OnePlus 15 review: A flagship built for gamers first and photographers second

The arrival of flagship smartphones always brings a whirlwind of excitement, and this season is no different. OnePlus has unveiled its latest offering, the OnePlus 15, aiming to carve out a distinct identity in the premium smartphone market. After spending three weeks with the device, it's evident that this isn't just a minor upgrade—it's bold, assertive, and sometimes controversial. Continuing its tradition of defining flagship standards, OnePlus has made some significant changes this time around, notably parting ways with its longstanding collaboration with Hasselblad. The new in-house DetailMax Engine takes center stage, focusing heavily on computational photography. Coupled with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, the OnePlus 15 is designed to deliver top-notch performance, particularly for gaming enthusiasts, sporting a 165Hz display that underscores its speed-driven ambitions. When it comes to design, the OnePlus 15 is a notable departure from its predecessor. The circular camera module has been replaced with a rectangular layout, reminiscent of the Oppo Find X9, marking a new visual direction for the brand. While it may lack some of the distinctive flair of earlier models, the matte finish of the Infinite Black variant resists fingerprints, providing a practical yet stylish feel in the hand. The addition of an impressive IP68 rating means the device can withstand dust and water, even under extreme conditions. One of the standout features of the OnePlus 15 is its display. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen boasts a resolution of 2772x1272, which OnePlus describes as 1.5K. Although this represents a downgrade from the 2K display of the OnePlus 13, the trade-off allows for a higher refresh rate of 165Hz. However, it's worth noting that the majority of applications still run between 60Hz and 120Hz, making the higher refresh rate more of a marketing highlight than a widespread reality. In terms of performance, the OnePlus 15 takes the lead as the first smartphone in India equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Benchmark tests reveal impressive scores, with the phone achieving 3.7 million on AnTuTu and surpassing 11,000 in Geekbench multi-core tests. While it delivers a fast and responsive experience for tasks like browsing and video editing, the differences compared to other high-end devices may feel subtle in everyday use. OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, continues to offer a streamlined user experience, with promises of multiple updates and security patches. Gaming performance is where the OnePlus 15 truly shines. It consistently outperforms competitors during extended sessions, maintaining high frame rates in popular games like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile. The ultra-smooth experience, particularly at 120FPS, is enhanced by the phone's high sampling rate, making it a top choice for gamers. However, the camera system reveals some compromises. While the device features a robust setup with a 50MP primary sensor and dual 50MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, the absence of Hasselblad's technology is felt, especially in low-light conditions. The camera performs admirably in daylight, but struggles in darker environments, highlighting the limitations of the smaller sensors. The OnePlus 15's battery life is one of its most impressive attributes, boasting a 7,300mAh silicon carbide battery that easily lasts a day and a half, even under heavy usage. Coupled with a rapid 120W charging capability, the phone can be fully charged in around 35 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. Available in two configurations on Amazon India, the OnePlus 15 starts at Rs 72,999, with various promotional offers making it an enticing proposition. The question remains—does the OnePlus 15 deliver a true flagship experience? The answer is a resounding yes. With its stellar performance, exceptional gaming stability, impressive battery life, and a smooth software experience, the OnePlus 15 stands out as one of the best premium smartphones currently available in India.