The OnePlus 15 is set to launch worldwide on November 13, presenting formidable competition to Samsung’s flagship.
In the upcoming months, we will see a wave of flagship Android devices powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Leading the charge is OnePlus with the global introduction of the OnePlus 15, scheduled for November 13. Along with integrating the new Qualcomm chip, this flagship model showcases a fresh design for the series, a significantly larger battery, and the newest software enriched with AI enhancements. This large-display device is positioned to rival the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, another premium flagship.
In the race for the top Android smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra possesses an advantage due to its S Pen, a longer duration of OS updates, and a brighter screen. However, it comes with a higher price tag, where the OnePlus 15 steps in with equally attractive features but at a more affordable rate. The official global specifications for the 15 should closely mirror those of the recently unveiled China variant, so let’s analyze how the OnePlus 15 measures up against the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design and display
The most noticeable change in the OnePlus 15 is the camera bump, which has transitioned from a circular shape to a square one. While the previous model had a distinctive design, the 15 now resembles the OnePlus 13s or Oppo’s new Find X9 Pro. Though neither of these phones is officially available in the North American market, the OnePlus 15’s design stands out.
Despite housing a substantial battery, OnePlus has managed to maintain a thickness and weight comparable to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As before, it features an IP69 rating, ensuring excellent waterproofing.
The OnePlus 15 offers a sizable 6.78-inch display. It comes with an LTPO AMOLED panel boasting an impressive 165Hz refresh rate and a pixel-rich screen. The resolution is slightly lower than the Samsung S25 Ultra, but this should not significantly impact regular usage. The peak brightness is also lower, capping at 1,800 nits. From what we’ve observed, the device seems to have extremely slim bezels surrounding the display, enhancing the viewing experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is physically more substantial than the OnePlus 15 in both thickness and weight. Its more angular edges make it less comfortable to hold, especially for users with smaller hands. The IP rating stands at IP68, which is less comprehensive than the OnePlus 15’s rating. However, it does come with the S Pen, useful for taking notes or signing documents.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra highlights a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the OnePlus 15, with increased brightness up to 2,600 nits and a denser resolution. A distinct feature missing from many flagship devices is an anti-reflective coating on the display, which significantly diminishes glare and reflections.
In terms of ergonomics and display quality, the OnePlus 15 is expected to surpass the S25 Ultra. The softer curves on the 15 should enhance user comfort, and the exceptional refresh rate will be beneficial for gaming.
OnePlus 15 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Hardware and specs
The OnePlus 15 is likely to excel in gaming performance. This isn’t solely due to its faster Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip but also because of the software optimizations included in OxygenOS 16. The introduction of new Hyper Rendering technology aims to enhance per-frame rendering efficiency by 80%. This, along with other optimizations on the chip, positions the 15 as a top contender among gaming smartphones.
The China variant comes with RAM options of 12GB and 16GB, as well as storage possibilities that extend up to 1TB. This might vary in the global version, so we will need to wait and see what the international market receives.
The OnePlus 15 features a colossal 7,300mAh battery, outclassing the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5,000mAh capacity. The charging specs for the China variant include 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The charging rates may see slight variations in the global version, so we will have clarity on this soon.
The OnePlus 15 will be introduced in three color options: Infinite Black, Ultra Violet, and Sand Storm. Pricing details have yet to be disclosed until the official launch on November 13, but it is anticipated to start around $900, similar to its predecessor.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains under a year old, which means it
