After an unexpected delay, OnePlus's latest flagship smartphone has finally cleared regulatory hurdles and is ready for its US debut. The OnePlus 15, which promises to redefine expectations for battery life and raw performance in the Android space, is now available for preorder, bringing a compelling mix of high-end specs and aggressive pricing to compete with established giants.
A Launch Delayed by Government Shutdown
The journey of the OnePlus 15 to the United States was not a smooth one. The phone was initially unveiled in China at the end of October 2025, with a typical global rollout expected to follow a month later. However, the longest US government shutdown in history, which lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025, suspended the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) certification process. Without this critical approval, OnePlus could not legally sell the device in the US market. The FCC clearance finally came through in early December, allowing preorders to commence just in time for the end-of-year shopping season, with the first shipments scheduled for December 23.
Unmatched Endurance: The 7,300mAh Battery
The cornerstone of the OnePlus 15's appeal is its massive 7,300mAh battery, a spec that places it in a league of its own among mainstream flagships. In real-world testing, this capacity translated into staggering endurance. During a review trip to South Korea, which involved heavy use including constant photography, video recording, GPS navigation, and web browsing, the phone consistently lasted from morning until the next morning on a single charge. In controlled battery benchmark tests, the device achieved an astounding 25 hours and 13 minutes of screen-on time, outperforming rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra by over 10 hours and the iPhone 17 Pro Max by a full workday. When a recharge is necessary, the supported 80W wired charging can replenish the battery from 0 to 50% in just the few minutes it takes to complete a morning routine.
Battery Life Comparison (Approximate Screen-On Time):
| Device | Battery Life (Tested) | Notable Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 | 25 hours, 13 minutes | Record-setting endurance |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | ~15 hours | Strong all-around performer |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ~17 hours | Ecosystem integration |
| Data based on Tom's Guide battery test results. |
Performance Tailored for Power Users and Gamers
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is one of the first phones to feature Qualcomm's top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This power is paired with a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED display that offers a buttery-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, specifically optimized for gaming. The phone demonstrates remarkable thermal management and sustained performance, with reviews noting that it did not exhibit significant frame rate throttling or uncomfortable heat until after 30 minutes of intensive gameplay—a stark contrast to competitors that struggled within the first five minutes. OnePlus's dedicated CPU Scheduler and a separate Wi-Fi 7 chip further solidify its position as a top choice for mobile gamers and performance enthusiasts.
Key Specifications of the OnePlus 15 (US Model):
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Display: 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED, 120Hz (165Hz in gaming mode)
- Battery: 7,300mAh
- Charging: 80W wired, 50W wireless
- RAM/Storage: 12GB/256GB (base), 16GB/512GB (upgrade)
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (120x optical zoom)
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Durability: IP69 rating
- Starting Price: USD 899.99
Camera Compromises and AI Enhancements
The camera system presents a nuanced story. On paper, the triple 50MP rear array (main, ultrawide, telephoto) and 32MP front camera seem robust. In practice, reviewers found the actual sensor sizes to be smaller than those in the previous OnePlus 13 model. This hardware trade-off becomes apparent in low-light conditions, where the phone struggles to match the detail and color accuracy of its premium competitors. However, OnePlus compensates with aggressive AI software processing. The telephoto lens, capable of 120x optical zoom, was praised for rendering distant text and signage more clearly than some competitors with higher megapixel counts. The phone also introduces a new "Mind Space" AI feature, activated by a programmable action button, which allows the onboard Gemini AI to contextually analyze saved screenshots and voice notes to answer questions.
Design, Pricing, and Preorder Perks
The OnePlus 15 marks a design shift, adopting a more substantial form factor reminiscent of an iPhone Pro Max or Google Pixel XL, complete with a grippy, satin-textured fiberglass back. It ditches the iconic alert slider for a customizable button and boasts impressively slim 1.15mm bezels around the display. The phone starts at USD 899.99 for a configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in Infinite Black. For USD 1,000, users can upgrade to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage in the Ultraviolet or Sand Storm colorways. As a launch incentive, OnePlus is offering a free accessory with preorders, with the most valuable option being the USD 180 OnePlus Buds Pro 3 wireless earbuds (while supplies last).
Preorder Details & Offers (As of December 2025):
- Preorder Start: Early December 2025
- First Ship Date: December 23, 2025
- Free Accessory Choice (While Supplies Last): OnePlus Buds Pro 3 (USD 180 value), AIRVOOC 50W wireless charger, select cases, or OnePlus Watch 3.
- Student Discount: 5% off for verified students.
- Trade-In Bonus: USD 100 cash back bonus on top of trade-in device value.
Verdict: A Battery Life Champion with Clear Priorities
The OnePlus 15 is not a device that tries to excel at everything. It makes calculated compromises, particularly in camera hardware, to achieve its headline-grabbing battery life and uncompromised gaming performance. For users who prioritize all-day—and then some—endurance, blistering speed, and fast charging over absolute photographic supremacy, the OnePlus 15 presents a formidable and unique value proposition at its price point. It successfully carves out a niche as the definitive flagship for power users, effectively closing out 2025 with a device that makes battery anxiety a thing of the past.
