ZDNET’s in-depth analysis reveals a comprehensive picture of the newest Android flagship — a device that begins at $899 and comes equipped with an impressive 12GB of RAM alongside 256GB of internal storage. This pricing sets the stage for a high-end smartphone that intends to redefine both performance expectations and design refinement. Among its most eye-catching specifications are a mammoth 7,300mAh battery, Qualcomm’s state-of-the-art Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and the inclusion of 80W wired charging support. These characteristics promise extraordinary endurance, robust computational capability, and rapid power recovery, even though, intriguingly, the device is not yet available for direct consumer purchase.
When news first surfaced about the OnePlus 15, I found myself questioning whether the relentless pursuit of technological supremacy had perhaps reached a point of diminishing returns. Could a smartphone, in its quest to embody perfection, ultimately push its own specifications into excess? The memory of earlier Android devices—those bulky yet resilient models running Android 13, nicknamed the “tanky” phones of their era, boasting extravagant battery capacities nearing 10,000mAh—resurfaced as a comparative benchmark. Perhaps, I mused, those formerly overbuilt handsets had been heralding the future all along.
By any measure, the OnePlus 15 showcases a lavish feature suite that would have impressed even the most forward-looking observers anticipating the devices of 2026. The centerpiece is an elegantly expansive 6.7-inch AMOLED display capable of refreshing at an ultra-smooth 165Hz, ensuring both fluid motion and heightened visual precision. Beneath this screen lies Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip—an engine of computational power designed for multitasking intensity and gaming agility. The large 7,300mAh battery is paired with 80W wired fast charging, a combination that promises to dissolve charging anxiety, while the IP69 rating adds a serious measure of durability, safeguarding the device against pressurized water jets and the occasional accidental tumble into a washing machine.
Despite packing these formidable features, the device proudly distinguishes itself in aesthetics. Unlike rugged phones from brands such as Doogee or Unihertz, whose appearances often prioritize endurance over elegance, the OnePlus 15 embraces sleek craftsmanship. Its body, sculpted from premium metal and glass, conveys solidity without forfeiting sophistication—a tactile assurance that your $900 investment buys more than mere innovation; it embodies refinement and purpose-driven design.
Eager to assess the OnePlus 15’s real-world prowess, I brought it along during a recent trip to South Korea, pairing it against other heavyweights—the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Through this comparative journey, unexpected insights emerged, each reflecting how small variations in design and performance philosophy distinguish brands even within the same premium tier.
Whenever testing, I adhere to a strict personal ritual: using review units without protective cases. This habit allows me to appreciate the subtleties of an industrial designer’s intent—the curvature of an edge, the friction or smoothness of a finish, and the precise weight balance. After all, what value do superior materials such as Corning’s Gorilla Glass tiers hold if one smothers them beneath a bulky plastic case?
Interestingly, the OnePlus 15 has been the easiest device on which to take this measured risk. OnePlus replaced last generation’s faux-leather rear texture with a satin-finished fiberglass back panel that feels expensive and confident in hand. The “Sand Storm” colorway, a shimmering interplay of tan and beige tones, pairs with a grippy frame, preventing accidental slips when texting on the go or navigating busy city streets.
This design evolution does, however, change the device’s ergonomics. The traditionally slim, streamlined silhouette that defined prior OnePlus “flagships” gives way to a more substantial feel—mirroring the heft and proportions of Apple’s iPhone Pro Max and Google’s Pixel XL. Some acquaintances in Korea remarked on this, pointing out that the once-distinct form language now feels more conventional, perhaps sacrificing originality for mass appeal.
In terms of display engineering, OnePlus continues to make headlines. The nearly borderless screen, with bezels a mere 1.15mm thick, provides an immersive visual field with minimal distraction from black framing. Yet, this improvement comes with a notable shift: resolution has decreased from 2K to 1.5K. The change may seem counterintuitive, but there’s likely strategic reasoning—this reduction helps sustain that ultra-responsive 165Hz refresh rate while maintaining energy efficiency. Similar to how PC monitors balance pixel density and refresh speeds, OnePlus appears to have struck an equilibrium between clarity and performance. My week-long usage in South Korea—including marathon reading sessions through international news feeds and extended gaming during flights—confirmed that tradeoff’s wisdom.
When subjected to intensive gaming sessions, the device demonstrated excellent thermal management. Frame rate stability persisted for over 30 minutes before any signs of throttling appeared—an impressive endurance when contrasted with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 10 Pro XL, which exhibited noticeable heat buildup and frame drops within minutes. Such robustness is due to both Qualcomm’s formidable new chipset and OnePlus’ intelligent CPU Scheduler, which dynamically allocates processing power to sustain gaming performance.
Though I don’t identify as a dedicated gamer, it’s abundantly clear that the OnePlus 15 aims to capture the attention of that audience segment. Its suite of optimizations—from temperature balancing to Wi-Fi 7 support—collectively defines it as perhaps the most gamer-friendly mainstream phone currently available.
Unexpectedly, OnePlus also stands at the forefront of mobile artificial intelligence integration. In a deliberate design shift, the traditional three-position alert slider—one of the company’s signature hardware elements—has been replaced by a programmable “action button.” This change introduces a new level of user customization. By assigning functions such as flashlight activation, camera launching, or enabling “Mind Space,” users can tailor physical input to personal workflow. Mind Space itself operates as a local, on-device repository capable of storing screenshots and audio memos, which then become contextually searchable via Google’s Gemini assistant. During my travels, this feature proved invaluable: instead of manually combing through photos and notes, I simply asked Gemini to retrieve details like flight times or weather updates from stored documents.
As for photography, the verdict is mixed. Despite the phone’s otherwise stellar hardware profile, its camera module doesn’t quite match the excellence of last year’s OnePlus 13. The sensors are smaller and thus less capable in raw light capture. The company compensates with intensified computational photography—leveraging both improved AI algorithms and Qualcomm’s Image Signal Processor to enhance output. Images appear vivid, contrast-rich, and pleasingly saturated, with a more natural HDR handling than that of Samsung or Google counterparts. Yet, night photography reveals the physical limitations: reduced sensor area translates to weaker light absorption, softening detail and flattening color depth. While long-distance telephoto shots impress with up to 120x optical zoom clarity—often outperforming Samsung’s own super-resolution attempts—the OnePlus 15 ultimately trails its rivals under dim conditions.
That said, the battery experience is nothing short of transformative. The 7,300mAh power cell ensures longevity that spans into the following day, even under heavy workloads such as photo capturing, location tracking, and continuous data usage. When charging is required, the 80W wired system restores half the battery’s capacity within minutes—roughly the time it takes to complete a morning routine.
In closing, ZDNET’s purchasing recommendation frames the OnePlus 15 as an evolution rather than a reinvention. While not a radical break from the OnePlus 13, this continuity serves users well. The phone retains the previous generation’s successes—performance efficiency, charging speed, and endurance—while refining critical aspects of design and user experience. Priced again at $899, this device represents an optimal choice for gamers, power-dependent users, and technology enthusiasts who value functional excellence over experimental novelty. The only compromise lies in its camera system, which, though competent, fails to match competitors in the same tier.
As of publication, however, U.S. consumers must wait: sales have been delayed pending FCC approval stalled by a government shutdown. According to Spenser Blank, OnePlus’ Head of Marketing and Communications, the device has already completed all mandated testing and awaits formal certification. Once cleared, American buyers will gain access promptly, while Canadian availability begins as planned on November 13 through the OnePlus online store. Until then, interested U.S. customers can register their contact information at OnePlus.com/us to receive real-time sale notifications. This brief intermission underscores not a flaw in engineering, but rather the sometimes bureaucratic reality that accompanies the release of advanced technology into highly regulated markets.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/samsung-fans-wont-like-this-oneplus-just-topped-the-s25-ultra-in-more-ways-than-one/
