The OnePlus 15 is better viewed as the first in the unavoidably lengthy series of next-generation Android phones that will be released in 2026, but it is probably the last major flagship phone release of 2025 (if you live in the US, at least).
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-equipped OnePlus 15 will compete with the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series, whereas the OnePlus 13 faced out against devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro. However, how precisely does OnePlus intend to compete with the top smartphones available in the market the next year?
We spoke Celina Shi, CMO of OnePlus Europe, to learn more. She provided us with exclusive information about the OnePlus 15's global debut date, new color options, and additional features that make this year's flagship device a "two-generational upgrade" over the OnePlus 13.
Internally, OnePlus revealed its new AI strategy earlier this year, which included the addition of new AI features to its smartphones as well as the transformation of its renowned OnePlus "Alert Slider" into the new AI-powered "Plus Key." Essential features like voice recording, flashlight, camera, screenshots, Do Not Disturb mode, and the ability to switch between ring, vibration, and silent modes are all instantly accessible using the Plus key.
In support of this, we earlier this month unveiled OxygenOS 16, which is our next, deliberate advancement in smartphone intelligence. It seamlessly combines cutting-edge AI capabilities with the OnePlus brand's signature speed, fluidity, and user-centricity. This update, which is available on the OnePlus 15 for the first time and is based on the idea of "Intelligently Yours," enables users to live more effectively, express themselves more freely, reduce mental strain, and stay safe—all while preserving OxygenOS's renowned fluidity and responsiveness.
We have also teamed up with Google to fully integrate Mind Space with Google Gemini in order to optimize its potential. Gemini is the first personalized AI in the business because to this strong connection, which enables it to retrieve data you have stored to Mind Space and combine it with its sophisticated LLM (long language model) and real-time internet access.
With the release of OnePlus DetailMaxEngine, our in-house imaging engine, the OnePlus 15 also ushers in a new era for OnePlus in camera technology. With the use of sophisticated algorithms and potent computers, this technology produces images that are incredibly crisp and realistic. In order to create a final 26MP photo with enhanced clarity, particularly in complex textures like fur, foliage, and textiles, the ultra-clear 26MP mode combines data from many 12-megapixel frames with a single 50-megapixel high-resolution frame. This results in a useful file size that is perfect for sharing.
Clear Burst shoots at 10 frames per second, which is a substantial boost over the OnePlus 13's 6 frames per second for shooting fast-moving subjects. To ensure that customers never miss a moment, it employs dual-exposure anti-blur technology, which simultaneously records short and long exposures to freeze motion while maintaining rich detail.
Clear Night Engine uses Dual Analog Gain technology to close timing gaps between exposures in low light conditions. This makes nighttime portraiture and street scenes appear more realistic and brighter. It also reduces noise, making nighttime images cleaner and more natural-looking.
The OnePlus 15's design carries on the company's tradition of elegant design and material innovation, where everything seems intuitive, distractions are minimized, and simplicity reigns supreme. Three unique color finishes will be offered for the OnePlus 15. These are Ultra Violet, Infinite Black, and Sand Storm.
I can provide you with additional background regarding color, which is a crucial element of a smartphone and has a significant influence on customer decision-making, even though I am not yet able to elaborate on some of the design decisions we have made.
We consider both community comments and target audience expectations when choosing color schemes for our devices. I can tell you that there will be three different color options available for the OnePlus 15:
The superior frosted glass back of Infinite Black offers a deep, understated matte finish that is both fingerprint-resistant and attractive. It is our ageless, iconic, and widely used gadget. It is intended for users who are lured to clean, simple designs that seamlessly combine work and play.
Sand Storm has a micro-arc oxidized (MAO) metal frame and a lightweight fiberglass composite back panel. This cutting-edge ceramic-grade coating offers increased durability without sacrificing style because it is 1.3 times harder than titanium mid-frame. It is our elegant, modest hue designed for consumers who like a subtle appearance. It exudes subtlety and elegance and has earthy tones.
Ultra Violet features a dynamic dual-layer optical coating that produces a captivating violet-to-sapphire transition in response to light, giving it a lively and contemporary appearance. It is targeted at creatives that desire a gadget that fits their tastes and have a punchy design. Ultra Violet is striking and purposefully made to be noticed.
OnePlus often uses top-tier hardware and software optimization to provide excellent performance and a luxurious user experience. The OnePlus 15 has undoubtedly achieved this by utilizing the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in conjunction with our recently released OxygenOS 16. We will shortly provide more information [regarding performance].
That is it, people. On November 13, the OnePlus 15 will be available in the US, UK, and Europe in three different colors: Sand Storm, Infinite Black, and Ultra Violet. Along with OnePlus' first "self-developed photography engine," the OnePlus DetailMaxEngine, it will come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 CPU.
