the 120W fast charging (up from 100W) can top up the massive battery in about an hour with the included charger.
Verdict: A Solid, If Less Distinct, Flagship
The OnePlus 15 is a conundrum. It is a solid, dependable Android flagship that shines in core areas: raw performance, gaming prowess, and class-leading battery life. However, its move towards a more generic design and a camera system that's still finding its feet makes it feel less distinctive than its ancestors.
Priced at ₹72,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant and ₹79,999 for the 16GB/512GB model, it is more expensive than the OnePlus 13 but remains more affordable than a Pixel, an iPhone, or the anticipated Galaxy S26 series. The final judgment hinges on your priorities. If you are a gamer or a power user who values speed and phenomenal endurance above all else, the OnePlus 15 is a workhorse that will not disappoint. For the casual photographer who doesn't pixel-peep, it is more than capable. However, those who cherish unique design and top-tier camera consistency might find its compromises give them pause.
