OnePlus 15 review

Reasons to Buy (Quick Take)

• The OnePlus 15 features new, premium rectangular design with MAO coating
• 1.5K ProXDR display with 165Hz refresh rate
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with excellent performance
• Improved triple 50MP camera system
• Huge 7300mAh battery with fast charging
• Refined OxygenOS 16 with practical AI tools

OnePlus is back with the OnePlus 15, starting at ₹72,999, and the timing could not be better. The phone arrives when many users search for reliable upgrades that balance power, battery life, and everyday ease. The OnePlus 15 follows the design shift that began with the OnePlus 13 but pushes the idea forward with a cleaner and more mature look. It also brings a faster processor, a brighter screen, and a bigger battery. These upgrades make the phone a serious contender in the flagship race. Yet, users still want to know if the device offers enough real-world value, especially with rising smartphone prices. So, we spent time with the OnePlus 15 to see if it can justify its tag and serve as a long-term upgrade. The result is a balanced story of strengths and a few areas that still need attention.

Design

The OnePlus 15 carries a new rectangular camera design that feels sharper and more modern than the older circular frame. The layout gives the phone a balanced look, and the rear panel now holds a centered OnePlus logo. This adds a sense of symmetry missing in earlier models.

The Micro-Arc Oxidation coating on the mid-frame gives a ceramic-like feel and improves durability. The phone feels smooth, and the coating handles scratches better than most metal frames. The slimmer form and 215g weight help with one-hand use. The curves follow the golden ratio, which makes the grip comfortable even during long sessions.

Although the iconic Alert Slider is gone, the new Essential Key offers more control. It can trigger apps or actions with a long press, which adds functional value.

The phone also boasts IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. This level of protection is rare. It handles dust, splashes, and even high-temperature water pressure. While these are impressive on paper, most users may never test these extremes. Yet, it is reassuring to have that level of durability.

Display

The 1.5K ProXDR panel on the OnePlus 15 is one of its strongest selling points. The 165Hz refresh rate makes scrolling look fast and fluid. The 6.78-inch screen reaches up to 1800 nits outdoors. It remains readable even under mid-day sunlight.

Gamers will enjoy the 3200Hz touch response rate. It reacts quickly, and it improves response time in fast shooters. The screen also supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making movies and videos look sharp.

Compared to the Pixel 10’s Actua OLED, the OnePlus 15 feels more responsive. Colors appear slightly more vivid, which helps in games and HDR content. Google still leads in color accuracy, yet OnePlus offers a more dynamic visual experience overall.

Software Gets Smarter With OxygenOS 16

OxygenOS continues to focus on speed, but the OnePlus 15 brings more intelligence to the experience. The Plus Mind feature stores anything users find useful. A simple gesture saves screenshots, text, or notes into Mind Space. Gemini AI then adds context by reading what users saved and linking it with relevant information.

This approach feels more controlled compared to Google’s deeper AI integration. OnePlus keeps much of its processing on-device, which improves privacy and speeds up results.

Features like AI Recorder, Predictive Back Gesture, and Dual App Control help with everyday tasks. The software feels smooth and stable, though some menus still feel slightly cluttered.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 runs fast, and the OnePlus CPU Scheduler ensures consistent performance. Multitasking feels effortless, and apps launch without delay. Even with several heavy apps running, the phone stays responsive.

The benchmark results reflect the raw power. The OnePlus 15 handles editing, browsing, and gaming with ease. Games like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run at high settings without drops. The improved Cryo-Velocity Cooling System also helps maintain temperature during long gaming sessions.

However, the phone warms up slightly during 4K video recording and extended camera use. It is not uncomfortable, but it’s noticeable.

A Camera System With More Clarity

The triple 50MP camera setup takes natural and balanced photos. The new main sensor captures sharp images without pushing colors too far. The ultra-wide lens keeps details intact across the frame. The telephoto lens offers clear zoom up to 3.5x, and the lossless 7x zoom retains acceptable sharpness.

The DetailMax Engine improves textures and prevents over-processing. Photos look real, and the tone stays consistent across environments. Low-light shots appear bright but controlled. Night mode cleans noise well, yet it keeps fine textures intact.

Portrait shots show clean edges and smooth depth. The front camera takes bright selfies even in dim light, and autofocus helps group shots look sharp.

Video performance is strong. It supports 4K at 120fps and Dolby Vision HDR. The footage looks steady and well-balanced. Underwater Mode is a fun addition, though it works best with a case.

Battery Life

The 7300mAh battery is one of the biggest in any flagship. It runs for about 40 hours with regular use. This includes browsing, gaming, calls, and GPS. The size helps users avoid midday charging anxiety.

The 120W wired charger fills the battery in under 40 minutes. The 50W wireless charging adds convenience. The Bypass Charging feature reduces heat during gaming. It helps protect the battery during long play sessions.

However, the large battery also makes the phone slightly top-heavy. Users with smaller hands may feel the weight during long use.

Verdict: Should You Buy the OnePlus 15?

The OnePlus 15 checks almost every box for power users and casual users alike. The display is one of the best in the industry. The camera is reliable and natural. The software feels smooth, and AI features add value without overwhelming the UI. The battery is in a league of its own.

Yet, the phone still has areas to improve. The weight distribution could feel better. The Essential Key may not please long-time Alert Slider fans. And the heating during long camera use needs refinement.

Still, the overall package offers strong value for the price. The OnePlus 15 stands as a well-balanced flagship that delivers on its promise.

Cons

• Heavier top section due to larger battery
• Essential Key may not replace Alert Slider for everyone