OnePlus 15R Evaluate

The OnePlus 15R is an fascinating gadget to me. Largely as a result of I really like the OnePlus 15 a lot that I consider that you must simply purchase the 15 and never this. That being stated, I do need to method this assessment with out an excessive amount of thought being given to the flagship model of the OnePlus 15R. I’m merely admitting that I’m coming into this with a robust bias in the direction of the dearer, larger brother. So placing all that apart, I’m judging the 15R on its deserves and inside its midrange class.

Estimated studying time: 20 minutes

I used to be presupposed to get the OnePlus 15R earlier than its preliminary launch in December, however supply didn’t make it earlier than I left for trip. Then CES 2026 snuck up on us, and that pushed this assessment again, so that is me enjoying catch-up. Let’s get into the complete assessment of the OnePlus 15R.

The Fast Take

The OnePlus 15R is a superb smartphone designed for customers who need respectable efficiency and a merely outstanding battery. Its greatest promoting level is that actual huge 7,400 mAh battery and the 165 Hz show. In case you usually end up on the lookout for a charger or if you happen to get pleasure from consuming content material, this telephone is constructed precisely for these wants, providing top-tier efficiency with out the $1,000+ price ticket of different high-end fashions.

Alternatively, you may select a unique telephone if you happen to care deeply about taking high-quality pictures. Whereas the cameras are respectable, they’re not what OnePlus normally delivers. They’re satisfactory, and lots of customers gained’t thoughts these cameras in any respect. There may be additionally a scarcity of wi-fi charging, and different telephones on this worth vary may supply extra for you. General, I just like the OnePlus 15R; like some other gadget, it does some issues rather well, and it does have some issues I want had been higher. Both approach, it’s a stable selection for any midrange purchaser.

Rating and Backside Line

OnePlus 15R

USD 699

Nailed it

• Fabulous battery life
• Quick charging
• Killer show
• Nice midrange performer
• Nice construct high quality

Wants work

• Cameras may very well be higher
• No wi-fi charging
• Value is on the upper finish of midrange

OnePlus has all the time gotten a blended response over their selections and units, and the OnePlus 15R is not any exception. Personally, I feel this 12 months’s batch of OnePlus units has been the most effective. My curiosity in OnePlus has been reignited, and I feel others have an interest once more as nicely. Listed below are my key takeaways of the OnePlus 15R, each constructive and adverse.

• What’s nice concerning the OnePlus 15R?
  • Fabulous Battery Life: Homes a large 7,400mAh battery that may simply final two full days (possibly extra) on a single cost.
  • Quick Charging: Helps 80W quick charging, permitting the telephone to achieve 100% capability in beneath an hour.
  • Killer Show: Incorporates a vibrant 165 Hz AMOLED show with a peak brightness of three,600 nits, making it wonderful for content material consumption and outside visibility.
  • Nice Midrange Efficiency: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, it supplies clean day-to-day operation and even handles cellular video games with out an excessive amount of drawback.
  • Sturdiness: Boasts excessive safety with IP68 and IP69 scores, which means it’s immune to each water immersion and high-pressure water jets.
  • Underneath Show Biometrics: Features a quick and correct ultrasonic fingerprint scanner that works reliably even with out vibrant display screen illumination. To be honest, Android telephones typically have made huge enhancements right here.
• What wants some work or is likely to be a problem for some customers?
  • Cameras: The cameras are positive, however not one of many excessive factors right here. I do know it is a midrange gadget, and we will’t anticipate all the things, however they may have performed a bit extra with the digital camera.
  • Lacking Characteristic: There isn’t any help for wi-fi charging. I’m not certain why OnePlus didn’t do that for each the OnePlus 15R and 15.
  • Value: At roughly $700, it’s the costliest “R-series” mannequin up to now, and there are different choices that compete very nicely with this.

General, the OnePlus 15R is a stable midrange effort in a panorama that’s filled with stable midrange efforts. The ample battery and sensible show do make this a stable selection in that panorama.

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OnePlus 15R Specs

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Cell Platform with Adreno 8-series GPU.
• Reminiscence & Storage: As much as 12 GB LPDDR5X Extremely RAM and 256 GB/512 GB UFS 4.1 inside storage.
• Cooling System: 360° Cryo-Velocity Cooling that includes a 5,704 mm 3D Vapor Chamber and aerospace-grade aerogel insulation.
• Haptics: X-axis linear motor for exact vibration suggestions.
• Biometrics: Quick and correct ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
• Display screen Measurement: 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a decision of 2800 × 1272 (FHD+).
• Refresh Charge: Adaptive 165Hz (switching between 60/90/120/144/165Hz based mostly on content material).
• Brightness: Excessive Brightness Mode (HBM) of 1800 nits, with a peak brightness of 3600 nits.
• Safety: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cowl glass.
• Options: Helps HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut.
• Battery Capability: Large 7,400mAh Silicon NanoStack battery
• Wired Charging: Helps 80W SUPERVOOC quick charging (reaches 1-50% in roughly 22 minutes).
• Battery Well being: Assured to take care of not less than 80% capability after 4 years of use.
• Particular Options: Helps Bypass Charging, permitting you to energy the telephone instantly throughout gaming to scale back warmth and battery put on.
• Most important Digital camera: 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor with Optical Picture Stabilization (OIS) and f/1.8 aperture.
• Extremely-Vast: 8MP sensor with a 112° discipline of view and f/2.2 aperture.
• Entrance Digital camera: 32MP sensor with autofocus and f/2.0 aperture.
• Video Capabilities: Helps 4K video at 120 fps (sluggish mo) and options the DetailMax Engine for improved texture and colour.
• Sturdiness: Excessive IP66, IP68, and IP69/69K scores for water and dirt resistance.
• Working System: OxygenOS 16 based mostly on Android 16.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and twin nano-SIM help.
• Buttons: Options the “Plus Key” on the aspect for customizable shortcuts to apps or AI options.

What’s In The Field

• OnePlus 15R
• Charging Brick
• Charging Cable
• SIM Instrument
• Manuals and Documentation

Design

The OnePlus 15R design practically mirrors that of its larger brother. The digital camera module is the one space that units it aside, together with the colours. My unit got here within the mint inexperienced colour, and it really seems fairly good. I believed it is likely to be just a little gaudy, however it has grown on me.

Alongside the left aspect of the OnePlus 15R is the Plus Key and a few antennas. Alongside the underside are the USB-C port, SIM tray, and speaker. Alongside the highest are some mics and antennas. Alongside the proper aspect is the ability button and quantity rocker. The entrance homes the show and entrance digital camera, and the again homes the cameras and OnePlus emblem. Fairly easy design thus far.

Top-of-the-line elements of the construct is the unimaginable water and dirt resistance. The OnePlus 15R carries top-tier IP68 and IP69 scores, which means it may possibly survive being submerged in water and might even face up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. That’s a premium improve, as most midrange telephones gained’t see this kind of safety.

The entrance of the gadget is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which presents stable protection in opposition to unintentional drops. On the again, OnePlus makes use of a textured end that’s wonderful at resisting fingerprints and smudges, maintaining the telephone trying clear even and not using a case. General, it is a very well-designed telephone and jogs my memory of the OnePlus 15. It feels and appears pricier than its worth level.

Show

The show is a pinnacle characteristic of the OnePlus 15R. Name me loopy, however I feel this panel is nearly as nice because the panel on the 15. Probably the most important distinction is that the 15 has a variable refresh price, whereas the OnePlus 15R solely goes from 60 to 165 Hz.

The OnePlus 15R options an expansive 6.83-inch AMOLED show that’s simple on the eyes. It makes use of a “flicker-free” know-how that’s supposed to scale back eye pressure, particularly in low-light settings. Whether or not you’re scrolling via social media at evening or studying an article at nighttime, the display screen is designed to be a lot simpler in your eyes than most different smartphones. I typically haven’t had points with eye pressure, so this doesn’t have an effect on me. However good to have for individuals who want it.

As talked about, the show is 165 Hz, and that is increased than the usual 120 Hz discovered on most high-end telephones. For players, it is a main benefit because it helps increased body charges in common titles. Nonetheless, as I discussed beforehand, this isn’t a VRR show, so it’s inferior to the one within the OnePlus 15.

By way of outside use, the show is impressively vibrant, reaching as much as 1,800 nits in high-brightness mode. Like its larger brother, it’s nice to make use of outside in daylight, no points in any respect. Scrolling and contact factors are all correct and clean, with efficiency being above common. General, it is a nice show and the most effective on any midrange gadget. The shortage of a 1 to 165 Hz refresh price is the one actual criticism, however once more, it is a midrange gadget.

Software program

The OnePlus 15R is operating Android 16 with OxygenOS 16 on prime. I’m a fan of OxygenOS. I really like the look, and I really like the additional customization provided with out having to obtain extra apps to realize it. Skins on prime of Android have historically felt sluggish and laggy. Because of this Pixel exists and why many desire vanilla Android. However over the previous a number of years, this has modified. I feel OxygenOS is true on par with One UI from Samsung. Listed below are my key takeaways from the software program expertise.

• Tremendous Fluid Animations: The animations and graphics of Oxygen OS 16 are nearly one of the best you’re going to see. I really like what OnePlus has performed right here.
• Customization: 3D themes and superior lock display screen layouts, permitting you to personalize the appear and feel of your telephone extra deeply than earlier than. It’s also possible to use Third-party icon packs with out putting in one other app to make use of them.
• “Plus Key”: The devoted bodily button could be custom-made by way of software program to launch the MindSpace app, the torch, or the digital camera immediately. Sure, I do know numerous folks miss the slider, however I don’t thoughts the Plus Key.
• Gaming Mode: Features a “fast load” characteristic and higher useful resource administration, permitting for secure 165Hz efficiency in supported video games. One thing nice for players, probably not one thing I exploit, however nice to have.
• iOS-Fashion “Dwell Alerts”: Incorporates a “floating island” close to the digital camera notch that gives real-time updates for media playback, timers, and ride-sharing apps, making it simpler to see data at a look. Sure, it seems just like the iPhone, however it’s useful.

However there are some issues that may not go over too nicely with some.

• “iPhone-ification”: Many long-time followers discover the design language, together with the management middle and the glassy app drawer, to be a distracting clone of iOS and are fairly vocal about OnePlus dropping its approach.
• Refresh price caps: Whereas the {hardware} helps excessive refresh charges, the software program usually limits commonplace apps to 60Hz or 120Hz to avoid wasting battery, which means you don’t get that most smoothness in all places.

General, the software program is superb. I really like OxygenOS 16, and I really like how a lot customization is accessible right here.

Efficiency

The OnePlus 15R is constructed across the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which is Qualcomm’s extra inexpensive possibility. Whereas it’s technically a step beneath the Elite chip, I don’t assume the common consumer goes to see a distinction in primary day-to-day use. Efficiency was constant for me, with apps launching with out hiccups or lag.

Energy customers ought to really feel comfy with the 12 GB of RAM that helps to energy via multitasking. Oxygen OS 16 stays one in every of my favourite Android working programs up to now. I really assume it is likely to be one of the best, even higher than Google’s vanilla Android.

Gaming is fairly excellent on the OnePlus 15R as a result of it’s a midrange telephone. Normally, these kinds of telephones wrestle with it, however the 15R holds its personal. I’m not a lot of a cellular gamer, however what I did play labored easily, and I noticed no points. Different reviewers have stated it may possibly muscle via Name of Obligation and different titles with ease, and body charges remained excessive.

Top-of-the-line areas of efficiency on the OnePlus 15R is simply how cool it stays. I didn’t push it via a heavy gaming session, however what I did play didn’t ship the telephone into overheat mode. OnePlus is utilizing its Cryo-Velocity cooling system to realize cooling.

General, the efficiency of the OnePlus 15R is spectacular for a midrange gadget. To be honest, I do assume that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has so much to do with it. That stated, efficiency is best than common and one of many key promoting factors of this smartphone.

Audio system/Sound

The OnePlus 15R sports activities a twin stereo speaker setup that will get lots loud and is audibly clear. It additionally contains OReality Audio know-how, which is meant to offer a extra immersive “spatial” really feel when listening to music or enjoying video games. This characteristic really does work pretty nicely, and I occur to get pleasure from it. Many different units use comparable tech to get that “spatial” consequence.

Whereas the audio system do get loud and they’re clear, they do lack a great backside finish. It’s not horrible, however you’ll be able to hear the distinction between the OnePlus 15R and 15 while you play the identical content material. The 15 simply sounds fuller and thicker. Turning the quantity up too loud may make issues sound just a little soiled; I normally hold issues within the 60 to 70 vary. Heading up any additional will begin muddying the waters.

General, the audio system on the OnePlus 15R are literally good for this worth vary. No, inferior to the OnePlus 15, however we’re speaking a couple of 300 USD distinction in worth. I feel these are higher than common for a midrange gadget.

Digital camera

One space the OnePlus 15R doesn’t match as much as its larger brother is the digital camera system. That being stated, I feel the cameras on this gadget aren’t unhealthy in any respect. However I additionally know that the broader OnePlus fanbase has not been proud of both gadget with regards to cameras.

The digital camera system on the OnePlus 15R is a dependable however primary setup. Its fundamental 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor performs nicely in daylight, capturing pictures with good colour accuracy and respectable element. Some customers have complained that this R mannequin doesn’t stand as much as earlier R fashions. I can’t converse to that, however I perceive the attitude.

In low-light environments, the digital camera efficiency turns into extra of a problem, and that’s anticipated for this worth vary. Relying on the lighting surroundings, low-light pictures can get noisy, and the processing isn’t pretty much as good as a flagship.

Perhaps one of many greatest complaints concerning the OnePlus 15R digital camera system is the dearth of a telephoto lens. You may zoom, however your zoom will rely solely on digital means. This makes it far much less versatile if you happen to’re the sort who likes to make use of your telephone as a pictures device. Whereas I might usually forgive some lacking options on a midrange gadget, the dearth of zoom might be a bridge too far. OnePlus ought to have included not less than some kind of optical zoom.

The front-facing 32MP selfie digital camera and the video capabilities are literally not unhealthy in any respect for this worth level. The OnePlus 15R can report 4K video at 60 fps (and even 120 fps for sluggish movement), which is nice for customers that worth this characteristic.

General, the OnePlus 15R digital camera system does a ok job in day-to-day use, and I feel common customers can be okay with the outcomes of the pictures and movies. I’m normally forgiving on midrange units on many factors, however I do need to ding this for not having not less than some kind of optical zoom.

OnePlus 15R Digital camera Samples

Battery Life

The OnePlus 15R battery is definitely one of many greatest causes to contemplate this gadget as your subsequent smartphone. The OnePlus 15R encompasses a huge 7,400 mAh battery, which is considerably bigger than what you’ll discover in virtually some other mainstream smartphone. It even beats its large brother by 100 mAh! This telephone will get most customers not less than two days of battery life and presumably extra, relying on the way you arrange the ability profiles and the way you employ your telephone. That is in all probability a great time to say that not everybody will expertise the identical battery efficiency, as utilization habits range.

Whenever you do ultimately run low on energy, the telephone helps 80W SUPERVOOC quick charging, which might take the battery from empty to 50% in about 22 minutes. OnePlus claims the battery will keep not less than 80% of its unique well being even after 4 years of day by day use. We gained’t know the way true that’s till we will use the OnePlus 15R for that time frame.

For heavy customers and players, the OnePlus 15R features a distinctive “Bypass Charging” (the identical as within the 15) characteristic that permits the telephone to tug energy instantly from the charger as a substitute of the battery whereas plugged in. It is a main profit as a result of it prevents the telephone from overheating throughout intense duties, which additional protects the battery’s lifespan.

The largest draw back of the battery on the OnePlus 15R is that it doesn’t help wi-fi charging. Which will or will not be a dealbreaker for you. General, the battery life is insane, and I feel loads of customers will recognize that.

Value/Worth

Priced at 699 USD, the OnePlus 15R sits proper within the increased finish of mid-range. The worth is honest, and I feel this gadget supplies tons of worth at this worth level. Although I’ll say that the competitors within the midrange tier is powerful, and there are different units you may take into account. For me, the OnePlus 15R is a winner over the remaining as a result of I completely get pleasure from Oxygen OS over the remainder of the choices. However that’s not going to be the case for everybody. This smartphone ought to, on the very least, be in your shortlist of midrange telephones if you happen to’re looking for one.

Wrap Up

OnePlus has all the time gotten a blended response over their selections and units, and the OnePlus 15R is not any exception. Personally, I feel this 12 months’s batch of OnePlus units has been the most effective. My curiosity in OnePlus has been reignited, and I feel others have an interest once more as nicely. Listed below are my key takeaways of the OnePlus 15R, each constructive and adverse.

• What’s nice concerning the OnePlus 15R?
  • Fabulous Battery Life: Homes a large 7,400 mAh battery that may simply final two full days (possibly extra) on a single cost.
  • Quick Charging: Helps 80W quick charging, permitting the telephone to achieve 100% capability in beneath an hour.
  • Killer Show: Incorporates a vibrant 165 Hz AMOLED show with a peak brightness of three,600 nits, making it wonderful for content material consumption and outside visibility.
  • Nice Midrange Efficiency: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, it supplies clean day-to-day operation and even handles cellular video games with out an excessive amount of drawback.
  • Sturdiness: Boasts excessive safety with IP68 and IP69 scores, which means it’s immune to each water immersion and high-pressure water jets.
  • Underneath Show Biometrics: Features a quick and correct ultrasonic fingerprint scanner that works reliably even with out vibrant display screen illumination. To be honest, Android telephones typically have made huge enhancements right here.
• What wants some work or is likely to be a problem for some customers?
  • Cameras: The cameras are positive, however not one of many excessive factors right here. I do know it is a midrange gadget, and we will’t anticipate all the things, however they may have performed a bit extra with the digital camera.
  • Lacking Characteristic: There isn’t any help for wi-fi charging. I’m not certain why OnePlus didn’t do that for each the OnePlus 15R and 15.
  • Value: At roughly $700, it’s the costliest “R-series” mannequin up to now, and there are different choices that compete very nicely with this.

General, the OnePlus 15R is a stable midrange effort in a panorama that’s filled with stable midrange efforts. The ample battery and sensible show do make this a stable selection in that panorama.

The OnePlus 15R is a superb smartphone designed for customers who need respectable efficiency and a merely outstanding battery. Its greatest promoting level is that actual huge 7,400 mAh battery and the 165 Hz show. In case you usually end up on the lookout for a charger or if you happen to get pleasure from consuming content material, this telephone is constructed precisely for these wants, providing top-tier efficiency with out the $1,000+ price ticket of different high-end fashions.

Alternatively, you may select a unique telephone if you happen to care deeply about taking high-quality pictures. Whereas the cameras are respectable, they’re not what OnePlus normally delivers. They’re satisfactory, and lots of customers gained’t thoughts these cameras in any respect. There may be additionally a scarcity of wi-fi charging, and different telephones on this worth vary may supply extra for you. General, I just like the OnePlus 15R; like some other gadget, it does some issues rather well, and it does have some issues I want had been higher. Both approach, it’s a stable selection for any midrange purchaser.