A Fresh Start in Naming Strategy
OnePlus appears to be skipping the “14”—likely due to cultural taboos in China—and going directly to OnePlus 15. It’s a bold naming strategy that mirrors actions taken in the Oppo foldable series and signals a fresh start.
Leaks & Spec Predictions
1. Design Overhaul
- Camera Module: Moving away from the circular island, rumors point to a rounded-square triple camera module, reminiscent of iPhone-style arrangements.
- Color Options: Expected finishes include Black, Purple, and Titanium, with one leak specifying “Moon Rock Black” as a standout.
2. Display
- Size & Type: A 6.78-inch flat LTPO AMOLED panel.
- Refresh Rate: A blistering 165 Hz, a significant leap over the 120 Hz norm.
- Resolution: Likely dialed back from 2K to 1.5K to maintain battery life.
3. Performance
- Chipset: Powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, promising ~4.6 GHz performance and strong benchmark results.
- Memory & Storage Options:
- 12 GB RAM + 256/512 GB storage
- 16 GB RAM + 256/512 GB
- Top-tier: 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage
4. Battery & Charging
- Battery: A massive 7,000 mAh (possibly silicon-carbon duel-cell) pack—far larger than the OnePlus 13’s 6,000 mAh.
- Charging: Rumors point to 100W wired fast charging; wireless support may be present but not widely reported.
5. Camera Systems
- Sensors: Triple 50 MP lenses (wide, ultra-wide, periscope telephoto).
- Possibility: A high-resolution periscope variant up to 200 MP.
- Imaging Engine: May ditch Hasselblad branding in favor of an in-house solution.
6. Software & Additional Features
- UI: Likely launching with OxygenOS based on Android 16.
- Action Button: Replacement for the classic Alert Slider, functioning like an iPhone-style customizable button—yet to gain popular support.
7. Launch Window & Pricing
- China Debut: Expected in October 2025.
- Global Rollout: Targeted for early 2026 (possibly January).
- Price Estimate:
- US/Global: Around $899–$999 for base model.
- India: Expect ~₹80,000, a modest rise from the OnePlus 13’s ₹69,999.
The Refined Narrative
OnePlus 15: Flagship Reinvented
Launch & Name Strategy
OnePlus is bypassing the number 14—often considered unlucky in China—and launching the OnePlus 15, aiming to make a bigger splash in October 2025 in China, followed by a wider release in early 2026.
Design Overhaul
Gone is the circular camera bump. In its place: a streamlined, rounded-square triple camera array, available in sophisticated shades like Black, Purple, Titanium, and a premium “Moon Rock Black.”
Display Focused on Performance
The device may trade higher resolution for smoother performance with a flat 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED display boasting a 165 Hz refresh rate—great for gamers, though resolution may drop to 1.5K.
Power & Efficiency
Inside: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, paired with generous RAM/storage offerings (up to 16 GB + 1 TB). A hefty 7,000 mAh (silicon-carbon) battery powers the beast, supported by 100W fast wired charging.
Camera Revamp
Expect a triple 50 MP lens array with a potential 200 MP periscope upgrade—powered by OnePlus’s proprietary engine, phasing out Hasselblad.
Software & Controls
OxygenOS on Android 16, featuring a new modular Action Button in place of the Alert Slider—a shift with mixed fan reactions.
Pricing & Competition
Targeting aggressive pricing: ~$899–999 globally, and about ₹80,000 in India—positioned to undercut similarly spec’d Samsung and Apple flagships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is there no OnePlus 14?
OnePlus is reportedly skipping the number 14 due to cultural superstitions—especially in China, where the number “4” is often considered unlucky. A similar approach was taken when the brand moved from the OnePlus 3T directly to the OnePlus 5.
2. When and where will the OnePlus 15 launch?
- Expected to debut in China in October 2025, followed by a global rollout in early 2026 (likely Q1).
3. What are the key design changes?
- OnePlus is shifting from its iconic circular camera bump to a rounded-square triple-camera module situated in the top-left, similar to the iPhone layout Android Center.
- Leaked renders suggest the phone will be available in Black, Purple (Dark Purple), and Titanium (Silver).
4. What display specs are rumored?
- A 6.7 to 6.78-inch flat LTPO AMOLED screen.
- Resolution likely around 1.5K, paired with an ultra-smooth 165 Hz refresh rat.
5. What processor, RAM, and storage options can we expect?
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (also known as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2), promising top-tier performance.
- Configurations include:
- 12 GB + 256/512 GB
- 16 GB + 256/512 GB
- 16 GB + 1 TB top-tier variant.
6. What about battery and charging capabilities?
- A massive 7,000 mAh dual-cell silicon-carbon battery is expected, giving it a significant edge over competitors like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- 100 W wired fast charging
7. What camera setup will it have?
- Triple 50 MP lenses—wide, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto—are anticipated. Some leaks hint at a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens variant.
- It appears OnePlus might end its Hasselblad partnership and develop its own in-house camera Image Engine, focusing on better low-light performance and advanced video processing.
8. What software and features can we expect?
- Likely to ship with OxygenOS on top of Android 16, continuing the brand’s clean and customizable user interface
- A new customizable Action Button may replace the traditional Alert Slider, potentially linked to AI functions .
9. What is the expected pricing?
- India: Estimated launch price around ₹80,000, modestly up from the OnePlus 13’s ₹69,999
- Global/US: Likely in the $899–$999 range, keeping it competitive with other flagship smartphones (though this has not been confirmed yet)
