Last week, a Mumbai retailer told me that customers have already started asking if they should wait for the OnePlus 15 or buy something from Samsung’s S25 lineup instead. That curiosity says a lot about how much attention this phone is getting before its launch. The official reveal is set for China in October 2025, and global markets like India are expected to follow early next year.
Leaks, certification documents, and early hands-on images shared by reliable tipsters suggest that OnePlus is preparing one of its biggest upgrades in years. The focus this time isn’t just speed. It’s durability, long battery life, and a new camera identity that moves the brand beyond its previous Hasselblad partnership.
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of what’s shaping up so far.
Quick Fact Box: OnePlus 15 (Expected)
• China launch: October 2025
• Global + India launch: January 2026 (expected)
• Battery: 7,000mAh
• Charging: 120W fast charger included
• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (expected)
• Display: 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED, 165Hz
• Camera: Triple 50MP setup + new DetailMax Engine
• Price in India: Around ₹70,000
• Design: Micro-arc oxidation aluminium frame
Launch Timeline: What We Know So Far
OnePlus has confirmed that its next flagship will debut in China this October. This matches the company’s usual strategy of launching in its home market first. Based on previous cycles, the global rollout, including India, is likely to begin by January 2026. Distributors have already hinted at early shipment estimates aligning with this window.
Design and Build: A Stronger Frame and a New Language
If there’s one feature that stands out this year, it’s durability. OnePlus is introducing a micro-arc oxidation process on the aluminium frame. The high-voltage plasma treatment creates a ceramic-like outer layer that feels smooth but resists scratches far better than regular aluminium. Early lab data shared by insiders suggests it may even outperform certain titanium alloys used in current flagships.
The rear camera island has also been redesigned. The circular ring from the OnePlus 13 has been replaced by a cleaner rectangular module that blends into a fiberglass composite panel. It looks more mature, and more importantly, cuts a few grams while keeping the device sturdy.
Another noticeable change is the new Plus Key—a customizable button on the side that can trigger the camera, open an app, or switch profiles. It feels like OnePlus’ answer to the Action Button trend, but with more flexibility.
Display Upgrades: Brighter, Faster, Smoother
The OnePlus 15 will feature a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with an adaptive 165Hz refresh rate. This helps the phone shift from 1Hz to 165Hz depending on the content, which reduces battery drain during reading and ramps up during gaming.
Slim 1.15mm bezels offer an almost edge-to-edge look, and peak brightness could hit 3,000 nits. If accurate, this would put the OnePlus 15 in the same league as Samsung’s top displays.
Camera System: OnePlus Breaks From Hasselblad
This is the most talked-about shift. According to leaked photos shared by IceUniverse, the OnePlus 15 will no longer carry Hasselblad branding. Instead, OnePlus is rolling out its own camera platform called the DetailMax Engine.
The setup itself includes three 50-megapixel lenses: a main sensor, a telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide shooter. What’s more interesting is how OnePlus plans to tune color and dynamic range. The brand has reportedly focused on natural tones and sharper micro-contrast, something many users complained about in the Hasselblad era.
My analysis:
If OnePlus can push consistent color accuracy across all three lenses, it could finally avoid the common problem where the main camera looks great but the ultra-wide feels like a different phone. This move also gives OnePlus more control over how the camera works with OxygenOS.Battery and Charging: A Massive Upgrade
The 7,000mAh battery is the main headline this year. For context, most premium phones stay between 4,700mAh and 5,200mAh. If OnePlus hits this number, we’re looking at two full days of real-world use.
The company is also keeping its fast-charging advantage with 120W SuperVOOC, and the charger will be in the box. With Samsung and Apple moving away from bundled chargers, this instantly sets OnePlus apart in user value.
My takeaway:
If the thermal management holds up, this could be the longest-lasting mainstream flagship of 2025.
Performance and Software: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 + OxygenOS 15
The expected Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage should deliver strong performance. OnePlus is likely to include a vapor cooling system similar to the OnePlus 13 Pro, but tuned for gaming sessions where high refresh rates are used.
On the software side, OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15 should offer a clean, responsive UI. A source familiar with internal testing mentioned smoother multitasking and improved RAM efficiency thanks to new background process controls.
Connectivity: Ready for 2026 Networks
The OnePlus 15 will likely support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and broader 5G band compatibility. AI-based network switching is also expected, which helps the phone choose between Wi-Fi and mobile data more intelligently in weak zones.
Expected Price in India: Competitive for the Specs
Financial Express reports place the OnePlus 15 around ₹70,000 in India. That keeps it competitive against the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Apple iPhone 16 series. Given the battery and build upgrades, holding the price steady would be a strategic win for OnePlus.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Compared with the Samsung S25, the OnePlus 15 may offer a larger battery and faster charging. Against the iPhone 16, it may appeal to buyers who want more screen refresh rate control and customization.
What remains to be seen is camera performance. Samsung and Apple still hold a strong edge in computational photography, so the success of the new DetailMax Engine will matter a lot.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’re using a OnePlus 10, 11 or 12, the jump to the OnePlus 15 will feel significant because of the battery, display, and new design. For OnePlus 13 buyers, the upgrade will depend heavily on how the DetailMax Engine performs in real use.
The larger battery alone may be a deciding factor for heavy users.
In the End
The OnePlus 15 isn’t aiming to be a small yearly refresh. It’s shaping up to be a major redesign focused on durability, long life, and a new camera direction. With a massive 7,000mAh battery, a tougher micro-arc frame, and a fresh imaging engine, it could become one of the most practical flagships of 2025.
If the early leaks prove accurate, OnePlus may finally deliver a device that balances raw power with everyday reliability.
FAQs
When will it launch globally?
Expected January 2026.What is the expected India price?
Around ₹70,000.Will the charger be included?
Yes, a 120W charger is expected in the box.What is new in the camera?
A triple 50MP system powered by the new DetailMax Engine.How long will the battery last?
Two days of normal use, based on early estimates.Sources
• OnePlus newsroom
• TechRadar early leak coverage
• Industry tipsters and certification listings
About the Author
Michael B Norris is an independent tech journalist covering smartphone launches and consumer tech trends since 2021. He focuses on providing accurate, in-depth, and unbiased reviews to help readers make informed decisions.
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