OnePlus has officially started teasing its next premium smartphone, and we now have the OnePlus 15R in for an early review. Positioned as the more affordable companion to the flagship OnePlus 15, the new R-series model continues OnePlus’ long-standing strategy of offering near-flagship performance at a comparatively lower price point.
Although the phone has not yet gone on sale, OnePlus has shared enough details to give us a solid understanding of what the OnePlus 15R specifications, design, and features look like ahead of launch. A complete performance and camera breakdown will follow after the official release, but here’s everything you need to know right now.
OnePlus 15R Media Kit and First Impressions
OnePlus has sent the OnePlus 15R in a special media review kit, packaged inside a large black presentation box. This box is not the retail unit, so buyers should note that the final retail packaging will be much simpler.
Inside the media kit, OnePlus has included:
- The OnePlus 15R smartphone
- Two magnetic protective cases
- A few OnePlus-branded accessories and collectibles
Retail customers will receive the standard box contents, including a pre-installed protective case, charging cable, and documentation.
OnePlus 15R Design: Familiar Yet Premium
The OnePlus 15R design language follows the same visual direction introduced earlier this year with the OnePlus 15. On the rear, you’ll find a vertically aligned dual-camera system, housed inside a squared camera module that slightly protrudes from the back panel.
This design gives the phone a modern, bold look while maintaining the clean aesthetic OnePlus is known for. The flat edges and refined curves improve grip and overall handling, especially for extended usage.
OnePlus 15R Color Options and Build Quality
The OnePlus 15R will be available in three color variants:
- Mint Breeze (featured in our unit)
- Charcoal Black
- Electric Violet (Ace Edition – India exclusive)
A notable difference lies in the materials used:
- Electric Violet gets a fiberglass back, similar to the Sand Storm finish seen on the OnePlus 15
- Mint Breeze and Charcoal Black feature a premium glass back
The India-exclusive Ace Edition branding gives the Electric Violet variant a unique identity, making it especially appealing to Indian buyers.
Display: Built for Speed and Gaming
One of the biggest highlights of the OnePlus 15R is its 165Hz refresh rate display, making it one of the fastest screens in its segment. While most smartphones cap at 120Hz or 144Hz, OnePlus is pushing boundaries with ultra-smooth visuals.
Key display features include:
- 165Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Optimized 120fps sustained gaming performance
- Dedicated touch response chip for faster input recognition
This makes the OnePlus 15R an excellent choice for mobile gamers, esports enthusiasts, and users who prioritize smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Makes Its Global Debut
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15R is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, making it the first smartphone globally to launch with this processor.
Performance highlights:
- Next-generation CPU and GPU architecture
- Improved AI and machine learning capabilities
- Dedicated Wi-Fi chip for faster and more stable connectivity
- Enhanced thermal efficiency for sustained performance
Combined with OnePlus’ software optimization, the phone promises flagship-level speed for multitasking, gaming, and everyday usage.
Camera System: Flagship Features at a Lower Price
The OnePlus 15R features a dual rear camera setup, powered by the same DetailMax Engine used in the flagship OnePlus 15.
Camera highlights include:
- 4K video recording at 120fps
- Advanced computational photography
- Improved color accuracy and dynamic range
While full camera samples and low-light performance analysis will be covered in the complete review, early shots indicate strong image processing and video stabilization.
Battery Life and Charging: Built for Heavy Users
Battery capacity is another area where the OnePlus 15R clearly stands out. The phone packs a massive 7400mAh battery, which should comfortably last more than a full day even with heavy gaming or streaming.
Although charging speeds haven’t been officially detailed yet, OnePlus’ history suggests fast wired charging support will be included.
Durability and Water Resistance
The OnePlus 15R is one of the most durable phones in its category, boasting multiple protection certifications:
- IP66
- IP68
- IP69
- IP69K
This means the phone is resistant to dust, high-pressure water jets, and even extreme conditions, making it ideal for users who need extra durability.
Magnetic Cases and Accessories
OnePlus is offering two magnetic case options:
- Hole-Pattern Magnetic Case – customizable with red rubber inserts
- Sandstone Magnetic Case – classic OnePlus texture for better grip
Additionally, a basic protective case will be included in the retail box, so buying an extra case is optional.
OnePlus 15R Launch Timeline and What’s Next
The OnePlus 15R is expected to officially launch next week, after which full pricing, availability, and regional variants will be revealed. A detailed performance, camera, battery, and gaming review will follow shortly after launch.
Final Thoughts: Is the OnePlus 15R Worth Waiting For?
Based on early impressions, the OnePlus 15R appears to be a powerful flagship-killer smartphone with:
- Industry-leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- 165Hz display
- Massive 7400mAh battery
- Advanced camera features
- Exceptional build quality and durability
If OnePlus prices it competitively, the 15R could easily become one of the best premium smartphones of 2025, especially for Indian users.
Stay tuned for our full in-depth review once the phone officially launches.
