OnePlus 15R Review: Compromises In All the Right Places

OnePlus has unveiled its latest almost-flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15R, following the success of the OnePlus 15 earlier in the year. The 15R aims to offer a premium experience at a more affordable price point, with minimal compromises.

Design & Build:
The OnePlus 15R features a new design language, with an IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K rating for dust and water resistance. The phone supports a magnetic accessory ecosystem with compatible cases, allowing users to easily attach accessories. The design has received mixed reviews, with some feeling that it lacks the impact of its predecessor.

Screen & Speakers:
The OnePlus 15R boasts a 6.83-inch 1.5K LTPS AMOLED display with a peak refresh rate of 165Hz. The screen offers vibrant colors and smooth performance, making it ideal for gaming. The stereo speakers provide clear audio, although the bass can be lacking at higher volumes.

Specs & Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, the OnePlus 15R offers excellent performance with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The phone features a dedicated G2 WiFi chip for fast and reliable connectivity. The HyperRendering engine and OP Gaming Core ensure consistent performance, especially for gaming.

Cameras:
The OnePlus 15R features a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP selfie camera. While the absence of a telephoto lens may limit its versatility, the main camera delivers impressive results. Video capture capabilities include up to 4K at 120fps, providing users with creative options.

Battery Life & Charging:
With a massive 7400mAh battery, the OnePlus 15R offers exceptional battery life, lasting up to three days with moderate use. The phone supports 80W wired charging, allowing for quick recharging. OnePlus promises minimal degradation of the battery capacity over four years of use.

Software & AI:
The OnePlus 15R runs OxygenOS 16 on top of Android 16, offering a clean and intuitive user experience. The phone incorporates AI features, such as Google Gemini integration with Mind Space, allowing users to access saved content easily. The device comes with four years of OS updates and six years of security updates.

Price & Availability:
The OnePlus 15R is available for pre-order and will go on sale in January 2026. The base model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at £649 / €699 / $699.99, while the 512GB variant costs £729 / €799 / $799.99. Various offers, including discounts and free accessories, are available for early buyers.

In conclusion, the OnePlus 15R offers a compelling package with high performance, excellent battery life, and a clean user experience. While it may lack some features found in flagship devices, the phone is a solid choice for those looking for a premium smartphone at a more affordable price.