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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The OnePlus 15R has launched, with a compelling efficiency bundle for $699.
- It presents an LTPS AMOLED show, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, and a 7,400mAh battery.
- The gadget incorporates a twin digital camera system on the rear, and its design is moderately generic.
OnePlus’s R-series telephones are finest recognized for his or her value-for-money proposition. That always comes on the expense of digital camera versatility as the corporate focuses extra on highly effective efficiency, a flagship-grade show, and long-lasting battery life at a extra inexpensive worth level. The newly launched OnePlus 15R isn’t any exception to that method.
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The OnePlus 15R brings a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a pointy LTPS AMOLED show, and a 7,400mAh battery that is even bigger than the OnePlus 15 — all for $699 within the US. It’s designed for individuals who do not wish to spend further on the top-tier OnePlus 15 however nonetheless want an identical efficiency and expertise, and I dig it.
What’s new with OnePlus 15R?
The OnePlus 15R follows an identical design language to the dearer OnePlus 15. It sports activities an oblong digital camera module, flat sides, curved corners, and an AI Key (akin to the Motion Button) on the left aspect. It seems to be notably good within the new Mint Breeze variant, which options a sublime mild inexperienced shade on the again. You too can purchase it in Charcoal Black and an India-exclusive Electrical Violet shade choice.
At first look, the OnePlus 15R could appear uninspiring, nevertheless it excels in sturdiness. The gadget is rated IP66, IP68, and IP69 in addition to IP69K for mud and water resistance. This implies it isn’t solely protected towards water submersion but in addition towards high-pressure jet sprays.
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On the entrance, you get a 6.8-inch LTPS AMOLED show with a 1.5K decision and a 165Hz refresh fee. In day-to-day use, it could actually constantly refresh at 120Hz to supply a buttery-smooth expertise, whereas the upper refresh fee kicks in for sure cell video games, comparable to Name of Obligation Cellular. Total, it stays a pointy, responsive, and vibrant display.
OnePlus’s new cellphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which is akin to final yr’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. It’s paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and both 256GB or 512GB of storage. I discovered that demanding titles like Purple Useless Redemption additionally loaded shortly at excessive graphics settings. It might probably simply deal with graphics-intensive duties with out breaking a sweat, which is nice to see at this worth level.
The OnePlus 15R runs on Android 16-based OxygenOS 16.0 and packs an enormous 7,400mAh battery that helps 80W quick wired charging, able to charging from 5% to 50% in below half-hour. That is a step up from the OnePlus 15’s 7,300mAh battery, and a significant leap from my Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely’s mere 5,000mAh cell. We’ll want to check the cellphone additional and evaluate its efficiency to that of competing Android telephones, however you possibly can anticipate a minimum of a day of use, simply.
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Sadly, the OnePlus 15R does not sport a telephoto digital camera. As a substitute, the corporate is sticking with a 50MP major digital camera and an 8MP ultrawide-angle digital camera.
The principle sensor is similar as its dearer sibling and holds its personal, particularly in 4K 120fps movies and daylight images. It tends to rely extra closely on synthetic blurs for portrait photographs, however presents good dynamic vary and element in most captures. In comparison with different telephones in the identical worth vary, the OnePlus 15R captures handsome images with its principal lens. However, the 32MP selfie shooter is simply satisfactory, from what I’ve seen.
Pricing and availability
The OnePlus 15R is priced at $699 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant within the U.S, and is obtainable for preorders at this time, forward of its December 22 sale date. It seems that OnePlus is not experiencing any setbacks with this launch — the FCC put the older OnePlus 15 on maintain a month in the past — so people seeking to buy a moderately inexpensive flagship cellphone could now contemplate this one.
