OnePlus 15 Could Mark the Return of the Flagship Killer

Rumors around the upcoming OnePlus 15 are intensifying, and if the latest leaks prove accurate, OnePlus may be positioning itself once again as the brand that redefines what a flagship can be.

After years of trying to compete directly with Samsung, Apple, and Google in terms of pricing and partnerships, OnePlus seems to be heading back to its roots – delivering high-end performance at a price point that undercuts the competition.

One of the most important changes is the end of OnePlus’ collaboration with Hasselblad. While the partnership helped the brand gain recognition for improving its camera software, it also came at a high cost. By cutting ties, OnePlus not only gains independence over its imaging system but also frees itself from expensive licensing fees. This decision, paired with other hardware adjustments, could result in a much lower retail price for the OnePlus 15. The leaked strategy suggests a shift toward prioritizing raw performance and practical design rather than chasing luxury branding.

Reports from OnePlus Club claim that the phone will feature a slightly smaller display with a reduced resolution compared to its predecessors, but it will compensate with flat edges and a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate. The resolution downgrade may sound like a compromise, but it also reflects a pragmatic decision: fewer pixels to push means less strain on the processor and better battery life. Considering how much power modern chipsets have, this trade-off might not even be noticeable to most users.

Another major leak comes from Digital Chat Station, suggesting that the OnePlus 15 will adopt a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with an 85mm focal length equivalent and an f/2.8 aperture. In practical terms, this would allow between 3.5x and 3.7x optical zoom – an improvement in reach compared to the OnePlus 13’s 73mm periscope telephoto with 3x zoom. However, the narrower f/2.8 aperture may present challenges in low-light zoom shots, potentially making night photography less sharp than its predecessor. Still, OnePlus seems confident that advancements in image processing will balance out this trade-off.

Beyond the camera, the OnePlus 15 looks set to pack bleeding-edge hardware. The device will likely debut Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor – possibly branded as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 – paired with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching an impressive 1TB. The display, while slightly scaled down to 6.78 inches with 1.5K resolution, will still deliver smooth performance with its 165Hz refresh rate. Powering it all could be a huge 7,000 mAh battery supported by 120W wired charging, promising lightning-fast refuels and endurance that rivals or exceeds competitors.

What makes the OnePlus 15 especially intriguing is its potential price positioning. With Apple preparing its iPhone 17 lineup at a premium, and Samsung unlikely to make its Galaxy S26 more affordable than the S25, OnePlus has an opening to disrupt the flagship market. If pricing rumors are true, this could be the only major flagship device launching in 2025 with a lower price than its predecessor, a move reminiscent of OnePlus’ early years as the self-proclaimed “flagship killer.”

The company’s possible return to affordability comes at a time when smartphone prices are hitting new heights, leaving many consumers frustrated. For long-time fans, this could be a refreshing reminder of what made OnePlus so appealing in the first place: performance and innovation without unnecessary price inflation. Whether OnePlus can balance cost-cutting with maintaining premium experiences will be the big question, but if successful, the OnePlus 15 may signal a true comeback of the flagship killer era.

Some observers remain skeptical about whether lowering screen resolution and altering camera specs really qualifies as an upgrade. Others point out that OnePlus is also investing in features that matter to everyday users, such as battery life, smoother displays, and eye-health-conscious technologies. If the company continues to allow bootloader unlocking and keeps up its reputation for software flexibility, the OnePlus 15 could strike a rare balance between openness, performance, and affordability. After all, in a world of increasingly locked-down and overpriced smartphones, such a balance might be exactly what enthusiasts and average users alike are waiting for.