The OnePlus 15 is likely to be the last big flagship phone release of 2025 (if you’re living in the US, at least), but it’s better thought of as the first device in the inevitably long line of next-gen Android phones coming in 2026.
Where the OnePlus 13 lined up against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-equipped OnePlus 15 will go toe-to-toe with the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 line. But how, exactly, does OnePlus plan to compete against the best phones on the market next year?
To find out, TechRadar sat down with Celina Shi, CMO of OnePlus Europe, who exclusively detailed the OnePlus 15’s global launch date, new color options, and more of the features that make this year’s OnePlus flagship a “two-generational upgrade” over the OnePlus 13.
TechRadar: Firstly, on the name of the phone, we know that Chinese brands often skip the number “4” because it’s deemed unlucky in Chinese culture. Presumably, this is the reason for the move from the OnePlus 13 to the OnePlus 15 this year?
Celina Shi: It’s a good question, but in fact, that is not the reason. When you look at the OnePlus 15 as a whole, it isn’t just another upgrade – it’s a complete transformation, which means we have revamped the entire device, both inside and out. The OnePlus 15 represents a two-generational upgrade in power, intelligence, and design, which brings best-in-class performance to our ‘Fast & Smooth’ philosophy.
TR: What specific upgrades will justify that “two-generation” claim?
CS: On the hardware side, the OnePlus 15 is one of the very first smartphones in the world to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. For more than a decade, OnePlus and Qualcomm Technologies have moved in lock-step to redefine what a flagship can be. Paired with cutting-edge 10,667Mbps LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM in the 16GB variant, it takes the consistently smooth and responsive experience that defines the brand further than ever. With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at its core, OnePlus returns to its performance roots and carries that legacy forward with the OnePlus 15, delivering the speed, intelligence, and efficiency our community demands today and into the future.
On the inside, earlier this year, OnePlus announced its new AI strategy, which saw new AI features join its smartphones, but also the evolution of its iconic OnePlus ‘Alert Slider’ to become the new AI-driven ‘Plus Key’. The Plus key allows instant access to essential functions such as screenshots, flashlight, camera, voice recording, Do Not Disturb mode, and switching between ring, vibrate, or silent modes.
Supporting this, just this month, we announced OxygenOS 16, which represents our next, thoughtful evolution in smartphone intelligence, seamlessly blending advanced AI capabilities with the fast, smooth, and user-centric experience that defines OnePlus. Built around the philosophy of “Intelligently Yours,” and available on OnePlus 15 for the first time, this update empowers users to live more efficiently, express themselves more freely, ease their mental load, and stay secure – all while maintaining the fluidity and responsiveness that OxygenOS is known for.
To maximize the potential of Mind Space, we have also partnered with Google to deeply integrate Mind Space with Google Gemini. This powerful integration allows Gemini to access information you’ve saved to Mind Space and combine it with its advanced LLM (large language model) and real-time internet access, making it the industry’s first personalized AI with Gemini.
The OnePlus 15 also marks a new era in camera technology for OnePlus, as we are introducing our self-developed imaging engine – OnePlus DetailMaxEngine. This technology uses advanced algorithms and powerful processors to capture images that feel breathtakingly clear and truly real. The ultra-clear 26MP mode combines data from multi-frame 12MP shots with a single 50MP high-resolution frame, producing a final 26MP photo with improved clarity, especially in complex textures such as fur, foliage, and fabrics, all in a practical file size ideal for sharing.
The OnePlus 15 also marks a new era in camera technology for OnePlus, as we are introducing our self-developed imaging engine.
Celina Shi, OnePlus
For capturing fast-moving subjects, Clear Burst shoots at 10fps, a noticeable improvement over the 6fps on the OnePlus 13. It uses dual-exposure anti-blur technology, simultaneously capturing short and long exposures to freeze motion while preserving rich detail, so users never miss their moment.
In low-light environments, Clear Night Engine employs Dual Analog Gain technology to eliminate timing gaps between exposures. This results in brighter, cleaner, and more natural-looking night photos with reduced noise, making evening street scenes and nighttime portraits appear brighter and more natural.
In terms of design, the OnePlus 15 continues the brand’s commitment to sophisticated design and material innovation, where simplicity leads, distraction fades, and everything feels intuitive. The OnePlus 15 will be available in three distinctive color finishes. These are Sand Storm, Infinite Black, and Ultra Violet.
TR: On the topic of design, the OnePlus 15 looks quite different from the OnePlus 13. You’ve switched to a boxier aesthetic, with a square camera module instead of OnePlus’ iconic circular module. Why these changes this year?
CS: When we took on the two-generational upgrade [commitment], we wanted to make a statement. We wanted people to not only know that there are better specs and an improved product experience, but that the device [itself] is different. It therefore needed to look different, which is why we’ve overhauled the design with an ID revamp and a symmetrical camera module. OnePlus 15 continues the brand’s commitment to sophisticated design and material innovation.
While I can’t give you more information just yet on some of the design choices we’ve made, I can give more context to color, which is a really important component of a smartphone and hugely impacts consumer decision-making.
When we look at color palettes for our devices, we rely on both feedback from our community and expectations from our target audience. I can reveal to you that the OnePlus 15 will be offered in three distinctive color finishes:
Infinite Black features a premium frosted glass back, delivering a deep, subtle matte finish that resists fingerprints while maintaining an elegant appearance. It is our classic, universally popular device that’s timeless. It’s aimed at users who are drawn to simplicity and sleek design, which blend perfectly between work and leisure.
Sand Storm combines a lightweight fiberglass composite back panel with a micro-arc oxidized (MAO) metal frame. This advanced ceramic-grade coating is 1.3x harder than titanium mid-frame, offering enhanced durability without compromising on style. It is our minimalist, sophisticated color aimed at users who prefer an understated look. It has earthy tones and exuberates subtlety and elegance.
Ultra Violet showcases a dynamic dual-layer optical coating that responds to light with a mesmerizing violet-to-sapphire shift, creating a vibrant and modern aesthetic. It is aimed at creatives who have a punchy style and want a device that meets their aesthetics. Ultra Violet is bold and has been intentionally designed to stand out.
TR: Going back to your decision to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, you mentioned that the OnePlus 15 will mark a “return to OnePlus’ performance-first roots.” OnePlus flagships have almost always used the latest Qualcomm silicon, so what’s particularly special about the performance of the OnePlus 15 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
CS: Since its inception, OnePlus has had a core focus on delivering ‘Fast & Smooth’ performance, an integral part of our DNA, and with the OnePlus 15, our commitment to performance is even stronger.
At the heart of the OnePlus 15’s performance is the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform, making it one of the first smartphones in the world to be powered by this next-generation processor. Paired with cutting-edge 10,667Mbps LPDDR5X Ultra+ RAM in the 16GB variant, it takes the consistently smooth and responsive experience that defines the brand further than ever.
The OnePlus 15 needed to look different, which is why we’ve overhauled the design with an ID revamp and a symmetrical camera module.
Celina Shi, OnePlus
This hardware foundation also powers OxygenOS 16, which introduces AI-driven experiences for smoother interaction, intelligent language tools, a deeper integration with Google’s personal AI assistant Gemini, and enhanced imaging support. With Google Gemini, you can connect with Mind Space to pull information and take action on information you previously saved. In addition, Plus Mind unlocks a personalized, context-aware second brain.
In general, OnePlus aims to deliver high performance and a premium user experience through the use of high-end hardware and software optimization. This has certainly been delivered with the OnePlus 15 by using the best-in-class Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, coupled with our newly launched OxygenOS 16. We will share further details [about performance] soon.
TR: We’ve seen that the Chinese version of the OnePlus 15 comes with a 165Hz display. Will this same screen come to the global version of the phone, and if so, is OnePlus working with mobile game developers to produce titles that can make use of that increased refresh rate?
CS: You’ll have to wait until our launch to find out details about the specs of our screen, but I can say that refresh rates and screen quality are a core component of our ‘Fast and Smooth’ philosophy.
It’s true that we work with mobile game developers, as co-creation allows for the best device experience. That’s all I can say for now – tune in at launch to find out more!
TR: And finally, can you share any details about the OnePlus 15’s global launch date?
CS: I can exclusively reveal to you that the OnePlus 15 will launch on November 13!
So there you have it, folks – the OnePlus 15 will launch in the US, UK, and Europe on November 13, in a choice of three colors: Sand Storm, Infinite Black, and Ultra Violet. It’ll ship with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, as well as OnePlus’ first “self-developed imaging engine”, the OnePlus DetailMaxEngine.
We’ll be covering the global launch of the OnePlus 15 next week, so stay tuned to TechRadar for the latest announcements as they happen, as well as our full review of the device.
Which of these newly announced OnePlus 15 upgrades excites you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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axel.metz@futurenet.com (Axel Metz)
