The next flagship smartphone from OnePlus, the OnePlus 15, is expected to make its global debut in the final week of October, according to industry insiders. If that timeline holds, it would be in line with the company’s tradition of releasing its main number-series phone toward the end of the year. What makes this one especially interesting is that it will likely be among the very first devices to ship with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Timeline: The OnePlus 15 is expected to be announced in late October 2025.
- New Processor: It will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a higher-tier version of Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship chip.
- Camera Focus: Significant upgrades are expected, with Hasselblad continuing its role in camera software tuning.
- Display: Rumored to come with a large LTPO AMOLED screen with higher brightness and variable refresh rates.
Reports surrounding the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 suggest it’s essentially a slightly higher-clocked variant of the standard Gen 5 chip. That may not sound dramatic at first, but for premium phones that need extra horsepower for demanding tasks and heavy gaming, every bit counts. Qualcomm hasn’t officially revealed much yet, though early leaks hint at a brand-new CPU core design and a more advanced Adreno GPU. For users, this could translate to noticeably faster app loading, smoother gameplay in graphically intensive titles, and better AI-driven features such as real-time translation or smarter photo enhancements.
On the camera side, OnePlus seems to be going all in again. The OnePlus 15 is rumored to carry a fresh primary sensor from Sony’s LYTIA lineup, which has been gaining attention for its light sensitivity and detail capture. Alongside that, the triple-camera setup is likely to include an improved periscope telephoto lens for cleaner zoom at longer ranges. As usual, the collaboration with Hasselblad is expected to refine the software experience, with tweaks in color science and perhaps even new dedicated shooting modes.
The display is also set to impress. The phone is said to pack a 6.8-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED panel. This means users should get the benefit of a refresh rate that adapts fluidly from as low as 1Hz up to 144Hz, depending on the task at hand. That flexibility should help extend battery life while still keeping animations and scrolling buttery smooth when needed. Brightness is also tipped to climb higher this time, making the screen more usable outdoors in harsh light.
Under the hood, the OnePlus 15 is expected to come with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and as much as 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Power users will also be pleased to hear that 150W SUPERVOOC charging is almost guaranteed to return, meaning the phone can be topped up in just minutes rather than hours. It will run OxygenOS built on Android 16 out of the box.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but given the specifications and market positioning, it’s fair to assume the device will sit firmly in the premium bracket. Early estimates suggest it will start above $900 in the US, which is consistent with the direction OnePlus has been taking with its flagship phones in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
A. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is believed to be a special, higher-performance version of Qualcomm’s next flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. It is designed for top-end smartphones.
Q. What are the biggest expected upgrades in the OnePlus 15?
A. The main upgrades are the new Snapdragon processor, a more advanced camera system featuring a new Sony sensor and a periscope lens, and potential improvements to the display’s brightness.
Q. When will the OnePlus 15 be available in the US?
A. Following its global debut in late October, the OnePlus 15 is expected to go on sale in the United States in early November 2025, both unlocked and possibly through carriers like T-Mobile.
Q. Will the OnePlus 15 have wireless charging?
A. Yes, like its predecessors, the OnePlus 15 is expected to support fast wireless charging, likely at 50W or higher.
