OnePlus 15 Review: The Ultimate Smartphone Experience in 2025

The OnePlus 15 has arrived, and tech enthusiasts are eager to see how it stacks up against the competition. Packed with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a massive 7,300 mAh battery, and a high-refresh-rate 6.78-inch OLED display, the new flagship aims to redefine what users expect from a modern smartphone.

OnePlus 15 Review: The Ultimate Smartphone Experience in 2025

Design and Build Quality

OnePlus has shifted its design language with the OnePlus 15, making it resemble high-end phones from Samsung, Apple, and Google. Despite housing a larger battery, the phone remains lightweight at 211g. Its durable construction includes IP69K water and dust resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection.

The Sand Storm edition features a unique micro-arc oxidation (MAO) finish for added durability and a premium tactile feel. The phone also introduces a configurable Plus Key, replacing the traditional alert slider.

Display Performance

The 6.78-inch OLED screen of the OnePlus 15 offers a resolution of 1272×2772 pixels with a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 165Hz. This ensures smooth performance whether scrolling through apps or gaming. With a high-brightness mode reaching 1,800 nits, the display remains readable even under direct sunlight, rivaling other flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, the OnePlus 15 is a performance powerhouse. With up to 16GB of RAM, apps launch instantly, and multitasking is seamless. However, the device may heat up under extended gaming sessions due to high processing demands.

The phone runs on OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16, providing a feature-rich experience. While AI-powered features like Plus Mind assist in organizing screenshots and voice notes, much of the processing occurs in the cloud. Users can disable these features to maintain privacy and reduce latency.

OnePlus 15 Review: The Ultimate Smartphone Experience in 2025

Battery Life and Charging

The standout feature of the OnePlus 15 is its enormous 7,300 mAh battery. Most flagship phones feature around 5,000 mAh batteries, but the OnePlus 15 easily lasts two to three days on a single charge. The device supports fast charging at 80W with the included adapter, and 100W via official chargers, replenishing the battery in just over 30 minutes. Wireless charging is available at 50W, offering convenience for modern users.

Camera Capabilities

OnePlus has moved away from its partnership with Hasselblad, introducing the DetailMax imaging engine. The phone sports a triple 50MP rear camera setup (wide, ultrawide, and telephoto) and a 32MP front-facing camera. While outdoor photos in bright conditions are sharp and vibrant, indoor and low-light shots sometimes suffer from inconsistent color balance and oversharpening.

For enthusiasts looking for professional-grade photography, the OnePlus 15 may fall short compared to Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy cameras. Nevertheless, the ultrawide lens is great for landscapes and macro shots, providing versatility for everyday use.

AI Features and User Experience

AI integration is a growing trend, and OnePlus has embraced it with Plus Mind. Users can store voice notes and screenshots that become searchable through AI processing. While promising, the reliance on the cloud means some features require a constant internet connection. The phone also introduces Dynamic Island-style notifications and a categorized app drawer, though they can feel cluttered and unintuitive.

Despite these quirks, the OxygenOS 16 interface remains smooth, with regular updates ensuring four years of OS support and six years of security patches. For comparison, market leaders like Google and Samsung offer seven years of full support.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Incredible battery life, fast charging, excellent display, durable design, blazing-fast performance.
• Cons: Cloud-dependent AI, cameras slightly worse than OnePlus 13, OxygenOS interface can be cluttered, removal of the alert slider, device heats up under heavy use.

Should You Upgrade?

If you already own a OnePlus 13, upgrading may not be necessary. The OnePlus 13 still offers excellent performance and camera quality. However, for users seeking the latest Snapdragon processor, ultra-long battery life, and cutting-edge AI features, the OnePlus 15 is an attractive option.

Conclusion

The OnePlus 15 delivers on core strengths: speed, battery, and design. While it is not a massive leap from previous models, its combination of a huge battery, fast charging, and a smooth high-refresh-rate display makes it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. Users must weigh the trade-offs in camera performance and software complexity against these advantages.

For more in-depth tech reviews, visit TechVersNet for expert insights and news.

Read the original OnePlus 15 review on Ars Technica for full details.