7400mAh Battery + Snapdragon 8 Gen 5? OnePlus 15R Changes Everything
The OnePlus R series has always been about delivering flagship-level performance at a more sensible price, and the OnePlus 15R looks like it’s doubling down on that philosophy. From the very first look, it’s clear that this phone isn’t trying to be “just another mid-range option.” It feels ambitious, confident, and surprisingly close to what we usually expect from top-tier flagship devices.
Here’s a clean, detailed first look at what the OnePlus 15R brings to the table.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: Flagship Power Without the Drama
One of the biggest highlights of the OnePlus 15R is the processor. It becomes the first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. That alone puts it in elite company.
In real-world terms, the performance gap between Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and last year’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is minimal. The difference is described as marginal, and even benchmark scores like AnTuTu are said to be very close. What this means for users is simple: smooth performance and zero compromises for gaming, multitasking, or heavy daily usage.
This isn’t a “budget performance” phone. It’s flagship-grade power, plain and simple.
Design and Build: Clean, Premium, and Surprisingly Tough
The unit showcased comes in a color called Mint Breeze, and it immediately stands out for the right reasons. The finish feels premium, doesn’t attract fingerprints easily, and offers a very comfortable in-hand feel.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 15R closely follows the visual language of the OnePlus 15. You get flat sides, a metal frame, and a glass-metal sandwich construction that looks modern and feels solid. The OnePlus logo is more subtle here, giving the phone a cleaner and more refined appearance.
Interestingly, the 15R is slightly larger than the OnePlus 15, which becomes noticeable once you hold it, but it doesn’t feel bulky.
Where it truly surprises is durability. The phone carries IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications, making it resistant to dust, water, and even high-pressure water exposure. This level of protection means underwater usage and photography are genuinely possible without worry.
Buttons, Ports, and Practical Extras
OnePlus sticks to a functional and familiar layout:
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Bottom: Speaker grille, USB Type-C port, microphone, and SIM tray
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Left: Volume Rocker.
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Right: Power button and the iconic Alert Slider
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Top: Noise-canceling microphone, speaker slit for stereo sound, and an IR blaster
The inclusion of an IR blaster is a nice practical touch that many users still appreciate.
Display: Big, Smooth, and Bright
The OnePlus 15R features a 6.83-inch LTPO display with a 1.5K resolution and an impressive 165 Hz refresh rate. This combination promises extremely smooth scrolling, fluid gaming, and an overall premium viewing experience.
Brightness isn’t an issue either. With 1800 nits of High Brightness Mode, outdoor visibility should be excellent, even under harsh sunlight.
Camera Setup: Strong Core, One Notable Omission
The camera setup includes a primary sensor and an ultra-wide lens. Compared to the OnePlus 15, the telephoto camera is missing here, which is one of the few clear compromises.
That said, video capabilities are impressive. The phone supports 4K video recording at 120 FPS, which is not something you see often in this segment and will definitely appeal to content creators and video enthusiasts.
Massive Battery That Changes Daily Usage
Battery life is where the OnePlus 15R truly flexes its muscles. It packs a huge 7400 mAh battery, which is significantly larger than what most smartphones offer today.
Combined with OxygenOS optimizations, this battery is expected to deliver one and a half to two days of usage comfortably for most users. Charging is handled by 80W fast charging, ensuring you don’t spend too much time plugged in despite the massive battery size.
Variants and Expected Pricing
The OnePlus 15R is expected to arrive in two variants:
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12GB RAM + 256GB storage
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12GB RAM + 512GB storage
Pricing is expected to stay under ₹50,000, with the base variant likely launching around ₹45,000. If this holds true, it places the 15R in a very competitive position considering the hardware on offer.
Extra Chips and Ecosystem Touches
Like the flagship OnePlus 15, the 15R includes two additional chips—one dedicated to Wi-Fi performance and another focused on touch response. These additions might not sound flashy, but they contribute to smoother connectivity and more responsive interactions in everyday use.
Launch Timeline
The official launch event for the OnePlus 15R is scheduled for December 17. Alongside it, OnePlus is also expected to unveil the OnePlus Pad G 2, making this a significant event for the brand’s ecosystem.
First Impression: A Serious Contender Under ₹50,000
The OnePlus 15R doesn’t feel like a toned-down version of a flagship. Instead, it feels like a carefully balanced device that prioritizes performance, battery life, display quality, and durability while keeping the price in check.
If the expected pricing holds true, the OnePlus 15R could easily become one of the most compelling smartphones in its segment, especially for users who want near-flagship performance without crossing the ₹50,000 mark.
This is one phone that clearly deserves attention.
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