OnePlus has officially unveiled the OnePlus 15R, the latest addition to its value-focused R-series lineup. Following a live launch event on December 17, 2025, the device positions itself as a performance-oriented alternative to its flagship sibling, making significant strides in battery capacity and gaming features. However, this year's model arrives with a notable USD 100 price increase over its predecessor, prompting a closer look at what this extra investment delivers and what, if anything, has been left behind.
Price & Model Comparison:
| Model | Starting Price (USD) | Key Change from 13R |
|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 13R (Previous Gen) | 599 | Baseline |
| OnePlus 15R (12+256GB) | 699 | +USD 100, larger battery, new chip, higher-res front cam, lost telephoto lens |
| OnePlus 15R (12+512GB) | 799 | New higher-tier storage option |
Unveiling and Core Positioning
The OnePlus 15R was officially introduced during a digital event streamed live on December 17, 2025. OnePlus markets the device as the "ultimate value flagship," a tagline that underscores its strategy of packing high-end specifications into a more accessible price bracket. This launch also included the OnePlus Pad Go 2 tablet and the OnePlus Watch Lite, but the 15R stands out as the centerpiece, designed explicitly for users who prioritize sustained performance and battery life, particularly for gaming, without opting for a dedicated gaming phone with an overtly aggressive design.
The Juggernaut Battery and Charging
The most headline-grabbing feature of the OnePlus 15R is undoubtedly its 7,400 mAh battery, which OnePlus claims is the largest it has ever put in a smartphone. This capacity not only surpasses the 6,000 mAh cell in the previous OnePlus 13R but also edges out the 7,300 mAh battery found in the current flagship OnePlus 15. OnePlus projects that this large cell should retain at least 80% of its capacity after four years of typical use. For charging, the device supports up to 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, though it ships with a 55W adapter in the box. Purchasing a separate 100W adapter is required to unlock the full 80W charging speeds.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- Display: 6.83-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, up to 165Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 7,400 mAh with 55W in-box charging (80W max with separate adapter)
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide
- Front Camera: 32MP
- RAM/Storage: 12GB LPDDR5X RAM with 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.1 storage
- Durability: IP66/68/69/69K rated
- Software: OxygenOS 16 (Android 16)
- Support: 4 OS updates, 6 years of security patches
- Starting Price: USD 699
Performance and Gaming Enhancements
At the heart of the OnePlus 15R is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. OnePlus highlights a 36% increase in CPU performance and an 11% boost in GPU performance over the previous generation. To manage the thermal demands of this chipset, especially during extended gaming sessions, OnePlus has implemented a comprehensive cooling system. This includes an aerogel layer beneath the display, a large vapor chamber, and additional graphite padding, collectively branded as a 360-degree Cryo Velocity Cooling System. Further gaming optimizations come from a dedicated touch response chip that increases the sampling rate to 3200Hz for reduced input lag and a separate Wi-Fi chip for more stable connections.
Display and Design
The phone features a 6.83-inch flat AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate that can scale up to 165Hz, catering to smooth gameplay and scrolling. An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is embedded under the screen, promising faster and more reliable unlocks than optical sensors. For eye comfort during long sessions, software features include an Eye Comfort Mode and blinking reminders. The design is minimalist, with a clean glass back available in two new colors: Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze. Durability is a strong point, with the device boasting IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for protection against dust, water submersion, and high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
Camera System: A Strategic Shift
The camera setup represents a notable change from the OnePlus 13R. The 15R adopts a dual-rear camera system, losing the dedicated telephoto lens found on its predecessor. The main camera is a 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Both utilize OnePlus's in-house DetailMax Engine imaging technology, which replaces the previous Hasselblad partnership. New software features include Ultra Clear Mode for daytime detail, Clear Burst for motion photography, and Clear Night Engine. The front-facing camera sees an upgrade to a 32MP sensor from the previous 16MP. The phone can record video at up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second.
Software, AI, and Long-Term Support
The OnePlus 15R launches with OxygenOS 16 based on Android 16. A key software component is Plus Mind, OnePlus's personal AI assistant, which is now integrated with Google's Gemini. It can save screen content, create reminders, and generate personalized suggestions. The company commits to providing four years of major Android OS updates and six years of security patches for the device, a support window that, while solid, trails behind the seven-year promises now offered by some competitors.
Price, Availability, and Target Audience
The OnePlus 15R is available in two configurations: a 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model priced at USD 699 and a 12GB + 512GB model at USD 799. This represents a USD 100 increase over the starting price of the OnePlus 13R. Pre-orders began on OnePlus.com on December 17, 2025, with general sales starting on January 8, 2026, through OnePlus, Amazon, and Best Buy. Pre-order incentives include gifts like the OnePlus Buds 4 and case discounts. The device is squarely targeted at performance-savvy users and mobile gamers who want top-tier specs and exceptional battery life in a mainstream design, even if it comes at the cost of a versatile camera system.