OnePlus 15R: Striking the Perfect Balance with Smart Compromises

The OnePlus 15R is the latest offering from OnePlus, aiming to deliver a high-performance phone experience at a more affordable price point. With a focus on gaming, longevity, and user experience, the 15R packs a punch with its features.

Design & Build:
The OnePlus 15R sports a new design language, with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. The phone supports a magnetic accessory ecosystem, allowing for compatibility with various accessories.

Screen & Speakers:
Featuring a 6.83-inch 1.5K LTPS AMOLED display with a peak refresh rate of 165Hz and a dedicated touch response chip, the 15R offers a smooth and responsive viewing experience. The stereo speakers provide clear audio with a slight bass bias.

Specs & Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, the 15R offers 12GB of RAM Ultra and up to 512GB of storage. The phone also includes a dedicated G2 WiFi chip for enhanced connectivity.

Cameras:
The OnePlus 15R features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. The phone supports up to 4K at 120fps video capture and utilizes the new DetailMax Engine for image processing.

Battery Life & Charging:
With a large 7400mAh battery, the 15R provides impressive battery life, lasting up to three days with moderate use. The phone supports 80W wired charging, allowing for quick recharging.

Software & AI:
Running OxygenOS 16 atop Android 16, the 15R offers a clean and intuitive user experience. The phone integrates Google Gemini for AI functionality, including the Mind Space feature for organizing and extracting information from saved content.

Price & Availability:
The OnePlus 15R is available for pre-order and will be officially launched in January 2026. Pricing starts at £649 / €699 / $699.99 for the base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

In conclusion, the OnePlus 15R is a compelling option for those looking for a high-performance phone with excellent longevity and gaming capabilities. Despite some compromises, the 15R delivers a complete package that rivals more expensive flagship devices.