OnePlus has confirmed its next flagship, the OnePlus 15, is going global. The brand also teased a new Sand Storm color with a tougher ceramic-coated frame and a move to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s still rumored, and when you can expect it.
Table of Contents
Summary: What’s confirmed today
- It’s going global. OnePlus has stated the OnePlus 15 will launch worldwide, not just in China.
- Sand Storm edition is real. Beige “dune” finish, fiberglass back, and a ceramic-coated metal frame using an aerospace-grade micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process.
- New button, new vibe. The classic Alert Slider gives way to a customizable “Plus Key.”
- Square camera island. The circular module is gone; official images show a squared-off layout.
- Chipset locked. It runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform.
OnePlus India’s own teaser reads: “A force of nature. #OnePlus15 in Sand Storm. Coming soon.” That’s as official as it gets pre-launch.
What’s new in design and durability (Confirmed)
Sand Storm finish and materials. The headline color is a dune-like beige that OnePlus calls Sand Storm. The back uses fiberglass for a smooth texture, while the frame and camera housing get a ceramic-like layer formed directly on the metal.
Micro-Arc Oxidation and the ceramic coating claims. OnePlus says the MAO process produces a ceramic coating that’s tougher than untreated aluminum or even titanium. One cited figure making the rounds: “3.4× harder than aluminum” and “1.3× as tough as titanium.” Treat these as company claims until independent testing lands, but it’s a promising step for scratch and wear resistance.
From Alert Slider to “Plus Key.” The beloved three-stage slider is being replaced by a Plus Key that you can map to shortcuts. It’s a broader brand shift OnePlus has been signaling for months, and the OnePlus 15 looks like the first global flagship to bring it mainstream.
A new camera island. Official imagery shows a square camera bump rather than the circular discs from recent models. Expect three cameras plus flash arranged across the square. We’ll reserve judgment on ergonomic grip until hands-on, but the flatter back and rounded corners look pocket-friendly.
Performance and Display (Confirmed / Likely)
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is onboard. Qualcomm’s new top-tier chip brings faster CPU and GPU performance and a beefier NPU for on-device AI. If you push long gaming sessions or heavy photo workflows, you should see better sustained speeds and lower power draw than last gen.
165Hz 1.5K LTPO with ultra-thin bezels likely. Multiple reports point to a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED with 165Hz refresh and 1.5K resolution, plus ~1.15 mm bezels. These are still in the “expected” bucket, but the visuals OnePlus has shared line up with that direction.
Early benchmark chatter vs Apple’s A19. You’ll see headlines about multi-core scores where Snapdragon looks strong and single-core where Apple still leads. Real-world feel depends on more than Geekbench think thermals, storage speed, and software. In short: expect top-tier Android performance, but don’t read too much into a single chart.
Concrete example: Editing a 4K clip in CapCut while browsing and messaging may feel snappier on the 8 Elite Gen 5 than older Snapdragon devices, thanks to higher multi-core throughput and improved sustained performance.
Cameras and imaging pipeline (In transition)
Hasselblad out, DetailMax Engine in. OnePlus has confirmed its next imaging step—no Hasselblad branding this time, and a homegrown DetailMax Engine focused on clarity and more natural color. The company’s line is that users asked for “clear and real” images over flashy processing. We’ll test that when retail units arrive.
Telephoto and sensor rumors, plus first samples. Leaks point to a 50MP periscope telephoto, sometimes cited as Samsung’s JN5, with ~3–3.7× optical zoom. Early sample shots posted on Weibo hint at a tighter field of view than OP13’s 3x. These remain rumors until spec sheets are out.
Mini case study: If the 15 sticks to ~3x optical, it’ll be better for portraits at arm’s length than a 5x. If you’re a sports-stand parent who needs reach, you may still lean on hybrid zoom or a rival with 5x.
Battery and charging (Rumored but repeated)
Multiple outlets peg a 7,000–7,800 mAh pack, potentially silicon-carbon, paired with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. These are strong claims and would be a big endurance bump if true. Treat this as rumor for now.
Launch timing and expected pricing
China date looks like Oct 27. OnePlus images showing October 27 on the lock screen have been read as a China debut hint. The brand hasn’t said it outright, but this timing matches its past cadence.
Global rollout and India window. Expect China first, then a global release. India typically follows quickly some reports point to January 2026 if the classic schedule holds.
India price band. Current estimates cluster around ₹70,000–₹75,000, roughly where the OnePlus 13 started. No official pricing yet.
Should you upgrade from a OnePlus 13?
Looks like a meaningful jump if you care about three things: tougher build, the latest Snapdragon, and a refreshed camera pipeline. If battery rumors land, endurance could be the sleeper win. If you’re happy with your OP13’s photos and love the Alert Slider, you might wait for hands-on reviews to see how the Plus Key fits your day and whether DetailMax delivers consistent color.
OncPlus 15 Specs snapshot confirmed vs rumored
| Area | Status | Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Global launch | Confirmed | Worldwide availability teased by OnePlus and media briefings. |
| Finish & frame | Confirmed | Sand Storm color, fiberglass back, MAO ceramic-coated frame. |
| “Plus Key” | Confirmed | Replaces Alert Slider with a customizable shortcut button. |
| SoC | Confirmed | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. |
| Display | Rumored | 6.78″ LTPO, 165Hz, 1.5K, ~1.15 mm bezels. |
| Cameras | Rumored | Triple 50MP with periscope telephoto ~3–3.7×; DetailMax Engine confirmed. |
| Battery | Rumored | 7,000–7,800 mAh, 120W wired, 50W wireless. |
| China launch | Likely | Oct 27 teased on promo image. |
| India price | Estimated | ₹70,000–₹75,000. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Hasselblad partnership over for the OnePlus 15?
Yes, for this device. OnePlus says it’s moving to its in-house DetailMax Engine focused on clarity and natural tones.
Will the Plus Key do everything the Alert Slider did?
You can still set sound modes, plus map other shortcuts. It’s meant to be more flexible than the fixed three-stage slider.
Does the Sand Storm finish scratch easily?
The company claims a ceramic-like coating that’s harder than aluminum and titanium. We’ll wait for scratch tests before calling it.
Is 165Hz real or just a rumor?
It’s widely reported but not yet official. Expect at least LTPO with a high refresh rate.
How soon after China will India get it?
Typical pattern is a few weeks to a couple of months. Some reports point to January 2026.
Featured Answer Boxes
Is the OnePlus 15 launching globally?
Yes. OnePlus has confirmed a worldwide launch, with a new Sand Storm color and tougher ceramic-coated frame. China is likely first, then India and other regions.
What’s confirmed about the design?
A dune-colored Sand Storm finish, fiberglass back, ceramic-coated frame via micro-arc oxidation, and a square camera island. The Alert Slider is replaced by a customizable Plus Key.
What’s confirmed about the design?
A dune-colored Sand Storm finish, fiberglass back, ceramic-coated frame via micro-arc oxidation, and a square camera island. The Alert Slider is replaced by a customizable Plus Key.
Which chip does the OnePlus 15 use?
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm’s latest flagship platform with higher CPU/GPU performance and a faster NPU for on-device AI.
What’s the launch date and price in India?
Date isn’t official. A teaser suggests Oct 27 in China. India pricing is widely estimated at ₹70,000–₹75,000, similar to the OnePlus 13.
How tough is the new frame?
OnePlus claims the MAO ceramic coating is 3.4× harder than aluminum and 1.3× as tough as titanium. Independent testing is pending.
