With its official unveiling just days away, OnePlus is peeling back the curtain on the OnePlus 15R, its upcoming value-focused smartphone. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship OnePlus 15, the 15R is shaping up to be a formidable contender by sharing several headline features while carving its own path with a few key specifications. This pre-launch confirmation spree gives us a clear picture of what to expect from the device set to launch on December 17.
Confirmed OnePlus 15R Specifications (As of Dec 15, 2025):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 17, 2025 |
| Display | 1.5K resolution, 165Hz refresh rate |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 |
| Front Camera | 32MP with Autofocus, 4K@30fps video |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main (confirmed), 4K@120fps video |
| Battery & Charging | 7,400mAh, 80W wired charging |
| Durability | IP68 / IP69 rated |
| Software | OxygenOS 16 (Android 16) |
| Colors | Black, Green, Violet |
| Other Features | Plus Key, DetailMax Engine |
The Selfie Camera Gets a Major Upgrade
One of the most significant upgrades confirmed for the OnePlus 15R is its front-facing camera. The phone will feature a 32-megapixel selfie shooter with autofocus support, a substantial leap from the 16-megapixel unit found in last year's OnePlus 13R. This new sensor is capable of capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second, another improvement over the previous generation's 1080p limit. Interestingly, this megapixel count and autofocus capability match the front camera on the premium OnePlus 15, though the sensors are expected to differ, with the 15R rumored to use an OmniVision component instead of Sony's IMX709.
OnePlus 15 vs. OnePlus 15R: Key Expected Differences
- Chipset: The OnePlus 15 uses the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while the 15R uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
- Camera System: The flagship OnePlus 15 features a triple-camera array including a telephoto lens. The OnePlus 15R is expected to have a dual-camera setup (main + ultrawide), omitting the telephoto.
- Battery: The 15R has a slightly larger 7,400mAh battery compared to the 15's 7,300mAh.
- Price (Expected): The OnePlus 15 starts at USD 899. The OnePlus 15R is anticipated to start around USD 599, following its predecessor's pricing.
- Selfie Sensor: Both have 32MP AF cameras, but the 15 uses a Sony IMX709, while the 15R is rumored to use an OmniVision sensor.
Performance and Core Hardware Details
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15R will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. This is a notable departure from the typical R-series strategy of using the previous year's top-tier chip. While it's a variant of the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the OnePlus 15, its presence ensures the 15R will deliver flagship-adjacent performance. The device will also run OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16 out of the box. OnePlus has confirmed the display will boast a 1.5K resolution and a super-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, matching a key spec of its more expensive sibling.
Battery Life That Could Redefine Expectations
Perhaps the most eye-catching specification is the battery. The OnePlus 15R is set to include a massive 7,400mAh battery, which is even larger than the 7,300mAh cell in the standard OnePlus 15. This suggests the use of similar silicon-carbon technology to maximize capacity within a compact form factor. It will support 80W wired charging, promising rapid top-ups for the sizable power pack. If battery endurance translates from spec sheet to real-world use, the 15R could set a new benchmark for longevity in its segment.
Design, Durability, and Additional Features
The OnePlus 15R is confirmed to feature a robust build with an IP68/69 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating it can withstand submersion and high-pressure, high-temperature water jets—a level of durability often reserved for flagships. The phone will be available in Black, Green, and Violet color options. Other confirmed features include a "Plus Key" for quick function access, a 50-megapixel main rear camera with 4K video recording at 120fps, and the DetailMax Engine for enhanced computational photography.
Positioning and Anticipated Value
The strategic sharing of features like the high-refresh-rate display, advanced durability, large battery, and modern chipset indicates OnePlus intends to minimize the perceived gap between its flagship and R-series models. While the OnePlus 15R is expected to make compromises, such as potentially lacking a telephoto camera, the core experience appears closely aligned with the more expensive model. If OnePlus can price the 15R competitively, likely around the USD 599 mark following the OnePlus 13R's pricing, it could offer one of the most compelling price-to-performance ratios in the market, challenging rivals in the upper-mid-range segment when it arrives next week.