Review: I Would Opt for the Latest OnePlus 15 Instead of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra


Almost a year back, OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 13, a top-tier smartphone featuring high-end attributes at a more affordable initial price compared to its U.S. rivals. This has been a steady approach for OnePlus throughout the years.

The newly announced OnePlus 15 is intriguing not only because they bypassed the number 14, probably due to cultural factors, but also because it’s launching in November instead of January. Even with the expedited release timetable, the OnePlus 15 continues to be a robust Android device boasting remarkable specifications, including an elevated refresh rate and the largest battery in its category.

At a price of $899, it is at least $100 less expensive than flagship models from Google, Apple, and Samsung.

OnePlus 15: Pricing and Specifications

The OnePlus 15 is priced at $899, in contrast to the $1,099 of the iPhone 17 Pro. Here’s what you receive for that cost:

– 6.8-inch screen with a resolution of 2772×1272 and a refresh rate of up to 165Hz
– Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile processor
– 12GB RAM
– 256GB storage
– 7,300mAh battery
– Three rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto
– 32MP front camera

There is also an alternate version of the OnePlus 15 for an extra $100, featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Although the absence of a 1TB storage option is notable, the OnePlus 15 distinguishes itself with its 165Hz display and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Its 7,300mAh battery is more substantial than those found in the S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 10 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro. The higher-tier OnePlus 15 is priced similarly to a basic Pixel 10 Pro, yet none of the other models are available for $899.

OnePlus 15: Design

This year’s design of the OnePlus 15 lacks much flair. Offered in Infinite Black, Sand Storm, and Ultra Violet, the color choices are generally uninspiring. The rear camera bump has transitioned to a square shape with rounded corners, losing the unique circular protrusion of the OnePlus 13. While practical, it somewhat resembles a budget iPhone. The device feels good in hand, and the bezels surrounding the display are slim.

OnePlus 15: Performance

Performance-wise, the OnePlus 15 shines. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip guarantees seamless operation, even when tackling demanding tasks like gaming. The 165Hz refresh rate significantly enhances gaming experiences, allowing titles like PUBG Mobile to run incredibly smoothly. In Geekbench 6 evaluations, the OnePlus 15 outperformed both the S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

OnePlus 15: AI Features

The OnePlus 15 comes equipped with AI functionalities such as integration with Google’s Gemini chatbot, automatic voice transcription, and image-to-PDF scanning. The Mind Space app that utilizes AI to assess screenshots is innovative yet may not provide considerable usefulness.

OnePlus 15: Battery Life

The most impressive aspect of the OnePlus 15 is its battery endurance. The 7,300mAh battery can last approximately 30 hours between charges, depending on how it’s used.

OnePlus 15: Camera

The OnePlus 15 incorporates three rear lenses each with 50MP resolution. Images are vivid and clear, showing decent performance at night. The phone supports 3.5x optical zoom along with 7x “optical-quality” zoom. It also features macro photography and portrait modes.

OnePlus 15: Conclusion

OnePlus devices are dependable, straightforward gadgets offered at a slightly reduced price compared to iPhones. The OnePlus 15 delivers an excellent display, powerful processor, and substantial battery life, making it an excellent option for those looking to upgrade to Android. Although its design could be more captivating, it remains a commendable choice.