The much-anticipated OnePlus 15 has officially been unveiled, marking a bold step forward in smartphone innovation for the company and the Indian smartphone market. Following weeks of leaks, teasers, and speculation, OnePlus has finally showcased its latest flagship, which combines cutting-edge hardware, a refined design, and a renewed focus on mobile photography. The launch has stirred excitement across India, where OnePlus enjoys a loyal fan base, and where the smartphone is positioned to compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 16 series, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro.
The OnePlus 15 introduces several groundbreaking technologies, most notably the debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, Qualcomm’s most advanced chipset to date. With this, the device promises not only superior performance but also enhanced AI capabilities, improved thermal efficiency, and faster 5G connectivity. The Indian market has always been a critical battleground for flagship smartphones, and the OnePlus 15 represents the brand’s strongest push yet to capture premium buyers.
From its new “Sand Storm” design finish to upgraded cameras and enhanced charging technology, the OnePlus 15 redefines the company’s approach after years of steady, evolutionary updates. The launch was accompanied by news that OnePlus is ending its five-year partnership with Hasselblad, signaling a new era in photography innovation for the company’s flagships.
Refined Design: Sand Storm Finish and Premium Build
The OnePlus 15 comes with a refreshed design philosophy. The standout feature is its “Sand Storm” finish, a unique texture that combines ceramic and fiberglass for durability, grip, and a premium feel. Available in multiple shades, including Desert Gold, Midnight Black, and Arctic White, the phone’s aesthetics are designed to appeal to both style-conscious users and those who prioritize durability.
The display is equally striking. The OnePlus 15 boasts a 6.82-inch AMOLED LTPO display with 2K resolution and a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and high power efficiency. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, it’s one of the brightest panels currently available, ensuring visibility even under direct sunlight. The display is protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Armor, offering better scratch and drop resistance.
Powerhouse Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
At the heart of the OnePlus 15 lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, built on a 3nm process. This chipset is optimized for heavy multitasking, high-end gaming, and AI-driven tasks. Qualcomm claims the processor offers a 25% boost in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU rendering compared to its predecessor.
Paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device ensures blistering speeds for everything from app launches to large file transfers. Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the Adreno Elite GPU, which supports advanced ray tracing and delivers console-level graphics on mobile. The upgraded cooling system with a larger vapor chamber helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions.
Photography Without Hasselblad
One of the most notable announcements at the launch was the end of OnePlus’s five-year collaboration with camera brand Hasselblad. While this partnership elevated camera quality on earlier models, the OnePlus 15 represents the brand’s confidence in its own in-house imaging expertise.
The phone features a triple-camera setup on the rear:
- 50MP primary sensor with f/1.6 aperture, OIS, and a new custom “DetailMax” algorithm for ultra-sharp images.
- 48MP ultra-wide sensor with a 120° field of view.
- 64MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and 30x hybrid zoom.
The front camera is a 32MP shooter, optimized for selfies and video calls, with enhanced low-light performance. OnePlus highlighted its proprietary DetailMax imaging system, designed to deliver more natural colors, better dynamic range, and sharpness without oversaturation.
During demonstrations, OnePlus showcased side-by-side comparisons of low-light images, which suggested significant improvements. The brand is clearly aiming to compete head-on with Samsung and Apple’s flagship camera systems.
Battery and Charging
Battery life has always been a OnePlus strength, and the OnePlus 15 builds on this reputation with a 5,500mAh dual-cell battery. It supports 150W SuperVOOC fast charging, capable of charging the device from 1% to 100% in under 20 minutes.
For the first time, OnePlus also introduces 50W wireless charging to its flagship, along with reverse wireless charging for accessories such as earbuds and smartwatches. AI-driven battery management extends longevity by learning usage patterns and optimizing charging cycles.
Software and Features
The OnePlus 15 ships with OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, promising a clean, bloat-free experience. Key features include AI-driven photo editing, voice-based smart assistants, and deeper customization for widgets and themes.
OnePlus confirmed that the phone will receive five years of OS updates and six years of security patches, putting it in line with commitments made by Google and Samsung.
Other notable features include:
- In-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner for faster, more secure unlocking.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for immersive entertainment.
- IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in tough conditions.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for faster, more reliable connectivity.
Price and Availability in India
OnePlus has positioned the OnePlus 15 as a premium flagship, but it has priced the device competitively for India, acknowledging the importance of the market.
- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: ₹62,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: ₹69,999
- 16GB RAM + 1TB storage: ₹79,999
Pre-orders have already begun on Amazon India, the official OnePlus online store, and across OnePlus Experience Stores nationwide. Early buyers are being offered launch discounts, including:
- ₹5,000 instant discount on select bank cards.
- Up to 12 months of no-cost EMI.
- Free OnePlus Buds Pro 3 with the first 10,000 pre-orders.
- Exchange bonuses for old devices worth up to ₹8,000.
The device will officially go on sale from October 10, 2025, with both online and offline retail availability.
Market Position and Competition
The OnePlus 15 arrives at a time when the Indian smartphone market is highly competitive, with Apple, Samsung, and Google vying for the top spot in the premium category. The aggressive pricing strategy indicates that OnePlus wants to solidify its hold among aspirational buyers who want flagship performance without crossing the ₹1 lakh mark.
Tech experts believe the phone’s combination of design, performance, and battery innovations will resonate with Indian consumers, though its camera performance will be scrutinized closely, especially without Hasselblad branding.
The OnePlus 15 represents a confident step forward for OnePlus in India. With its striking Sand Storm design, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, faster charging, and enhanced photography system, the flagship makes a compelling case for those seeking cutting-edge performance in a premium package. Competitive pricing, aggressive offers, and strong retail availability further bolster its appeal.
As India gears up for the festive season, the OnePlus 15’s arrival couldn’t be better timed. It stands not just as a technological marvel but also as a bold statement from OnePlus—a company ready to carve its own path in photography, push performance boundaries, and reaffirm its dominance in the Indian premium smartphone space.
