After whispers and anticipation, the OnePlus 15R has officially arrived on the global stage. While it shares a strong resemblance to its Chinese counterpart, the Ace 6T, this new device isn’t a direct copy. It comes with some distinct changes, offering a different experience for international users. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the OnePlus 15R, from its impressive features and core specifications to its pricing in various markets.
Exploring the OnePlus 15R
Design and Display Highlights
The OnePlus 15R boasts a design that mirrors the Ace 6T, featuring a sleek glass back available in two striking colors: Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze. Its immersive 6.83-inch AMOLED display delivers a crisp 1.5K resolution (2,800 × 1,272 pixels) and an ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and scrolling. With a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, content looks vibrant even in bright conditions. The screen also supports premium visual enhancements like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, along with DC dimming for eye comfort. For added durability, the front is protected by Oppo Crystal Shield Glass, and the phone carries impressive IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, meaning it’s highly resistant to dust and water.
Powerful Performance
Powering the OnePlus 15R is the robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, marking its debut as the first global device to feature this processor. While it’s a step below the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in some flagship models, the 8 Gen 5 remains incredibly capable. It promises significant performance boosts over its predecessor, with a reported 36% increase in CPU speed, 11% in GPU power, and a 46% jump in AI performance. To keep things running smoothly, especially during intense gaming, the 15R includes a specialized CPU Scheduler for game optimization and an advanced cooling system. This system incorporates an aerogel screen layer, a large vapor chamber for the main chip, and a graphite layer in the lower back, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. Users will find the 15R equipped with 12GB of speedy LPDDR5X RAM, paired with either 256GB or 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage for quick app loading and ample space.
Advanced Camera System
For photography, the OnePlus 15R features a dual-camera setup on the rear. It includes a powerful 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a wide f/1.8 aperture, alongside an 8MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture. One notable change from previous models like the OnePlus 13R is the absence of a dedicated telephoto camera, which might be a consideration for zoom enthusiasts. However, the global 15R compensates with a higher-resolution 32MP front-facing camera (f/2.0 aperture), a significant upgrade from the Ace 6T’s 16MP selfie shooter.
Instead of the former Hasselblad collaboration, the 15R now utilizes the OnePlus DetailMax Engine, shared with the flagship OnePlus 15. This system brings intelligent features such as Ultra Clear Mode for vivid daytime shots, Clear Burst for capturing up to 10 shots per second to minimize motion blur, and Clear Night Engine for enhancing low-light photos through combined exposures. Video recording capabilities are also strong, reaching up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a strong point for the OnePlus 15R, housing a substantial 7,400mAh cell. This is even larger than the 7,300mAh battery in the flagship OnePlus 15 and significantly bigger than the 6,000mAh unit in the OnePlus 13R. While its Chinese cousin, the Ace 6T, features an even larger 8,300mAh battery, the 15R still aims to be a “two-day phone,” with the potential to last into a third day depending on individual use. OnePlus also assures that the battery is designed to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity after four years of typical use.
When it comes to recharging, the 15R supports fast charging up to 80W. However, users should note that the charger included in the box provides 55W. To achieve the full 80W charging speed, a separate SUPERVOOC 100W adapter would be needed.
Software and Additional Features
The OnePlus 15R runs on the latest OxygenOS 16, built on Android 16, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. This differs from the Ace 6T, which uses ColorOS 16. OnePlus commits to providing excellent software support, promising four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. The phone integrates advanced AI features, including ‘Plus Mind,’ an intelligent personal organizer. This allows users to easily save on-screen content using the Plus Key or a three-finger swipe, and its context-aware abilities can automatically create reminders or calendar events. It also features Gemini integration, cross-referencing saved data with real-time information like weather to generate personalized plans. For security, the 15R uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which typically offers faster and more reliable unlocking than optical scanners. Other notable features include immersive stereo speakers, an Eye Comfort Mode designed for gaming, and optional ‘blink reminders’ to help reduce eye strain.
OnePlus 15R Key Specifications
- Design & Build: Glass rear, IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings, Oppo Crystal Shield Glass. Colors: Charcoal Black, Mint Breeze.
- Display: 6.83-inch AMOLED, 1.5K (2,800 × 1,272 pixels), 165Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, DC dimming.
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (3nm).
- Memory: 12GB LPDDR5X RAM.
- Storage: 256GB/512GB UFS 4.1.
- Operating System: Android 16 with OxygenOS 16.
- Rear Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX906 main (OIS, f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2).
- Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.0).
- Security: Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
- Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB 2.0 Type-C.
- Battery: 7,400mAh with 80W fast charging support (55W charger included).
Price and Availability
The OnePlus 15R is available globally, with the base model (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) priced at USD 699. For those seeking more storage, the 12GB RAM + 512GB variant is priced at USD 799.
In Nepal, the device is expected to launch very soon. Anticipate the starting price for the 256GB model to be around NPR 100,999, while the 512GB version might retail for approximately NPR 115,999.
Conclusion
The OnePlus 15R makes a strong entry into the global smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of high-end performance, a stunning display, and robust battery life. While it introduces some notable changes compared to its Chinese relative, the Ace 6T – such as a better selfie camera and different charging arrangements – it maintains a premium feel and delivers powerful features. With its focus on gaming optimizations, intelligent AI, and long-term software support, the 15R is positioned as an attractive option for users seeking a feature-rich and durable smartphone experience.